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2013

AN ETHICS REFRESHER-CONFLICTS, CONFIDENTIALITY, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND MORE”

Sign up today for the William E. Morris sponsored Ethics CLE. Contact eskatz@qwestoffice.net to rsvp. The CLE is a suggested donation of $120. MIJ CLE Invite 5 31 13 _final_

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2013 Summer Law Camp

The State Bar of Arizona is hosting their annual Summer Law Camp and is now accepting applications. This camp will be held in Tucson and Phoenix. Students in grades 9-12 for the 2013/14 school year are encouraged to apply. For more information please download the flyer below.
Download Document

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2013 Project Citizen State Results!

Students spoke with passion about their pbulic policy ideas at the 2013 state Project Citizen Showcase. Franklin Phonetic received the best score for their oral hearings, and Lineweaver won for their portfolio. Portfolios will go on to the national championship this summer.

Oral Hearing Results:

Desert Sands – Got License? Outstanding

Franklin Phonetic – Recreation Center Superior

Lineweaver Elementary School - Sleep Deprivation and the Start time of School Superior

Rhodes Jr. High – Divorce Superior

Smith Jr. High – Animal Testing Exceptional

Smith Jr. High – Cyberbullying Exceptional

Smith Jr. High – Drinking and Driving Exceptional

Smith Jr. High – Gun Laws Outstanding

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VLP Ethics CLE on June 4: Register today!

Nuts and Bolts of the Attorney Client Relationship

Tuesday, June 4 > 10:00 am to noon Tucson

Faculty:

William L. Rubin & Pam Treadwell-Rubin

Topics

> When does a potential client become a client

> Duties to prospective clients

> Terminating the attorney-client relationship

> Conflicts of interest

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Corona Del Sol Places Sixth at We the People Nationals

This weekend teams from across the nation competed in D.C. in the National We the People Competition. Tempe, Arizona's Corona Del Sol placed sixth! Congrats to both Corona and Marcos de Niza!

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Have a legal question? Ask a lawyer for FREE on April 27.

2013 Law Day Legal Aid Clinics
Click here to find out more!

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Court of Appeals Division One signs up to create a Silent Auction Basket

The latest group to throw in their hat into the ring...or basket in this case...is the Court of Appeals Judges! The Bar Foundation has a commitment of 19 baskets so far. Be sure to get your form turned in asap!

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Snell & Wilmer Sponsor Pro Bono Prom

Snell & Wilmer signed on to be the Guardian Ad Litem level sponsor of the Pro Bono prom. This entitles them to 10 tickets to the event, and a quarter page thank you message in the program. With just a week and half left, sponsors are still needed so click on the link above and take this opportunity to sign up today!

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Mt. Ridge High School to Go to Mock Trial Nationals

Mt. Ridge took state over last year's state finalists Xavier College Prep at the Arizona Mock Trial Championships. They will go on to compete with teams across the country this May in Indianapolis. 2nd through 4th were Xavier, Arizona School for the Arts and University High School. Additional teams that made it to state were BASIS Flagstaff, Brophy, Chaparral, Lake Havasu, Payson, St. Gregory (Tucson), South Mountain, & Tanque Verde.

Additional congratulations to the All State Team Members and Arizona Association of Defence Counsel scholarship winners at the 2013 State Mock Trial Tournament held March 23rd at the Sandra Day O'Connor Federal Courthouse:

Heidi Artigue (Chaparral)--$500 Scholarship Winner

Alexis Carter (South Mountain)--$300 Scholarship Winner

Madison Dodge (University)--$200 Scholarship Winner

Sarah Molinaro (Mountain Ridge)

Margo Evilsizor (ASA)

Victoria Wisthoff (Xavier)

Jay Lusk (Basis Flagstaff)

Justice Ryan Special Award of Merit winner--Valerie DeLuca of Mountain Ridge.

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Arizona Gives Day!

Help Arizona Non-profits by donating. One day can make a difference. Remember your legal aid agencies!

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Get your tickets online now!
Join us at the Pro Bono Prom...

Come honor the 2012 Top Pro Bono Attorneys all while creating some new fun prom memories!
When and Where?

April 6th 2013 @ 7-10 pm
Stars Ballroom
2848 S Carriage Ln
Mesa, AZ 85202
Get your tickets online now!

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Thank You to Basket Donors...Keep Them Coming!

The amazing baskets keep coming! Basket concepts have been submitted by:

State Bar Board of Governors

Arizona Court of Appeals Division One Judges

Arizona Court of Appeals Division One Clerks

State Bar's Legal Services Committee

Snell & Wilmer's IP Division

Paradigm Tax Group

Synda Prindle

Christina Urias Consulting

AWLA

Give Love Baskets

Meredith Peabody Consulting

All the Foundation Committees

Thank you All!

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Nominate an Attorney, Teacher or SRO for a Foundation award!

Nominating is easy, but the deadline is coming up fast - March 1st. Just send us a name, letter(s) of support and resume (if possible). Help recognize our great leaders in law and civics!

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Create a Silent Auction Basket to Support Legal Aid

The Foundation will be auctioning themed baskets during this year's SBA annual convention. flyer

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Thank You to the State Bar for Culinary Dropout Event

The State Bar hosted a special event at Fox's newest restaurant Culinary Dropout. Funds from the event went to the Foundation, which raised over $1,200!

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Free CLE's through Arizona Center for Disability

Free One-Hour Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Lunch Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) / Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Appeals Wednesday, February 27, 2013 11:45 am to 1:00 pm Special Education Law Wednesday, March 6, 2013 11:45 am to 1:00 pm CLEs are offered simultaneously in Phoenix and Tucson For more information contact: lfreyer@azdisabilitylaw.org

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Arizona Supreme Court Justices Leading the Way to our Next Generation

Arizona Supreme Court Justices Leading the Way to our Next Generation The AZ Bar Foundation has made the goal to have 100 Next Generation Fellows by the close of Arizona’s Centennial celebration on February 14th! “This milestone is a fantastic way for the Foundation, and Arizona’s Legal community, to end Arizona’s yearlong celebration,” stated Lara Slifko, Chief Resource Officer of the AZ Bar Foundation. “Having our Arizona Supreme Court Justice lead us into the next hundred years is an honor and symbolic of the importance that equal access to justice holds in Arizona’s court system.”

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Buy a T-shirt and Help Florence Project

The folk rock duo THE INDIGO GIRLS are offering a limited edition t-shirt that benefits The Florence Immigration and Refugee Rights Project. T-shirts are $20.

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You Have Until January 31st to donate an IRA distribution to Your Favorite Charity

if you are over 70 you have till January 31st to take advantage of the IRA distribution donation. Learn more...

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We the People State Results

Saturday January 12th was the state We the People Showcase. The results were: 1st: Corona Del Sol (Tempe) 2nd: Marcos Di Niza (Tempe) 3rd: Hamilton (Chandler) 4th: Lake Havasu

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Mock Trial State

Mock Trial State will be on March 23rd at the Sandra Day O' Connor Federal Courthouse

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We the People State 2013

We the People state is almost here! January 12th at Grand Canyon University

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2012

Five Year Goal Report

The AZ Bar Foundation shares the completion report of the 2008-2012 Strategic Plan. The work that has been accomplished would not have been possible except for the amazing contributions of our partners.

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Happy Holidays

The Foundation wishes you a wonderful end of the year. Our offices will be closed from December 22nd through January 1st. Happy Holidays!

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We the People District Awardees

This month teams from across the state competed in their region in the We the People tournament - a mock congressional hearing competition. Teams advancing to state are Prescott High , Morenci, Rio Rico, Lake Havasu, Corona del Sol, Marcos de Niza, Hamilton, Dobson, Higley, and Gilbert Classical Academy. The teams will compete for the state tital on January 12th.

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We the People Competition January 12th

We the People state competition will be held January 12th at Grand Canyon University. To volunteer contact us at info@azflse.org

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Congrats to 2012 Schubert awardee Kyle Robertson

While in law school, Kyle worked with the Consumer Advocacy Protection Program providing legal assistance to low-income families throughout Arizona. He also traveled throughout the state on the Family Justice Bus, a program designed to bring free legal services to underserved communities.

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I Just Want to Be Me: Bully Prevention 12/12/12

This training will focus on the always present issue of bullying. Participants will take a closer look at the hardships that many youth face daily. The focus of this training will be on strategies for helping bystanders understand different lifestyles in order to create empathy for specific targets of bullying.

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True Evidence: Forensic Science for Kids 11/29/2012

Through this training, participants will learn about crime scene investigation methods, evidence collection, the different types of physical evidence that is collected, and more. The activities during this training will provide participants with the tools necessary to encourage their students to use reasoning and critical thinking skills to solve problems.

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Has Your Student Voted?

Be sure they vote in the Kids Voting 2012 Presidential Election! www.lawforkids.org

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Congrats to 2012 Schubert Awardee Adam Almaraz

Adam Almaraz started his interest in advocating for others in middle school when he joined the City of Flagstaff's Youth Commission, and spoke to the City Council about major issues affecting youth. He continued his work in high school and college. In law school, he worked with Chicano/Latino Law Students Association (CLLSA), OUTLaw, and was a student liaison on the Maricopa County Bar Association's Diversity Committee.

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Congrats to 2012 Georgia Ellexson Awardee

As the daughter of Air Force officers, Stephanie grew up learning the importance of public service. In law school, she focused on constitutional and criminal law. Inspired by her parents» example, Stephanie hopes to work for the DOJ in their criminal or civil rights division...read more

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Kids Voting Text Poll Final Results

Thank you to all who participated!

Johnson 15%

Obama 31%

Romney 51%

Stein 3%

Total Votes 817

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Arizona Town Hall 9/13 - Civic Engagement

It’s a Golden Celebration and we invite you to the kick off of the Arizona Town Hall’s 50th Anniversary campaign celebrating civic engagement and five decades of championing civil discourse and consensus dialogue. Join us for a special September 13 Forum on Civic Engagement - an action-inspired community conversation with the following issue areas in focus: Education and Civics; Government and Political Systems; Civil Discourse and Individual Action.

