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 will begin 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 will share practical advice for students regarding negotiation, problem solving, and other skills necessary to participate effectively in the political process.  

Students will then apply that advice to a simulation styled after George Wythe’s “mock legislatures” that incorporates modern legislative challenges and encourages interest-based negotiation. The simulation will take place from 12:50 to 1:50 PM in Room 124. Lunch will be provided. 

Finally, there will be a cocktail party and reception from 5:00 to 6:00 PM held in Penny Commons. 

The Representatives

 

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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.

 

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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. 

Schedule 

 

 11:30 AM: Lecture with Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH) and Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH) 

Location: Room 120, William & Mary Law School 

12:50 PM: Simulation

Location: Room 124, William & Mary Law School 
Lunch served

 

5:00 PM: Reception 

Location: Penny Commons, William & Mary Law School 

Drinks and hors d'oeuvres served

Registration 

 

All members of the William & Mary community, including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend the lecture and simulation.

Registration is appreciated but not required for the lecture. Please register here: https://wmsas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bdpQyjG443yySIC.  

 Registration is required for the simulations. Please register here: https://wmsas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2nuITGST660i12C.  

 

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. 

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