Citizen Lawyers in Action
November 28, 2023
Purpose
George Wythe, America’s first law professor, envisioned a legal education that, in addition to providing necessary vocational skills, trained young lawyers so they could be the leaders the new Republic desperately needed. In the spirit of this intention, and in recognition of the challenges and division of the modern political process, the Institute of Bill of Rights Law and the Virginia Law Foundation have created “Citizen Lawyers in Action,” a special event taking place on November 28, 2023.
Event Description
The event began with a lecture at 11:30 AM in Room 120 of the Law School, featuring Representatives Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Mike Carey (R-OH) in conversation with William & Mary President Katherine Rowe. The congresspeople shared practical advice for students regarding negotiation, problem solving, and other skills necessary to participate effectively in the political process.
Students then applied that advice to a simulation styled after George Wythe’s “mock legislatures” that incorporates modern legislative challenges and encourages interest-based negotiation.
The Representatives
Representing Ohio’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House, Joyce Beatty serves on the Committee of Financial Services and is the ranking member of the House Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions.
Representing Ohio’s Fifteenth Congressional District, Mike Carey serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and the Committee on House Administration.
Both are members of the re-launched Congressional Civility and Respect Caucus.
This project is financially assisted by a generous grant from the Virginia Law Foundation. The Virginia Law Foundation promotes through philanthropy the rule of law, access to justice, and law-related education.