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Defenders of Children Celebrate 5 years

Defenders of Children will host a Black & Blink Dinner on September 21st at Seasons 52. Attorney General Tom Horne will be speaking.

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SRPMIC Elect Dog as best Pet!

Teachers at Salt River Elementary School have been working with their classes to learn about voting. 312 students voted out of 390, deciding between cat and dog as best pet. "The kids were so excited to get their Kids Voting sticker." stated Dawn Burstyn-Meyers

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Taking the Politics Out of Redistricting

WEM Institute for Justice will host a seminar in both Tucson and Phoenix on 9/20 from 3 - 4:30. The seminar will introduce you to the ins and outs of Arizona's 2011 Independent Redistricting Commission.

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Foundation Faculty Sepp Sprietsma meets President Obama

JPO Sprietsma was selected to attend a birthday event at the President’s Chicago home on August 12th. “Since my kids were not able to attend the President wrote them a hand written note.” We congratulate Sepp for being selected to meet our 43rd President.

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Like our New LFK Facebook Page!

Keep up with what is happening in juvenile law and LawForKids.org.

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Register to Participate in Kids Voting!

Early Voting Begins October 11th

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CLS Attorney Tom Alongi Wins AzCADV's Ocotillo Award

Tom Alongi, Community Legal Services Attorney and long time domestic violence advocate, will be honored at the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2012 Thrive Gala on September 19th. The Ocotillo award honors someone who has identified an issue facing domestic violence victims and has championed legislative or budgetary change to address the problem. Congratulations Tom! You are a well deserved honoree!

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Free Kids Voting Trainings!

Make sure you have all you need to participate in the 2012 Kids Voting election and activities. 09/13 Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens *FREE* 10/10 Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens *FREE*

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Fewer evictions mean Tucson rents may fall

Even with lower rental rates, more people are looking for legal help to avoid eviction. Anthony Young, executive director of Southern Arizona Legal Aid, said his office has seen requests for renters hoping to avoid eviction go up about 10 percent over the past year and a half. But he said tenants "might feel like they may have no defense" and move out before the landlord actually files eviction documents in court, Young said.

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Remembering "Jamie" Schubert

July 12th marked the birthday of Jonathan “Jamie” Schubert. At the age of 41, Jamie passed away. He had his own law practice, served as a judge pro tem and was a member of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association. His parents, Roy and Lynn Schubert, knew that Jamie had a passion for justice. They established the Jonathan Schubert Memorial with the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. Funds from the memorial assist with loan assistance programs for public service attorneys, LawForKids.org programs, supporting agencies who provide legal aid and scholarships for Sandra Day O’Connor Law School students.

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2012 Award Luncheon

Enjoy pictures of this year's "Celebration of our Legal Aid History"

Please click here to view the slide show.

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Restaino receives Foundation for Justice Award

Todd Lang spoke brilliantly about his friend and colleague, Gary Restaino, who has embodied the spirit of the “Justice Bales” award throughout his career and life.

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Karen Ryan Accepts Award on Behalf of Husband, Justice Ryan

Remembered for his great work and spirit, very few dry eyes could be seen after Justice Ryan's award video and Karen Ryan's beautiful words.

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State Bar President Amelia Craig Cramer speaks about the importance of access to justice

As the keynote speaker for the Foundation's annual awards luncheon, Cramer spoke of the importance of pro bono and supporting legal aid.  "I ask you all to join me as a Next Generation Fellow," stated the newly appointed Bar President.  Craig Cramer began her term on the close of the State Bar's convention on June 22nd.

To read full speech click here

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Hon. Murguia receives award for work with Court Works Program

Judge Murguia stressed the importance of funding for programs that educate our youth about the justice system.

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Rob Ferrier Receives William E. Morris Award

Rob has assisted 211 clients with the Volunteer Lawyer Program in Tucson. "I always wanted to be a hero, and by being a volunteer attorney, I can be."

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Judge Mary Murguia Named Mark Santana Awardee

Hon. Mary Murguia of the U.S. District Court was named the Mark Santana Law Related Education Attorney.  She will receive the award at the Foundation's annual awards luncheon on June 21st at the Biltmore resort.

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TFAP Continues to do Great Work

The Tucson Family Advocacy Program, based at the Family and Community Medicine Clinic, exists because issues such as substandard housing, domestic violence, and not having enough money to meet basic needs can seriously harm a person’s health. Doctors at the clinic refer patients who are struggling with such issues to TFAP Director Anne Ryan, a lawyer who spearheaded the development of TFAP with encouragement and funding from several organizations. TFAP began providing legal services to family medicine patients in 2005. Learn more about what TFAP and UofA are doing…

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Thank an Awardee with a donation to the Foundation

For a $100 donation you can have your name listed in the Foundation Luncheon program thanking our wonderful awardees for their fight for access to justice issues: Justice Michael Ryan, Rob Ferrier, Gary Restaino, Hon. Mary Marguia, and our 2012 top pro bono attorneys.

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Gary Restaino Named Foundation for Justice Recipient

Gary Restaino was named the 2012 Foundation for Justice recipient. He will receive the award at the Foundation's annual awards luncheon on June 21st at the Biltmore resort.

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Don't Forget to Purchase Tickets to the Foundation's Luncheon

The annual award's luncheon will be held at the Biltmore on June 21st. 

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Rob Ferrier Name William E. Morris Recipient

Rob Ferrier from the law firm Khalidi & Ferrier PLLC was named the William E. Morris Pro Bono Services Attorney.  He will receive the award at the Foundation's annual awards luncheon on June 21st at the Biltmore resort.

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Wills for Heroes FREE CLE at Annual SBA Convention

At the 2012 annual SBA convention in Phoenix, Arizona, attorneys interested in volunteering for the Wills for Heroes program should consider attending a CLE on Friday June 22nd.  The CLE will be an overview of basic estate planning principles and everything you need to know to be a Wills for Heroes volunteer - and it's FREE. The following day, WFH will host an event for first responders.  To register for the CLE visit the Bar's website and select the  FREE CLE.

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DNA seeks Staff Attorney

DNA People's Legal Services is seeking a staff attorney for their Tuba City Office.

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Justice Ryan Named Walter Craig Recipient

Justice Michael Ryan was posthumously named the Walter E. Craig Distinguished Services Attorney of the Year.  His widow will be presented with award at the Foundation's annual luncheon, June 21st.

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Community Legal Services Mourns Loss of Managing Attorney, J. Ward Sturm

Managing Attorney of Community Legal Services’ Yavapai County office since 1997, J. Ward Sturm, died Saturday, April 28^th in Prescott’s Yavapai Regional Medical Center. Ward, as he was known to all, was the ‘heart’ of the CLS office in Prescott, where he managed Yavapai County’s only civil legal aid office for low-income residents with critical legal problems.

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Florence Project Wins 2012 Emil Gumpert Award

The Florence Project is honored to be named the recipient of the American College of Trial Lawyer’s 2012 Emil Gumpert Award! The Emil Gumpert Award recognizes programs whose principal purpose is to maintain and improve the administration of justice. The award honors the late Honorable Emil Gumpert, Chancellor and Founder of the American College of Trial Lawyers. With the award funds, Florence will be undertaking a significant inventory, review, and redesign of their current pro se materials to improve and expand access to self-help materials for pro se detainees and individuals and organizations who assist them. All of these materials are currently available here and are used by detainees in Arizona and by detainees, legal service organizations, and advocates across the country.

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Horne Issues National Mortgage Settlement Consumer Alert to Arizonans

As the National Mortgage Settlement between Arizona and 48 other states, the federal government, and the country’s five largest residential mortgage loan servicers goes into effect, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne is alerting Arizona consumers looking for mortgage relief to beware of scam artists.

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Southern Arizona Legal Aid Director Anthony Young

Washington, DC – Southern Arizona Legal Aid (SALA) Executive Director Anthony Young was one of six legal services program directors selected to participate in a White House forum examining the state of civil legal assistance for low-income Americans. The forum, co-hosted by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), took place on Tuesday, April 17.

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State Bar of Arizona Hosts First Annual Law Day Legal-Aid Clinics- 4/28

Clinics will offer free legal advice across the Valley and in Tucson in celebration of Law Day

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2012 Statewide Competition Mock Trial Results

We are proud to announce the results of the 2012 State Mock Trial tournament!

1st Place - Xavier North (Team SER) (Representing Arizona at the National Competition in Albuquerque May 3-6)

Read more...

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Foundation Loses One of Its Own

Tuttle, Andrew Stephen Byrne, 33, March 17, 2012, in Phoenix, Arizona. Andrew died unexpectedly, passing away in his sleep. Andrew’s mortal shell is gone, but his spirit remains here, with his family and friends.

Andrew was born December 4, 1978, and had a life-long commitment to Arizona, even to the point of choosing his college experience at Northern Arizona University, much to his mother’s chagrin, who had (not so) secretly hoped Andrew would consider attending some small, private liberal arts college in Massachusetts. Prior to NAU, Andrew was a proud graduate of All Saints Episcopal Day School and Brophy College Preparatory, both of Phoenix. In and out of school, Andrew was a gifted athlete, excelling in baseball and basketball. He still holds many of the athletic records at All Saints. We would be remiss, however, if we didn’t also mention that he holds some of the discipline records as well!

Andrew was passionate about many things, including politics, current events and, of course, everything related to sports. He knew world geography, political systems, theories of government and, most tellingly, societal conditions and needs that exist on every continent. A conversation with Andrew was, in essence, a tutorial on the human condition and spirit. He was most passionate, however, about his friends and the enduring relationships that make life worth living.

Andrew found his life’s work at the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, a non-profit entity devoted to providing access to justice to all Arizonans. Andrew’s kind and caring nature was a perfect fit with a dedicated group of people all striving to protect individuals and improve the civil justice system.

Andrew is survived by his mother and stepfather, Patricia and Lawrence Winthrop, of Phoenix, and his father and stepmother, Steve and Mary Tuttle, of Traverse City, Michigan. He is also survived by a multitude of friends and colleagues whose lives were enriched by his sweet personality and thoughtful acts.

