Lawyers in the Classroom

Empowering the Next Generation

The rule of law is not just a legal principle — it is society's promise that even our most serious disagreements get resolved through civil, values-based processes. And that promise comes to life in our classrooms.

You can make a direct impact by joining the Lawyers in the Classroom program, a joint effort of the Washington Supreme Court and the Washington State Bar Association. Whether as a Rule of Law Ambassador or an informed community leader, this program is for every legal professional — lawyer, judge, or clerk —  impassioned to inspire the next generation. No prior teaching experience is required; we provide the tools to step into your local schools and empower the voters, advocates, and leaders of tomorrow.

Classroom ambassadors make a difference in many ways: leading one-time lessons, mentoring students over time, or simply sharing your journey into law — you will provide living proof that the rule of law belongs to everyone. Whatever your availability, there is a meaningful role for you.

How You Can Extend Your Impact

• Start Close to Home. Begin with a school you already have a connection to — one your child attends, a school in your neighborhood, or one you attended yourself. We provide outreach tips and a ready-made contact template to help you make that first connection with confidence. 
• Lead the Conversation. Use turnkey, age-appropriate lesson plans on the U.S. Constitution — and the rule of law. Demonstrate in person why a civil, values-based legal system matters for a functioning democracy. You can follow the lessons as written or use it as a jumping-off point to make them your own.
• Mentor Future Leaders. You might be the first legal professional many students meet — show them that they have a seat at the table. Your path into law is more powerful than you might think. Students don't just learn from lessons — they learn from people. Showing up in their classroom tells 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. Many volunteers return semester after semester as a trusted classroom resource, building lasting connections with teachers and students alike.

Learn more about the Lawyers in Classrooms Program.

Questions? Email lawyersintheclassroom@courts.wa.gov.

Sept. 17 is Constitution Day 2026 

Fewer than one in four eighth graders nationwide are proficient in civics.¹ Since 2004, federal law has required every publicly funded school to teach Constitution Day lessons on Sept. 17 — more than 2,200 schools across the state alone, and many still need someone to teach them. That's where Washington's legal community comes in.

There's still time to join us. Sign up and connect with a local school to coordinate your classroom visit — public, private, or tribal. Any day can be Constitution Day — Sept. 17 is the anchor, not a deadline. Visit any time your schedule permits during the academic year.

Ready to find a classroom? Check the Volunteer Toolkit for outreach templates and everything you need to get started. Ready to plan your visit? Check out our new Constitution Day Lesson Planning Guide resource page — so you can easily find what you need. Explore the guide here [link]. Or the full PDF version is available for download.

Watch a Free Constitution Day Prep Webinar

¹ Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2022 Civics Assessment, Grade 8