Community Service

Leap of faith, leapfrog, leap year, giant leap for mankind!Introducing Project LEAP - the Legal Employment Awareness Program - designed to educate, entice, entertain and enlighten high school students as to the vast array of interesting, challenging and lucrative careers in the legal profession.  In recent years, there has been a disturbing trend of fewer young people pursuing careers in the legal field. Partly to blame is the fact that students are unaware of the tremendous opportunities available. Project LEAP is a joint effort among various professional associations and local educational resources to counteract this trend.

The first goal of the project was to produce a video to be distributed to high school and community college counselors. Production of the video was funded by grants from The Foundation of the Association of Legal Administrators (FALA), the San Diego County Bar Association and various other businesses, lawfirms and other associations. The video follows a group of students who are given an assignment in a Careers Options class to interview people in the legal field to find out more about their jobs. The students investigate educational requirements, job descriptions and salary potential for each position. It is anticipated that the video will be used in various settings including School to Career classes, job fairs and as a resource for guidance counselors. This award winning video has been distributed to more than 50 San Diego area high schools with contact information if teachers and guidance counselors want additional information.

Perhaps the most exciting component of Phase II is a collaboration between Project LEAP and Crawford High School to develop a "Legal Careers Academy" for its students. The Legal Careers Academy is a "school-within-a-school" that targets bilingual or multilingual students who have an interest in legal professions. The academy offers students a program of academics and project-based learning activities that supports students as they prepare for life after high school. Upon graduation, students will be able to enter college, an apprenticeship program, or enter a career in the field of law or related fields. Project LEAP committee members serve on an advisory board to the Academy, and through our database, will provide future job shadow and/or internship opportunities.

Our 2003 Community Challenge Weekend project revolved again around our Chapter's commitment to Project LEAP and our alliance with the Legal Careers Academy at Crawford High School by sponsoring a book drive. We hosted a party at Crawford High on October 16, 2003, and presented a symbolic check in the amount of $1,200.00 to the teachers and students of the Academy to purchase books on a list developed by the teachers. It was a great opportunity for our members to meet and interact with some of the Academy students and teachers.

The next step of Project LEAP is to create a database of legal administrators, attorneys and law firms willing to provide job shadow and internship opportunities to students. The database will also include individuals from all the different job categories who would be willing to serve on a Speakers' Bureau. These individuals would be called upon when an opportunity becomes available to speak to high school students.

To obtain a copy of this video or to participate in Project LEAP, please contact Darlene Hart, at (619) 699-2432. We hope you will leap at the opportunities!