Those who knew and loved Andrew are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at the home of Matt and Michele Feeney, 6525 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education, 4201 N. 24^th Street, Suite 210, Phoenix, AZ 85016-6288.

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Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens

Free Training March 15th on Kids Voting activities and curriculum!

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Hon. Roxanne Song Ong honored as one of Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women

In 2005, Judge Song Ong, was the first Chinese-American female to become a chief presiding judge for Phoenix Municipal Court. 

Among the distinguished list of women includes fellow Arizona jurists, Sandra Day O’Connor (Ret) Supreme Court Justice, the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court and first woman to serve as the majority leader of a state Senate. 

Mary Schroeder, first woman chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and Barbara Mundell (Ret) Presiding Judge of the Maricopa County Superior Court.

“It is indeed a humbling experience and I am so honored to be placed in the company of these phenomenal women,” said Judge Song Ong.

Arizona's 48 Most Intriguing Women a designated Arizona Centennial Legacy Project by the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission.

For more information about the honorees please see press release or visit http://www.48women.org/.

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Mock Trial Judges Needed

Interested in judging the top Arizona Mock Trial teams on March 24th?  Contact the Foundation or fax your sign up sheet today!

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Check out the Foundaton's Newsletter and End of the Year Report

2011 Marks Fourth Year of Foundation's Five Year Strategic Plan

Highlights in the End of Year Report include:

• Staff almost doubling the amount of technical assistance provided to the community from 2010
• Hosting the National Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix last May
• Kids Voting Arizona hosted two elections for Mayoral run-off and Senate Recall
• Grew the Next Generation of Fellows Program from 33 in 2010 to 65

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - Fundraising Plan

The Foundation is publishing this Request for Proposal for a 5 Year Strategic Fundraising Development Plan. For background information on the Foundation it is recommended that you review this website: http://www.azflse.org 
Download Document

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A Great Loss for Justice System as Arizona mourns loss of Justice Ryan

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Project Citizen 101 Academy 02/15

Project Citizen 101: Promoting Competent and Responsible Participation in Local and State Government

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Corona del Sol High School named State Champions

(Phoenix, AZ) - Competing against Arizona’s top 10 regional teams, Tempe’s Corona del Sol High School captured a first-place ranking in the annual We the People academic competition. The students from Corona del Sol will represent Arizona in Washington, DC at the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution National Finals in late April.More than 1200 High School students from all fifty states and the District of Columbia will participate in this highly prestigious academic competition that tests students’ knowledge of the U.S. Constitution.

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Staff Reductions Hit Legal Aid Programs

Washington, DC—The nonprofit programs funded by the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) to deliver civil legal assistance to low-income Americans are implementing layoffs and staff reductions because of budget constraints, a survey conducted by LSC found

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Third year ASU law student will represent the Homeowner Advocacy Unit before the Arizona Supreme Court

A third-year law student at Arizona State University's Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law will argue a case before Arizona's highest court Tuesday, a university spokeswoman said.

Frank "Kyle" Robertson will appear before the Arizona Supreme Court representing the Homeowner Advocacy Unit at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Southern Arizona Legal Aid and Jean Braucher, a law professor at the University of Arizona.

The question before the Arizona Supreme Court is whether homeowners can challenge the authority of a lender or other foreclosing party to sell their house.

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Judge Learned Hand Awards Are Announced

The Arizona Region of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) will pay tribute to three outstanding legal professionals at its annual Judge Learned Hand Awards luncheon, on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Phoenix.

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2011

For the Person who has Everything - Give the Gift of Justice

If you're struggling to find a gift this season, why not donate to the Foundation or one of its grantees in a friend's name!  The Foundation will send a lovely card to the recipient acknowledging your gift in their honor.  donate online!

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Immigration, Justice and Music

This morning, representatives from the Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project presented at the State Bar of Arizona on pro bono opportunities (I wrote about the event earlier this week). The comments were insightful, and speakers indicated that the need for legal representation is constant.

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President Obama Nominates Justice Andrew David Hurwitz to Serve on the United States Court of Appeals

President Obama said, “Justice Hurwitz has proven himself to be not only a first-rate legal mind but a faithful public servant.  It is with full confidence in his ability, integrity, and independence that I nominate him to the bench of the United States Court of Appeals.” Read more...

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Become a District Coordinator

Are you passionate about civic and law-related education and would like to share your passion, knowledge and experience with others?
Become an Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education District Coordinator!

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Register for LRE Academies today

November 2011
11/03 A Jury of Peers: An Introduction to the Teen Court Program
11/10 Campus Crime Watch: Incidents Affecting Youth on Campus

December 2011
12/02 We the People 101: The Citizen & the Constitution
12/05 Project Citizen 101: Children Creating Change

Janaury 2012 
01/09 Across All Lines: Teaching LRE in Special Education Classes 

01/19 It's My Right!...Isn't It?

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ACSS Conference October 28th

Arizona Council for the Social Studies will hold their annual conference October 28th.  Be sure to sign up now!

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Lillian Johnson a "Champion of Change" Awardee

Please join us in congratulating Lillian O. Johnson, Executive Director of Community Legal Services, on her selection as a White House “Champion of Change” as part of President Obama’s Winning the Future Initiative. Lillian will be honored in October at the White House during a series of special events and activities.

Lillian is being honored for her professional life-long dedication to closing the justice gap in America. She began her legal career as a Staff Attorney at the Legal Assistance Foundation in Chicago after receiving her J.D. from University of Chicago. Lillian came to Community Legal Services in Arizona almost 30 years ago.

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Celebrate Arizona’s Centennial with CONNECTING WITH CLASSROOMS!

If you are a judge or attorney interested in sharing your expertise and knowledge of our legal system with Arizona classrooms or a teacher interested in coordinating a classroom visit from an Arizona attorney or judge please click on the link below for more information. Click here.

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Closing America's civic education deficit

Every morning at the beginning of class, students all over America stand and place their right hands over their hearts to give the Pledge of Allegiance. Sadly, for too many kids, this will be the limit of their civic education and engagement.

Read more...

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Live courtroom drama at Coronado High

High school government teachers rarely get to bring first-hand experiences into the classroom. In history and government classes, most learning comes from books and lectures. Government can’t compete with frog dissections in biology or “controlled” explosions in chemistry.

Today at Coronado High School in the Scottsdale Unified District, the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One, will hear oral arguments in an actual case, Coleman v. City of Mesa, regarding the denial of a tattoo parlor for a business license. These are not actors. Real life lawyers from for the City of Mesa and from the Goldwater Institute will present their arguments.

Read more...

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National poverty rate hits 17-year high

WASHINGTON - The nation's poverty rate spiked to 15.1 percent in 2010, the highest level since 1993, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Tuesday, providing vivid new evidence about the country's inability to escape the lingering effects of the recession.

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DNA eyes possible budget cuts

In looking at the future of DNA-People's Legal Services, its director, Levon Henry, realizes that there may be hard times ahead.

You Can Make a Difference! Click here...

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For Justice Breyer, the Need for Civic Education Is as Clear as Blue and Red

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer says he has seen the evidence that America is becoming increasingly polarized, and it’s colored in red and blue.

Breyer tells of looking at two maps, one from 1976 and the other from 2011. Counties where elections were a “landslide” in favor of either Democrats or Republicans were colored either blue or red. In 1976, the map was mostly white. In 2011, it was mostly blue and red.

Read more...

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Attorneys Give Back With Lawyers on Call

In 2011, the State Bar continues its successful partnership with Phoenix’s12 News KPNX TV in broadcasting Lawyers On Call. 

 

When Is It On?

Lawyers on Call is offered on the first Tuesday of every month. Lawyers answer calls from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The number to call is 602.258.1212. (Attorneys will be available at that phone number only at that date and time; the number is not in service at other times.)

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Proposals an Important Step Toward Reservation Justice

Just more than a month after U.S. Attorney Dennis Burkere-asserted his position that prosecution on Indian land is a priority, we can see significant movement on the topic.

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Youth Summit Sept 23-24

This year's Youth Summit will be held in Willcox, Az starting at noon on Sept 23rd.  Check out the tentative schedule and sessions.

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Mock Trial 101: Educating Youth on the Judicial System (Elementary/Middle/High School) - August 25th

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Six months in, new judge enjoys serving the community

BISBEE — For John Kelliher Jr., working as a judge instead of as a lawyer is a lot like learning new lines for a different character role, yet still acting in the same play.

“That’s the metaphor I use,” said Kelliher, who is Division 2 judge for Cochise County Superior Court. Read More

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3rd ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY

DNA People's Legal Services will be presented the Community Service Award at the  NATIVE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION DINNER AND AWARDS CEREMONY

Location:
TALKING STICK RESORT, SALT RIVER PIMA MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY
Time: 6:00PM Saturday, September 24th

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I Got Schooled

What’s the best antidote to the slow stew you feel when your desk is overloaded and there’s no end in sight?
Get up from your desk, of course. Leave the office. And volunteer at an event hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. Read more...

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Stingray Sushi event aids Foundation

Join the Foundation at Stingray Sushi - 15037 N. Scottsdale Rd on Tuesday June 28th for a $10 sushi lunch.  Call 480-427-2011 to make your reservations.

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Housing Partner of the Year Award

Chrysalis constructed a 50-bed shelter in north-central Phoenix for women and children victims of domestic violence, allowing the shelter to serve an additional 180 women and children each year. Read more...

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A Convention’s Heart

Former Bar President Bob Schmitt speaks after receiving the Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award, June 16, 2011. Read more...

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Is Justice the Abuser?

Co-sponsored by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education and the Young Lawyers Division, the seminar was a look at immigration law on the ground. Read more...

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The Difference One Day Makes

One Wednesday in April...
A six year old little girl woke up not knowing where she was going to live. Her mom was a victim of homicide and she never knew her dad.

A woman started her day knowing that she had to leave her marriage or the next time her husband's violence could end in her death.

