Lawyers in the Classroom
Empowering the Next Generation
The rule of law is society’s promise that even our most serious disagreements get resolved through civil, values-based processes. That promise comes to life in our classrooms.
The Lawyers in the Classroom program is a joint effort of the Washington Courts and the Washington State Bar Association. It gives legal professionals free, ready-made lessons to bring into K–12 classrooms, where students discuss, act out courtroom scenarios, and work through legal situations.
Classroom ambassadors make a difference by teaching a lesson and sharing what the work is like. Whatever your availability, there’s a meaningful role for you. You’ll be living proof that the rule of law belongs to everyone.
Nearly a decade in, Gordon Thomas Honeywell attorneys and Sheridan Elementary in Tacoma show what it looks like when legal professionals put their values into practice — showing up, building trust, and bringing the law closer to the people it belongs to. Visit the WSBA YouTube channel.
How You Can Extend Your Impact
- Start Close to Home. Begin with a school you already know: your child’s, your neighborhood’s, or your own. Find everything you need to get started and outreach templates in the Volunteer Toolkit.
- Lead the Conversation. Use grade-appropriate lessons on the Constitution and the rule of law, either as written or as a jumping-off point to make your own.
- Mentor Future Leaders. You may be the first legal professional many students meet. Your path into law shows them the law is accessible, and so are the people who practice it.
- Build Something Lasting. A single visit can grow into an ongoing relationship with a teacher and their students. Constitution Day (Sept. 17) is a natural place to begin, and a fall visit sets up the year ahead.
More Ways to Connect with Students
Teachers across Washington are looking for legal professionals all year long. Alongside like-minded youth education partners, we’ll keep sharing new ways to connect with students as they come up, so check back here for updates.
Don’t see a local opportunity below? Know of a school or group that could use support from legal professionals? Email details to ambassadors@wsba.org. We’d love to spotlight it.
Upcoming Opportunities
FRIDAYS, OCT. 23 & OCT. 30
Mock Trial Prep at Dimmitt Middle School: Speak With Purpose. Sixth graders are preparing for a mock trial of The Outsiders, and they need legal professionals to help them get ready. Volunteers coach students on openings and closings, questions, reasoning, and confidence.
Time: An hour or a full day
Where: Renton Municipal Court in Skyway
Get involved:
info@speakwithpurpose.org or sign up here.
OCTOBER | REACH OUT NOW
Coach a High School Mock Trial Team in Your Area (Washington YMCA) High school students across the state are just starting this year’s mock trial season and need legal professionals to coach them through a civil case on freedom of the press.
Time: To be confirmed
Where: Statewide; local schools, community centers, and YMCAs.
Get involved:
youthgov@seattleymca.org or sign up here.
JAN. 2027 | LEGISLATIVE EXPERTS NEEDED
Guide a classroom through the legislative process (Teach with TVW: Capitol Classroom). Middle and high school classes across Washington are learning how laws are made. Volunteers explain the legislative process and coach students as they track live bills.
Time: 30-minute session (every two weeks), or three sessions total)
Where: Online (via Zoom)
Get involved:
corey.paulson@tvw.org or Learn more and sign
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES TO COME
Check back soon. Don’t want to wait? Offer your time to a teacher at a local school, collaborate on a civics lesson, and visit their classroom to teach it.
The Volunteer Toolkit has outreach templates and everything you need to get started.
