LJS students gain firsthand exposure to the workings of the legal system in Washington, D.C.
Kim Chaudoin |
Twenty-seven students from Lipscomb University’s Fred D. Gray Institute for Law, Justice and Society traveled to the nation’s capital Nov. 16-20 for an immersive experience in American law and governance. Their itinerary included meetings with legal professionals and visits to key governmental institutions, providing students with firsthand exposure to the workings of the legal system. Over the same weekend five additional students traveled to D.C. to participate in a regional Moot Court competition.
“This was our largest group of students in several years,” said Kimberly McCall, associate dean of academics in the College of Leadership & Public Service and academic director of the Fred D. Gray Institute for Law, Justice & Society. “This travel experience consistently ranks as one of the highlights of our students' time at Lipscomb and specifically in LJS. It sets the trajectory for their future networking and internship opportunities while in college.”
The trip, typically taken during a student’s sophomore year, is part of the Introduction to American Law course. It began with a visit to the National Archives, where students viewed the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. They later embarked on a moonlight walking tour of the city’s iconic monuments, led by McCall, Brent Culberson, vice president of government, neighborhood and community relations at Lipscomb, and Joseph Williams, chief of staff for Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.
On Sunday, students had the opportunity to attend worship before visiting Arlington National Cemetery to witness the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The group then toured the Holocaust Museum and gathered for a debriefing session that evening on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Students gather on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court for an evening debrief.
Throughout the week, students met with legal professionals and policy experts, including attorney Jack White at McGuire Woods, representatives from the National Federation of Independent Business and officials from the Tennessee Valley Authority. They also attended the Tennessee Tuesday breakfast event with Sen. Marsha Blackburn and took part in a Capitol tour.
One of the most anticipated moments of the trip was the LJS Alumni and Friends Dinner. The event allowed students to network with Lipscomb alumni who have pursued careers in law, politics and public service.
“At the end of the evening, all of the alumni and guests have an opportunity to give our students a blessing and advice for the future,” McCall said. “Students consistently mention the impact of the night years after this trip, as it inspires them to reimagine the many ways they can use their educational training to serve people in their communities, whether at the local, state, or national level.”
The trip also included a visit to the FBI headquarters and a lecture in the Supreme Court courtroom. “Even if they have no intention of working or living in Washington, D.C., they grow in their awareness of the potential doors their LJS degrees can open,” McCall said.
In addition to their coursework, five Lipscomb students competed in the American Moot Court Association’s D.C. Regional Competition at Georgetown University. Out of 64 collegiate competitors, three Lipscomb students ranked in the top 20 advocates, with the team of Sharon Ajiboye and Hasan Barzinji advancing to the octafinal round.
"I loved the DC trip because it showed me so many different sides of the law. I met with lobbyists, senators and attorneys," said Sarah Cooper, a sophomore LJS and acting double major from Columbia, Tennessee. "I learned so much about things that I had no idea I even had an interest in. There are so many different avenues I could choose for my future career in the law, and I would love any one of them. Everything we did in DC only excited me more."
"I also realized that politics isn't always the corruption that people depict it to be," she continued. "I got to meet with so many people who are trying to do their best for whatever they are working towards. There are people who are working towards making our country better, and it was really encouraging to meet so many who were passionate about this."
The Fred D. Gray Institute for Law, Justice and Society, part of Lipscomb’s College of Leadership and Public Service, is designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary understanding of America’s legal system. The institute’s curriculum includes hands-on experiences such as service learning, domestic and international travel, and internships with legislators, attorneys, and judges.
Now more than ever, our world needs people of integrity who care about pursuing justice, showing loving mercy to others, and walking humbly with their God, as provided in Micah 6:8," McCall said. "This trip reinforces that mission by exposing students to the broader landscape of law and justice, inspiring them to become strategic, missional advocates.
Learn more about the Fred D. Gray Institute for Law, Justice & Society and its academic programs here.