A family of five received notice that they were losing their home to foreclosure.
Read more... and learn how you can help!

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Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education 2011 Award Winners

William E. Morris Pro Bono Service Award
Ben Smith

Walter E. Craig Distinguished Service Award
Robert Schmitt

Foundation for Justice Award
John Bouma

The Mark Santana Law-Related Education Award
Hon. Daniel Barker

John J. Ross Memorial Award for Excellence in Law-Related Education
Officer Shawn Benjamin
Canyon Del Oro High School
Pima County

Law Related Education Officer of the Year Award
2011 Award
Officer Brandon Clark
Show Low High School

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Foundatin Luncheon on June 16th honors 2011 Attorney Awardees

This year's luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 16th, 2011 from Noon-2pm at the Westin La Paloma in Tucson.

The recipients for this year are:

Walter E. Craig Award - Robert Schmitt

Mark Santana Award - Hon. Daniel A. Barker

Foundation for Justice Award - John Bouma

William E. Morris Award - Ben Smith

We will also be honoring the Top 50 Arizona Pro Bono Attorneys!

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Record Number of UA Law Students Selected for Program

A group of 11 UA law students have been selected to participate in the Equal Justice Works Summer Corps program.

Jillian Marini, a University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law student, has wanted to work for an office with a strong dedication to providing clients equal access to the justice system. Read more...

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Migrant workers from Yuma County settle lawsuit against Monsanto

Read what Pamela Bridge with Community Legal Services has to say...

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June 16th CLE - Is Justice the Abuser CLE

On June 16th in Conjunction with the State Bar Convention, the Foundation and Young Lawyers Division will be hosting a CLE from 8:50-Noon.  The CLE is an interactive seminar where panel members provide hypothetical cases so the audience can debate and decide if justice has become the abuser. To sign up visit the State Bar's website and sign up for T-15. This CLE has received the President's Award.

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National Mock Trial Championship a Success

The 2011 National Mock Trial Championship was hosted in Phoenix, Arizona May 4th - 8th.  This year the event broke the record with 48 teams participating!  Far more than have ever competed before.  Our international reach was also expanded as Australia was added to the list of competitors.

For a list of results click here to visit the National website.

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Bankruptcy 101 Educational Videos

The Bankruptcy 101 educational videos have been provided to you as a gift from the following organizations and individuals: The American College of Bankruptcy Foundation, The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, The Arizona State Bar Bankruptcy Section, read more...

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Law Day 2011 | Bringing iCivics to Life

Welcome remarks to Law Day from Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch.

Click here to view the Video...

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2011National High School Mock Trial Championship May 4 — 8, 2011 Phoenix, Arizona

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is proud to welcome students, teachers, attorneys, and judges from across the United States to the 28th Annual National High School Mock Trial Championship! This is the first time in 25 years the Grand Canyon State has hosted this great event, and it will once again be a wonderful chance for the students to show off their hard work.

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Mock trial team preparing for nationals

From May 5 to 7, they’ll represent California at the 28th annual National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix, hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education.

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May 5th - May 7th National Mock Trial

48 schools from around the globe will be coming to Phoenix, Arizona to participate in the National Mock Trial competition.

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May 5th - Law Day, Bringing I-Civics to Life

The Arizona Supreme Court, The Arizona State Bar, and Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education celebrate 2011 Law Day with attorneys visiting classroom across Arizona and sharing the great resource of  http://www.icivics.org , an educational website developed by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (Ret.).

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Anne Ryan joins the National MLP Advisory Council

We are happy to announce that Anne Ryan, Director of the Tucson Family Advocacy Program, has been selected to be a member of the National Medical Legal Partnership Network Advisory Council. This new advisory group will serve as a bridge between the National MLP Center, the growing MLP Network, and other stakeholders in the health and legal communities. Her appointment is due to her dedication and enthusiasm for MLP. We are very proud of her and congratulate her on this great accomplishment!

If you would like to learn more about the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership, please visit their website at http://www.medical-legalpartnership.org/.

Also, please visit http://www.fcm.arizona.edu/tfap to learn more about the Tucson Family Advocacy Program.

 

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New Help Available for Pro Per Appellants in Maricopa County By: Callie Parkinson, Esq.

Each year, the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One handles hundreds of civil and family law appeals filed by pro per litigants. Pro per appeals create unique challenges for the litigant and the court. The litigant is often at a disadvantage due to a lack of legal knowledge and experience. According to Chief Judge Ann A. Scott Timmer, “many pro per appellants are unfamiliar with the court’s rules so they miss deadlines or file briefs that do not comply with the rules. Most pro pers are unfamiliar with laws applicable to their appeals so they fail to adequately support arguments or miss them altogether. Some pro pers do not understand the court of appeals’ role and tend to view an appeal as a “do-over” rather than a review of the trial court’s rulings.” The court frequently expends additional resources to understand and respond to briefs filed by pro per litigants.... read more

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State Bar of Arizona and U of A establish Scholarship Memorial for Judge John Roll

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Southern Arizona Legal Aid shut down office in Santa Cruz County

By Manuel C. Coppola
Nogales International
Published Friday, January 7, 2011 9:43 AM CST

Between them, Alma Barajas and Patricia Peralta have invested nearly half a century in the Santa Cruz County office of the Southern Arizona Legal Aid program, or SALA. On Tuesday, they were told to pack it in and close the office effective immediately.

Read more...

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A Loss to Our Legal Community: Superior Court Judge Pendleton Gaines

Superior Court Judge Pendleton Gaines, 66, passed away last night at St. Joseph’s Hospital following a valiant battle with cancer. During his 11 years on the bench, he was known for his integrity, wit and sense of humor.

Judge Gaines was assigned to the Criminal Department at the time of his death. During his tenure, he served in the family and civil court departments and as the Civil Department Associate Presiding Judge.

"He was an excellent and respected civil trial lawyer for more than 30 years before he became a judge," said Superior Court Presiding Judge Norman Davis. "He was hardworking and collaborative and well respected in the community. We have lost a great Judge, a charming and dignified professional, a wonderful person and dear friend.”

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2010

Wills for Heroes Volunteers Honored

Eighteen of Arizona's lawyers received the President's Volunteer Service Award in a special presentation by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education and State Bar of Arizona on Dec. 9, 2010. The award was presented by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation,  " in recognition and appreciation of their commitment to strengthening our Nation and for making a difference through volunteer service."

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Have You Registered for an LRE Academy?

Well now is the time! The Academies provide new and experienced school resource officers, school probation officers, teachers and administrators LRE training and instruction that is not only research-based and proven effective, but qualifies for CEUs and COJET hours! Plus you will receive the needed materials to begin using in your classes right away!

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FREE Foundation Training at the State Capitol 10/28

This training is designed to spark and invigorate a passion for the importance of active and informed citizenship. Through a variety of interactive teaching methods, participants will be able to educate their students on the vital relationship between government and the people it serves. Register Now!

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Kick Off Pro Bono Week with the Maricopa VLP

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Support Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc through GoodSearch

Download GoodSearch's toolbar for your browser and help SALA raise funds!  The agency that has the most toolbar's downloaded by October 31st will win $15,000.  Just log on to the link and select Southern Arizona Legal Aid as your charity.

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Attention Music Teachers: Help the Superior Court Celebrate Arizona's Statehood

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William E. Morris Fundraiser

Hanny’s Restaurant

40 North First Street, Phoenix

Thursday, September 30, 5 to 7 PM

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State Bar Celebrates 50th Anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird

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Modest Means Attorney Signup Form

Interested on becoming a Modest Means Attorney?
Click here to go to the form...

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Teen Courts: Register today for the 2010 Arizona Teen Court Youth Summit!

The Arizona Teen Court Association's 2010 Youth Summit is now open for registration! The Summit will take place at the Phoenix School of Law on September 24, 2010. Registrations are due by September 10--submit yours today!

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Wills for Heroes - Yuma Police and Fire Departments

October 30, 2010

Attorneys, notaries, law students and volunteer witnesses are encouraged to volunteer in helping to provide free estate planning legal services to first responder personnel in Arizona.  To sign up please visit http://az.willsforheroes.org !

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Wills for Heroes - Tucson Police and Fire Departments

October 16, 2010

Attorneys, notaries, law students and volunteer witnesses are encouraged to volunteer in helping to provide free estate planning legal services to first responder personnel in Arizona.  To sign up please visit http://az.willsforheroes.org !

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Wills for Heroes - Phoenix Fire Department

September 11, 2010

Attorneys, notaries, law students and volunteer witnesses are encouraged to volunteer in helping to provide free estate planning legal services to first responder personnel in Arizona.  To sign up please visit http://az.willsforheroes.org !

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Wills for Heroes Avondale & Tolleson First Responders

August 14, 2010

Attorneys, notaries, law students, and volunteer witnesses are encouraged to join us in  helping to provide free estate planning legal services to first responder personnel in Arizona.  Please visit http://az.willsforheroes.org to sign up!

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Arizona High School Mock Trial Regional Tournaments

March 12th, 2011

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Project Citizen District Showcase

March 4th, 2011

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We The People State Competition

January 12th, 2011

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We The People District Competitions

December 4th, 2010

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Court of Appeals Oral Argument

September 30th, 2010

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ROUND VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL FIRE DESTROYS OFFICER’S CIVIC BOOKS

[EAGAR, AZ] –Officer Robert Suggs had just been assigned as the School Resource Officer (SRO) to Round Valley High School when a small plane crashed into the high school destroying much of the school.

Included in the destruction was the office of Officer Suggs and law related education student resource materials.

Officer Suggs joined the Eager Police Department 9 months earlier, and when he heard that the previous Round Valley High School SRO had resigned he jumped at the opportunity “Being an SRO in Phoenix was my favorite position as an officer” stated Officer Bob Suggs, “I’m able to take what I learned in my masters program and apply it to my work as a police officer.”

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ABOTA's Justice for the People provides exciting new resources for teachers and students

Justice by the People was created by the ABOTA Foundation in 1998 to give teachers an excellent tool to teach middle school students about the history, the language, the process and the value of trial by jury and the importance of jury service.

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Public Relations Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 7th at Noon: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education - Training Room

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Finance Committee Meeting

Friday, July 16th at Noon: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education - Training Room

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Executive Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 21st at 9AM: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education - Training Room

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Legal Services Committee Meeting

Wednesday, July 21st at Noon: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education - Training Room

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2010-2011 Regional Coordinator Opportunity!

Are you passionate about civic and law-related education and would like to share your passion, knowledge and experience with others?

Become an Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Regional Coordinator! Submit your application today! Click here...

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Kids Voting Board Meeting

Wednesday, July 28th at 11:30AM: Teleconference

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19th annual Arizona Youth Leadership Conference

The 19th annual Arizona Youth Leadership Conference took place July 6-10 at Arizona State University's West Campus. The conference, which is funded by the Foundation, was attended by 83 students, who are entering into their junior and senior years of high school. Sessions included a US Constitutional Convention simulation, US Supreme Court case simulation, debates over currently controversial constitution issues, leadership and free enterprise... among others. Students also selected an issue important to them and wrote a postcard to an elected government official who represents them.

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Foundation Board Meeting

Thursday, July 29th at 3PM: Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education -Training Room

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Wills for Heroes Writes 95 Wills at Glendale Stadium Event!

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Foundation Honors Annual Awardees

At the Foundation's annual luncheon on June 10th, six awardees were honored including the Supreme Court's Pro Bono award.  For the first time ever, the Foundation's Top 50 Pro Bono awardees were also recognized at the luncheon.  To read about all of the amazing awardees click the link above.

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Arizona Hosts National Mock Trial Championship in May 2011!

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is proud to welcome students, teachers, attorneys, and judges from across the United States to the 28th Annual National High School Mock Trial Championship! This is the first time in 25 years the Grand Canyon State has hosted this great event, and it will once again be a wonderful chance for the students to show off their hard work.

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ACDL Pro Bono Health Law Project CLE

This 3-credit CLE will provde an overview of the Arizona Medicaid program including covered services and due process rights.  The CLE will take place at the Foundation's training office from 2 - 5p.m.  A Tucson class is also availabe on 6/17
Download Document

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Foundation Annual Awards Luncheon

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Summer Law Camp Open to Students

PHOENIX - The State Bar of Arizona seeks students to participate in Summer Law Camp on June 25 and 26. Students in grades 8 through 10 can take part in the free program that is in its second year. The bar, which is co-sponsoring the camp with the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education along with the Phoenix School of Law, encourages minority students to apply.

The camp will introduce students to careers in the legal profession. Participants will learn about the law, experience a mock trial and chat with law students and attorneys.

The camp will be held at Sunnyslope Apostolic Church, 9035 N. Eighth Street in Phoenix. Meals will be provided.

For more information or to register call Rosie Figueroa at (602) 340-7393. Applications must be received by June 11.

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Tucson Event for William E. Morris Institute for Justice

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ARIZONA OUT 4 Life Conference

ARIZONA OUT 4 Life Conference
April 26-28, 2010
Desert Willow Conference Center
4340 East Cotton Center Boulevard, Phoenix, AZ

Each year more than 20,000 inmates are released from Arizona’s prisons into communities throughout our state. More than 50% of them return to prison within three years. In order to make Arizona communities safer and reduce recidivism, it is essential that networks comprised of stakeholders across disciplines collaboratively identify the challenges and solutions for successful reentry. The Out 4 Life Reentry Conference, co-sponsored by Prison Fellowship and the Arizona Department of Corrections, will bring together key stakeholders to address practical barriers, identify opportunities, cultivate working relationships, and develop appropriate strategies for prisoners to successfully transition from incarceration into community. A combination of plenary sessions and workshops will cover topics such as public policy, housing and employment of ex-offenders, substance abuse treatment, coordination with probation and parole, unique needs of women prisoners, working with sex offenders, and best practices in prisoner reentry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, GO TO: WWW.OUT4LIFE.COM.

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Foundation Founding Fellow and Justice Hero Passes

Dan McAuliffe, Foundation Founding Fellow and 2005 Walter E. Craig recipient passed away Friday March 12th. While Dan was most broadly known for his service to the profession, he also served the public in the area of civil rights. He spent four years at the United States Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., where he worked with issues of civil rights including school desegregation. He continued his commitment to public service through his work with the Human Relations Commission for the City of Phoenix. In 1992, when Arizona faced a vote on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Dan served as co-chair of Lawyers for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday and as a volunteer for Victory Together, an organization that spearheaded the effort to have the MLK Holiday adopted in Arizona. Dan chose an unglamorous and low profile role, but with high importance to the campaign. In a similarly low key fashion, Dan assisted the least advantaged in our community through his pro bono services to those most in need. He expected great things of those around him and worked hard to help make such things happen.

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PLEASE CLICK HERE TO JOIN US IN THANKING IOLTA PARTNERING BANKS

~ Going Above and Beyond ~

Contributing 100% of Interest Earned to Arizona IOLTA Program!

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High School Students - Enter the 2010 Law Day Editorial Cartoon Contest and win a Wii System!

Who are the pirates of today? Some still roam the high seas. Others use the Internet to strike their victims. Piracy dates back to 1300 B.C. but continues today in many forms.

Use your wit and imagination to depict a pirate of the 21st century for this year’s Law Day Contest! Win some great prizes!

First place: Wii system
Second place: iPod touch
Third place: iPod shuffle

Each year on or about May 1, the State Bar of Arizona participates in Law Day, a nationally celebrated program sponsored by the American Bar Association. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed the first Law Day to strengthen our country’s heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. Over the years, legal and civic organizations nationwide have used these general ideas to develop educational programs for the public.

This year the State Bar, the Superior Court in Maricopa County and the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education have partnered to sponsor an editorial cartoon contest on the theme, Modern Day Pirates: Piracy Laws & Issues in the 21st Century.

 

The contest is open to Arizona students enrolled in grades 9-12.
Cartoons may be submitted electronically to lawday@azbar.org
Or in printed format to:
State Bar of Arizona
Law Day Cartoon Contest
4201 N. 24th Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85016-6288

You can download the contest entry form and guidelines at www.azbar.org

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Nominations now being accepted for both LRE Teacher and Officer of the Year Awards!

Do you have an exceptional LRE Teacher or Officer? Hurry....the date for nominations ends March 31st!

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education invites you to recognize your outstanding Law Related Teacher and Officer. Each year the Foundation honors those who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to the advancement of legal education. This award focuses on those individuals who have improved public awareness of law related topics, and in turn have strengthened the community that surround our Arizona schools.

John J. Ross Memorial Award for Excellence in Law-Related Education

Created through the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education to honor the memory of Mr. Ross, who was a senior partner in the law firm of Brown and Bain. Each year, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education Center for Law-Related Education awards at least one $250 cash award for teacher excellence in law-related education.

The Law-Related Education Officer of the Year Award

Recognizes exceptional contributions of Arizona police and probation officers in furthering education and understanding of the role of the law in our democratic society. This award focuses public awareness on the contributions that officers provide to the community and Arizona schools.

If you have an exceptional LRE Officer or LRE Teacher, and would like to nominate them for their efforts please click on the “Awards” tab.

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Bar President Speaks of Becoming a Foundation Fellow

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Public Relations Committee

Foundation's Public Relations Committee February 17th

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Great Loss to Justice Community- Elvera Anselmo

Elvera Anselmo passed away on February 7th.  Elvera was born in Chicago and lived in Phoenix for the last 23 years.  For several years after graduating from Blackburn College with a degree in Education, Ms. Anselmo traveled and worked around the world with the United Nations.  When she returned to the States she worked to protect women from violence and to provide housing to the homeless.  She lobbied both Arizona and Illinois legislators on behalf of low income people, provided training and continuing legal education, and worked to protect senior citizens against fraud and abuse at the Attorney General’s Office, governor's Advisory Council on Aging and AARP.

She was a courageous and dedicated fighter for equal justice for all, and will be very missed by the justice community as a whole.

 

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Tough Economic Times in Arizona

Foreclosures, bankruptcies and other financial problems are increasing but free assistance is available for many residents.

Southern Arizona Legal Aid and other non-profit organizations are seeing a huge increase in the number of people who need assistance with their finances including bankruptcies, foreclosures and other topics like credit card debt and better budgeting practices.

Experts say each case is unique but Belinda Castro exemplifies the confusion and frustration that many people are encountering. After buying her dream home six years ago, 2009 was a personal nightmare. Castro lost her sister, her job and was diagnosed with cancer. She couldn't make her mortgage payments temporarily so she asked if she could make those payments at the end of her mortgage as part of a loan modification. She thought she got it but was notified in December he property had been sold.

Castro is still trying to untangle the legal mess with assistance from SALA. Castro says she just wants to get back on track and be able to breathe. "I don’t want to hold my breath" she says, "I want my home back, I want my life back.”

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2010 We the People Summer Institute

The Arizona We the People summer institute is now accepting applications. This year's free institute will be held June 28 - July 2, 2010. For more information and to apply please click on the link below.

2010 We the People Summer Institute Application Form.

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Access to Justice Headlines

News at the Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives
Download Document

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The ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference

The Equal Justice Conference brings together all components of the legal community to discuss equal justice issues as they relate to the delivery of legal services to the poor and low-income individuals in need of legal assistance. The emphasis of this Conference is...
Learn more...

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"We the People" State Competition Results!

Congratulations to all the participating schools for a fantastic performance at the State Competition!

1st place--Corona del Sol High School (Team 7)

2nd place---Hamilton High School (Team 4)

3rd place---Dobson High School (Team 2)

4th place---Lake Havasu High School (Team 10)

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Unit 1 Award--Prescott High School (Team 9)

Unit 2 Award--Higley High School (Team 1)

Unit 3 Award--Maricopa High Schoool (Team 6)

Unit 4 Award---Westwood High School (Team 8)

Unit 5 Award--Rio Rico High School (Team 5)

Unit 6 Award---Red Mountain High School (Team 3)

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2009

LRE Academy: Jury of Peers: Enhancing Arizona Teen Court Programs

LRE Academy presents...Jury of Peers: Enhancing Arizona Teen Court Programs

March 25, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Representative Democracy in America

LRE Academy presents...Representative Democracy in America

March 4th, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Embracing Diversity in Schools

LRE Academy presents...Embracing Diversity in Schools

February 24-25, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens

LRE Academy presents...Kids Voting: Empowering Youth to Become Active Citizens

February 4th, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Community Works: Building Teens Up & Breaking Down Youth Violence

LRE Academy presents...Community Works: Building Teens Up & Breaking Down Youth Violence

January 20-21, 2010

Register today!

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LRE Academy: Children Creating Change: Project Citizen 102

LRE Academy presents...Children Creating Change: Project Citizen 102

January 13, 2010

Register Today!

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LRE Academy: Getting High: The Dangers of Drugs & Alcohol

LRE Academy presents...Getting High: The Dangers of Drugs & Alcohol

January 12, 2010

Register Today!

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Project Citizen 2010 State Showcase!

Project Citizen 2010 State Showcase

May 7, 2010

Black Canyon Conference Center

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Arizona High School Mock Trial 2010 State Tournament!

Arizona High School Mock Trial State Tournament

March 27, 2010

Sandra Day O'Connor Federal Courthouse (Phoenix)

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We the People 2010 State Competition!

We the People State Competition

January 8, 2010

ASU West Campus

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Join us for a FREE Professional Development Event

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ACSS Board Meeting

The Arizona Council for Social Studies' board will meet at 6 pm at the Foundation's offices

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Foundation Board of Directors' Meeting

Foundation Board of Directors' Meeting 

Thursday, December 10th - 3PM-5PM

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Law Related Education Committee Meeting

Law Related Education Committee Meeting                                                           

Thursday, December 3rd at 3pm

Foundation Training Room

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Wills for Heroes has New Partner

Foundation proudly announces our latest partnership with the State Bar of Arizona, the Wills for Heroes program.  The partnership brings a new website:  http://az.willsforheroes.org/.

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Foundation Legal Service Committee Meeting

November 9th Noon - 1:00 Grant review

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Legal Service Conference - DV Statewide Project

Statewide Legal Service Conference held at Foundation Offices November 10th

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Kids Voting AZ Academy! Feb. 4th, 2010

Join us for a FREE professional development training for the very popular Kids Voting Arizona curriculum!

As a result of this training, participants will learn…

• Strategies/Activities to engage students to be knowledgeable, active citizens.
• Useful content that will guide students through the voting process.
• Effective methods for developing informed citizens.

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Congratulations, Barb Dawson

The Foundation would like to congratulate Barb Dawson on her win for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce's Athena awards. The award honors Valley businesswomen for their "excellence in business and leadership, exemplary community service, and their support and mentorship of other women." Finalists are chosen not only for excelling in their careers, but for outstanding work in the community. Barb Dawson is a Foundation hero and we are happy she is being recognized by the community as a whole. Thank you, Barb!

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Arizona Attorney General's Office Issues Opinion on IOLTA Interest

Arizona Attorney General Opinion I09-005 concludes that, "under Arizona law, the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education owns the entire beneficial interest in and has the exclusive right to the interest income generated, minus a reasonable service charge or fee, on trust accounts required to be established by attorneys pursuant to the provisions of the Arizona State Bar's Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts ("IOLTA") program, established by Rule 43 of the Rules of the Supreme Court." Read Opinion.

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Happy Birthday VAWA!

This month marks the 15th anniversary of the landmark Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA, under the Office on Violence Against Women, provides financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies, and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Legal service agencies across the country receive VAWA funding to help victims with their legal issues.

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Honoring Our Foundation Fellows - Mark Harrison

Like many of the founding fellows, Mark Harrison is an affable and successful member of Arizona's community of attorneys. A familiar theme resonates throughout each interview of a founding fellow: dedication to the practice of law through a commitment of volunteerism. This commitment is equally personally satisfying in that it lends itself in obtaining a gratifying and balanced law career. Read more.

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NEW IOLTA FDIC Insurance Coverage Notice

All financial institutions with FDIC coverage were automatically enrolled in the Transaction Account Guarantee Program of the TLGP for the period of October 14th through December 5, 2008. After that time, financial institutions could have elected to opt out of the program. Those that elected to opt out were required to post a notice to that effect in the lobby of their main and branch offices and on their websites. In addition, they are listed on the FDIC website as having opted out of the program. Financial institutions that elected to participate in the program were also to post a notice in their main and branch offices, as well as their website, indicating their participation.  These notice requirements were to be posted by December 19th. The TLGP is in effect until December 31, 2009, unless it is further extended by the FDIC. For the full text of the final rule, click here.

The FDIC has now posted the list of financial institutions that have opted out of the Transaction Account Guarantee Program of the TLGP.  To view the list, click here.

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Foundation wins 2009 Alfred Sloan Workplace Flexibility Award

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Legal Help Websites in need of Volunteers

Every year, Flagstaff students and volunteer attorneys participate in Law Day, which raises awareness of the importance of our laws and our 3-branch government.

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Legal Help Websites in need of Volunteers

The Foundation's three legal help websites need volunteers to help research questions submitted to the website. AzLawHelp.org, LawforKids.org and LawforSeniors.org all provide a particular audience help with a variety of legal issues. Users may submit questions through the website which are then assigned to a volunteer attorney or law student (who's answers are then reviewed by an attorney). No legal advice may be given, but users will be provided with what the current laws are for their situation and what resources may be available. If you are interested in volunteering for the website or other Foundation activities, read more.

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2009 Court Artist Contest

State Winner & Region VII Winner—Linnea Paseiro—Northland Preparatory Academy
State Runner-Up and Region VI Winner—Julie Zhang—University High School
Region VII Runner-Up—Sage Nelson—Northland Preparatory Academy
Region VI Runner-Up—Ciera Miller—Tanque Verde High School

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2009 Arizona State High School Mock Trial Winners

Arizona State High School Mock Trial Tournament Winners
1st Place - University Team 1
2nd Place - Xavier Team 4
3rd Place - University Team 3
4th Place - Xavier Team 1

Outstanding Student ($500 AADC Scholarship Winner)
Will Hawkins - Blue Ridge 
Honorable Mention Outstanding Students ($250 AADC Scholarship Winners)
David Berens - University Team 1
Shane Arlington - Northland Prep. Team 1

All State Mock Trial Team
Shane Arlington - Northland Prep. Team 1
David Berens - University Team 1
Kristie Gallardo - University Team 2
Will Hawkins - Blue Ridge 
Sara McCabe - Xavier Team 1
Mari Carmen Perez-Vargas - Xavier Team 2
Danny Wilson - Brophy

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Foundations of Justices CLE series

Learn the legal foundations for Family Law Housing Wills & Trusts Bankruptcy and Consumer Law as well as how to be a Modest Means attorney

Contact the State Bar’s CLE department or 602-340-7262 for more information

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We the People State Competition Winners Announced

Winners of the January 9th We the People State Championship:

1st Place - Corona Del Sol - Tempe (AE)

2nd Place - Dobson High School - Mesa (BG)

3rd Place - Hamilton High School - Gilbert (AG)

4th Place - Prescott High School (BY)

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2008

$1.3 Mil Grant Given For Inmate DNA Tests

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Attorneys Need to Take Extra Care in Watching Client Trust Accounts

With the precarious economy and the number of financial institutions either failing (such as IndyMac Bank) or being taken over by other institutions (such as Washington Mutual), lawyers who have client trust accounts should be thinking about the safety of those accounts.

Actually, lawyers with client trust accounts should be thinking about the safety of the accounts – property that belongs to clients and others -- all the time, not just in a financial crisis and not just to comply with the specific requirements of Rules 43 and 44, Ariz.R.Sup.Ct.

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Hotline Is A Victim Of Budget Cuts

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Register Now For Kids Voting Awareness Sessions

Kids Voting Arizona is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots-driven voter education program.  We, as an organization are committed to creating lifelong voting habits in children and increase adult voter turnout.

The Foundation is offering Awareness sessions for Kids Voting which will begin this fall! Participants will be engaged in lively, interactive trainings that will prepare them to introduce new and exciting lessons into their classroom (click here to register and/or see our Kids Voting Awareness Session Calendar).

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Fake Check Scams are Targeting Law Practices!!! Learn the Red Flags and Avoid the Traps!!!

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CSI: Arizona a Success!

On May 16th, 2008 ten schools from across Arizona competed in the 3rd annual "CSI: Arizona" Forensic Science Competition. Approximately 230 students participating in the competition used skills they learned in their forensics science class in school to investigate mock crime-scenes. The students also use real-life CSI skills such as collecting and analyzing evidence and interviewing witnesses and suspects to try and solve the case.

The ten schools are divided between high school and middle schools. This year's high school state champions are North Canyon High School and the middle school state champions are Desert Sands Middle School.

Congratulations to all who participated in this successful event (click here for a list of this year's participants)

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Project Citizen Showcase Winners

On Friday May 2nd, 2008, nearly 200 students presented their solutions to problems they are currently facing in their communities. These issues  ranged from Animal Testing to Teen Homelessness. 

Community leaders listened to the students’ presentations and helped them better understand the democratic process of change.

The topic of the winning portfolio was "Solar Energy", Heather Matchett's 5th grade class from Lineweaver Elementary School in Tucson. Their portfolio will be judged again later this summer in New Orleans.

The topic of the winning oral hearing was "Grafitti in America", Sandra Suarez-Hairgrove's class from Valencia Middle School in Tucson.

Congratulations to all participants! (Learn more about Project Citizen).

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ARIZONA STUDENTS AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS: Arizona Supreme Court Justices Recognize Essay Winners on Law Day

Download Document

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Foundation Video Premiere at 2008 State Bar Convention Annual Luncheon

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University High School to Compete at Mock Trial Nationals

On Saturday April 5th, sixteen teams competed in the Annual State Mock Trial Competition. This year's case, about civil rights, involved the Plaintiff seeking injunctive relief for the alleged violation of their right to freedom of religion.

The Foundation congratulates University High School on winning the state tournament this year. These students will represent the state of Arizona in Delaware for the National Mock Trial Tournament in May.

Thank you to all who volunteered their time to make this an amazing event.

(to see the list of schools who participated in the state competition, click here).

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Foundation Gives Out Over $2 Million to Legal Aid Grantees

In 2008, the Foundation awarded over 2 million to legal aid grantees across the state of Arizona.  This was an increase of over $750,000 from 2007.  Agencies apply in late October and grants are awarded starting in January.  Each agency serves those most in need with legal issues including child custody, diability benefits, domestic violence, and immigration.  For a list of 2008 grantees or how to apply... Read More

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Now Registering for We The People Summer Institute

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Law Day Brings Another Essay Contest!

The topic of the Third Annual Law Day Scholarship Essay Contest is "How should the courts uphold the rule of law?".  Winners from each county will receive a $250 scholarship, and all schools with at least one entry in the contest will receive a $50 stipend for supplies! Read More!

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Schools to Compete in CSI State Competition

The Foundation is excited to host our 3rd Annual Middle/High School CSI Arizona State Competition on May 16, 2008. Over 30 teams participated in this year's CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario, with the hope of competing in the State Competition. The following schools to advance to the state competition in May are: Barry Goldwater High School, Canyon del Oro High School, North High School, North Canyon High School, Centennial Jr. High School, Crane Middle School, Desert Sands Middle School, and Woodard Jr. High (Click here to learn more about CSI Arizona).

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Printing Request for Proposals (Due 3/6)

The Foundation seeks a printer to produce up to 150,000 copies of our “When You Turn 18” brochure that will be distributed to Arizona High School seniors and the general public in May of 2008.  Specifications and a production timeline are included in the full request for proposals. The Foundation is an AA/EOE employer - minority and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to apply.
Download Document

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State Legal Gap Study Complete - Clear Need Identified for Increased Resources

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education retained Fieldwork Quant Group in Chicago, Illinois to conduct the study identifying legal needs gap in services for Arizonans. With a 95% confidence level, the State study reveals that 32% of Arizonans had a civil legal need in the last 12 months and over half of those with household incomes under $47K stated they could not afford the private representation needed. Over 80% of Arizonans didn't know where to find legal aid assistance. The study outlines the legal need issues, the areas of the state with the greatest needs and those sub-populations who are most likely to go without a voice  in our justice system.

To obtain a copy of this report, please contact Kay Lapid at Kay.Lapid@azflse.org, or (602) 340-7260.

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Arizona Lawyers Helping Homeowners

The Lawyers Helping Homeowners program calls upon volunteer lawyers to assist homeowners in working with their lenders to find appropriate financial arrangements to avoid foreclosure. Keeping people in their homes helps stabilize the economy and increase family security. This initiative, coordinated by the State Bar of Arizona, the Arizona Foundation for Law Related Education, and the Arizona Supreme Court, will not save all homes from foreclosure, but will offer hope and opportunity to many who might otherwise have none (read more). 

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LRE Lending Library

The new LRE Resource Library has recently acquired hundreds of new items for its collection.   Many new videos, stories and curricula for use in the classroom are now available in a range of Law Related Education topics.  All Arizona educators, including teachers, parents, Juvenile Justice representatives and attorneys are invited to borrow materials online, or visit us at 4201 N. 24th St. #210 in Phoenix.

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We the People State Competition Results

First Place - Dobson High School

Second Place - Hamilton High School

Third Place - Corona del Sol High School

Fourth Place - Mountain Ridge High School

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2007

LRE Lending Library Reopens December 1st

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Arizona Hosts National Legal Aid & Defenders Association Conference

See NLADA website for conference summary

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Domestic Violence Shelters, Legal Service Providers Seek to Close Funding Gap

Last year 19 legal lay advocates and 20 attorneys, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in 28 cities here in Arizona provided help to nearly 1,600 victims of domestic violence with legal problems. This year those victims may not have those dedicated providers to assist them. Recently, the Foundation, who administers the grant and distributes it to domestic violence shelters and legal aid agencies across the state, was informed that they would not receive the DOJ funding of $391,000.

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Grant Applications Now Available!

The Foundation is now accepting applications for LRE, Legal Services, and Loan Repayment Assistance Program grants. Applications are due November 2nd!

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Foundation President Receives Gavel

The Foundation's President Joe Kreamer became a judge on Friday, September 14th as he was sworn in to the Maricopa County Superior Court. Before his appointment by Governor Janet Napolitano, Judge Kreamer was a trial lawyer specializing in personal injury and commercial litigation cases.

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LRE Academy Now Enrolling!

The first Law Related Education Academy of this academic year will take place Sept. 11th! There are over 29 acadmies offered for officers and teachers, but spots will fill up quickly so register today!

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Input Needed on Curriculum for Tribal Law

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education is in great need of your input! Please take a few minutes to complete a very important survey about the development of a tribal law curriculum for Arizona public schools. To take the survey, please click here. The survey will be closed on September 7^th!

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Foundation Calendar!

• September 26, 2008 - Foundation's 30th Anniversary!
• September 27, 2008 - National Kids Voting Day
• November 4, 2008 - Kids Voting AZ General Election
• December 6, 2008 - We the People Regional Competition
• January 9th, 2009 - We the People State Competition
• March 6, 2009 - Project Citizen District Showcase
• March 7, 2009 - Mock Trial Regional Tournament
• March 28th, 2009 - Mock Trial State Tournament
• April 13-24, 2009 - Project Citizen State Level Portfolio Judging
• May 8, 2009 - Project Citizen State Showcase

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Nominate an Officer Today for the LRE Officer of the Year Award!

This award recognizes the exceptional contributions by police and probation officers in the advancement of law related education at schools around the state. One award is given to an outstanding officer each year. Of special emphasis is the demonstration of leadership that extends beyond the classroom and into the law enforcement community and the community at large

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Foundation and Kids Voting Arizona Offer Grants to Arizona Tribal Communities for Collaboration on Kids Voting Curriculum

Download Document

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August 15th Deadline for Legal Aid Attorney Loan Repayment Program

ASU and U of A alumni who are currently legal aide attorneys are eligible for this program in honor of Joyce Holsey, who silently dedicated her life to giving thousands of others a voice and equal access to our justice system.

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Over 50 teachers trained at LRE Summer Institutes this summer

Summer may be time off for some teachers but there were more than 50 educators that were back at 'school' and this time as the student. Their committment to their students led them to give up a week of their summer vacation to learn more about two law-related education programs: We The People and Project Citizen.

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RFP for 2007-2008 Academy Trainings

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education will host approximately 30 trainings (from August 1, 2007 - April 31, 2008) which will introduce Arizona educators to a variety of law-related education curricula aligned to Arizona State Academic Standards. Depending on the subject of each training, they may last 1-3 days. Arizona teachers, administrators, school resource officers, school probation officers and community resource people are eligible to attend each training.
Interested parties may download the Facility Request for Proposal here:
RFP for 2007-2008 Academy Trainings.

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New opening at the Foundation

We are seeking an individual to fill a Website & Database Developer position. If you are a team player who is looking for a career with a company that values the balance between work and life, look no further! To apply, please fax a cover letter and resume to 602-416-7435, or send a message to Lara Slifko.

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Awardees to receive honors at 2007 SBA Convention Luncheon

    Join us in congratulating William Haug our 2007 Walter E. Craig Distinguished Services recipient and Cary Inabinet our William E. Morris Pro Bono Service recipient, during the Awards Luncheon at the 2007 SBA Convention. Keith Perkins, the recipient for the Foundation for Justice award, will be honored during the reception.

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The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute

    The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute will be hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education July 6-13th, 2007, in Prescott, AZ, at Yavapai Community College. Professor Joe Stewart, from South Carolina, will be the institute scholar. The institute is designed for middle and high school educators and will provide professional development for 31 participants and serve 9 states.

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2010

CSI Students Show Off Their Skills

Seventh-grade students at Clarkdale-Jerome School became Crime Scene Investigators Monday. They investigated a mock homicide in the school gymnasium.

Check it out here! http://verdenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=35387

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2009

North Canyon High to host Forensic CSI Challenge

The North Canyon High School Forensic Club in partnership with the Paradise Valley School District and Phoenix Police Department, with support from the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, will be hosting their first Forensic “CSI” Challenge.

The challenge will be limited to the first 10 teams that submit their letter of intent to NCHS by December, 1st 2009.

The challenge will be held April 16-17, 2010 at North Canyon High School.

Visit http:cmweb.pvschools.net/~chuffman for more information!

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Congratulations to the Top 10 Teams that completed the 2009 CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario!

 

 

 

High Schools

 

Canyon del Oro High School Team #2

Canyon del Oro High School Team #1

Canyon del Oro High School Team #5

Chino Valley High School Team #2

Mountain View High School

Barry Goldwater High School

 

Centennial Middle School

Desert Sands Middle School Team #5

Desert Sands Middle School Team #6

Crane Middle School

Middle Schools

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2009 Qualification Scenario now available!

The Qualification Scenario is now available to teams registered for the 2009 program.  Please go to the download center and you will find the Qualification Scenario and a corresponding diagram.  If you haven't already registered your team, please visit the website, www.azflse.org/csiarizona, click on login (or "Become a Memer" if you haven't previosly logged on) and then click on the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario event.  Good luck!!!

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2008

Qualification Scenerio Has Been Posted

The 2009 Qualification Scenerio has been posted and distributed to CSI Arizona Members.  CLICK HERE to download the Scenerio.  You must register your team by December 19th to participate, but the Qualification Scenerio Reports are due February 2nd, 2009.

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Registration is Due January 2nd for Qualification Scenerio!

Registration is now available online for the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario. Paper applications and rosters will not be accepted, so keep in mind that any recognition given to your students will be printed exactly as you type them in the registration form.

To register, simply LOGIN and click on the qualification scenario event, and then follow the instructions from there. If you have forgotten your user name and password, contact Hayley Ivins and it will be sent to you. If you do not have a user name and password BECOME A MEMBER.

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2008 CSI: Arizona State Champions

Congraulations to all the schools who participated in the CSI: Arizona 2008 State Competition on Friday May 16th, 2008!

Middle School Teams

Desert Sands Middle School

Centennial Middle School

Crane Middle School

Woodard Jr. High School

High School Teams

Barry Goldwater High School

North Canyon High School

North High School

Canyon del Oro High School

 2008 High School Champions :

North Canyon High School

2008 Middle School Champions:

Desert Sands Middle School

Keep up the good work detectives!!

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Schools Participating in 2008 State Competition

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2007

Qualification Scenario Has Been Posted!

The 2008 Qualification Scenario has been posted and distributed to CSI Arizona Members. CLICK HERE to download the Scenario. You must register your team by December 21st to participate, but the Qualification Scenario Reports are due February 2nd, 2008

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Registration is Due December 21st for Qualification Scenario!

Registration is now available online for the CSI Arizona Qualification Scenario. Paper applications and rosters will not be accepted, so keep in mind that your student's certificates will be printed exactly as you type them in.

To register, simply LOGIN and click on the qualification scenario event, and then follow the instructions from there. If you have forgotten your user name and password, contact Amy Koenig and it will be sent to you. If you do not have a user name and password BECOME A MEMBER.

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2013

New Arizona High School Mock Trial State Champion!

The 2013 Arizona High School Mock Trial State Champion is Mountain Ridge High School.  After participating in 4 rounds and a finals round against Xavier College Preparatory, before 7 judges, Mountain Ridge was awarded First Place Saturday night, March 23rd, at the Sandra Day O'Connor Federal Courthouse.  Second Place was awarded to Xavier (Phoenix), Third Place to Arizona School for the Arts (Phoenix), and 4th Place to University High School. (Tucson).  The All State Team members were:

Heidi Artigue (Chaparral) Who also won a $500 scholarship from the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel

Alexis Carter (South Mountain) Who also won a $300 scholarship from the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel

Madison Dodge (University) Who also won a $200 scholarship from the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel

Sarah Molinaro (Mountain Ridge)

Margo Evilsizor (Arizona School for the Arts)

Victoria Wisthoff (Xavier)

Jay Lusk (BASIS Flagstaff)

The winner of the Justice Ryan Special Award of Merit was Valerie DeLuca from Mountain Ridge.

Congratulations to all the students, teachers, and attorney coaches.  You make Arizona proud!!!

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2012

2012 State Mock Trial Results

We are proud to announce the results of the 2012 State Mock Trial tournament!

• 1st Place - Xavier North (Team SER) (Representing Arizona at the National Competition in Albuquerque May 3-6)
• 2nd Place - Brophy (Team HJK)
• 3rd Place - Arizona School for the Arts (Team BNM)
• 4th Place - St. Gregory (Team QLK)

Thank you to the Arizona Association of Defense Counsel for their generous donation of $1,000 which allowed us to provide scholarships to the following outstanding student attorneys:

• $500 Scott Jones – Arizona School for the Arts
• $300 Blake Tonn – Brophy
• $200 Ariana Luna- Xavier West

The following students received outstanding nominations from the judges and were awarded medals and certificates as part of the “ALL STATE” team:

• Tyler McMinimy – Payson
• Alex Nunez – Thompson – Arizona School for the Arts
• Jessica Lehman - University Blue
• Shelby Clark – Xavier North
• Ramsey Moore – Xavier North
• Kevin Griffen – Northland Prep. Sigma
• Tyler Aguirre – Payson
• Katy Fergen – Mountain Ridge

The award given in memory of Justice Michael D. Ryan to recognize the most outstanding individual performance in the championship round of the 2012 Arizona High School Mock Trial State Tournament was given to Shelby Clark – Xavier North.

This year’s State AND Region 3 Court Artist Contest Winner was Amy Silagy from Mountain Ridge High School

The Region 4 Winner was Jenna Brilon from Desert Mountain High School.

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2011

2011-12 Mock Trial Tournament Dates

The 2011-12 Mock Trial Tournament dates have been set!  The Regional Tournaments will be held in courthouses around Arizona on March 3, 2012.  The State Tournament will be held at the Federal Courthouse in Phoenix on March 24, 2012.  To register for the regional tournaments, please visit the website, www.azflse.org/mocktrial. 

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Arizona High School Mock Trial Program Winners

Arizona State High School Mock Trial Tournament Winners
1st Place - University Team 1
2nd Place – Arizona School for the Arts Team 1
3rd Place - Xavier Prep Team 2
4th Place – St. Gregory

Outstanding Student ($500 AADC Scholarship Winner)
Kayla Cowden - Blue Ridge

Honorable Mention Outstanding Students
Laura Van Slyke - University
Emily Agan - Xavier Prep.
Robert Collins – Northland Prep
Kayla Cowden - Blue Ridge
Mandy Xu – Northland Prep
Anne Meyers – Xavier Prep
Michael Cornell – ST. Gregory
Scott Jones – Arizona School of the Arts

All State Mock Trial Team
Laura Van Slyke - University
Emily Agan - Xavier Prep
Robert Collins – Northland Prep


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2010

Mock Trial Alumni--Join our Facebook page!

Become a "Fan" of the Arizona High School Mock Trial Program and stay in the know about upcoming opportunities and news!

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2007

Mock Trial Rules Have been Revised!

Please make sure that you are aware of all the rule changes, and that you are required to have a timer for each of your teams this year. One will not be provided for you. CLICK HERE to read the new rules for this year!

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Announcing the National Mock Trial Practicum Web Site!

The National High School Mock Trial Championship Board in partnership with Great River Technologies presents the NATIONAL MOCK TRIAL PRACTICUM WEBSITE

This valuable tool enhances the mock trial experience for students, teachers, and coaches.This dynamic website includes interactive exercises that allow students to test their knowledge of the trial process. It demonstrates opening statements, closing arguments, direct examinations, cross examinations, and much more. The site also includes flash cards, video clips, drag and drop exercises, and a discussion forum for students and coaches.

COST: $100 per team (up to 8 students) $10 per each additional team member

For questions concerning the website or for a demo, please contact: Stacy Beyer, Acquisitions Manager

Great River Technologies
Office: (563) 589-1270
Cell: (563) 581-4597
sbeyer@greatrivertech.com
To place an order for the new NATIONAL MOCK TRIAL PRACTICUM WEBSITE, please email orders@greatrivertech.com

 

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2011

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Lineweaver Elementary School for receiving a "Superior" award at this year's National Portfolio judging event in California for their project on Childhood Obesity.  You made Arizona proud!

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2011-12 District Level Showcase

The 2011-12 Project Citizen District Level Showcases will be held on March 9, 2012.  Please register your class to partipate in this wonderful opportunity to showcase your student's achievements!  Portfolios will be displayed and judged at Phoenix City Hall from April 9 - April 20, 2012.  At this time, due to loss of funding, a state level showcase is pending.  Good luck!

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2010

Film Your Project Citizen Issue - An Online Video Competition!

Project Citizen is proof that young people can offer fresh and innovative perspectives on problem-solving in their communities.  

The Center for Civic Education invites Project Citizen students to participate in Film Your Issue—an online video competition that highlights solutions proposed by young people to contemporary problems. The Center’s Project Citizen program is collaborating with the What’s Your Issue Foundation and its Film Your Issue program to take youth civic engagement online.   

Young adults from ages 14 to 24 are invited to produce and upload a three-minute video and a one-page text describing a problem in their community and their proposed solution to that problem. The problem should be related to one of the following “front-burner” issues: the environment, the economic recession, education, health and healthcare, human rights, equal rights, national security and defense, poverty, public service, and technology.  

The deadline for submissions is April 19, 2010, with winners announced in May. Winning submissions to the Film Your Issue competition will be presented to senior officials of President Barack Obama’s administration, highlighted on the What’s Your Issue iTunes Channel, and presented at an awards ceremony co-hosted by Sony Pictures in Los Angeles. Winners will be featured at the Center for Civic Education’s National Project Citizen Showcase at the Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures.  

Find more info here: http://www.civiced.org/index.php?page=film_your_pc

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Project Citizen students making a difference!

Check out this article on www.azcentral.com to learn about Project Citizen students from Mesa's Rhodes Jr. High!

http://www.azcentral.com/community/mesa/articles/2010/03/01/20100301students-against-mesa-plastic-bags.html

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2009

Project Citizen Wins

Arizona's Project Citizen Program was recently honored by the Arizona Capitol Times for its efforts in public policy education! Many thanks to the network of students, teachers, Regional Coordinators that have helped to make the program a sucess in Arizona.

This awards program was created in 2007 to recognize the contributions of policy professionals across the state. It is a salute to those who advance public policy by implementing and championing creative strategies to positively impact the state and the lives of Arizonans, without regard to partisanship or political affiliation.

For more information: http://azcapitoltimes.com/blog/2009/09/25/meet-the-2009-leaders-of-the-year/

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“PROJECT CITIZEN” SHOWS OUR FUTURE IS IN GOOD HANDS

Parkview Middle School (Prescott Valley)	“Be Safe, Put a Crosswalk in Place”
Glassford Hill Middle School (Prescott Valley)	“Gang Tagging”
Landmark Middle School (Glendale)	“Stop the Violence”
Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (Mesa)	“Animal Shelters”
Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (Mesa)	“Teenage Drug Use in Phoenix”
Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies (Mesa)	“Criminal Relocation”
Rhodes Junior High School (Mesa)	“Domestic Violence”
Rhodes Junior High School (Mesa)	“African Hunger Donation Drive”

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2008

Project Citizen District Registration Now Open!!

Project Citizen teachers!!!

You can now register your classes for the Project Citizen District Showcase which will be held on March 6th, 2009. But hurry up!!!! The registration deadline is November 7, 2008 (click here to login and register your class).

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Lineweaver Elementary School Won Top Portfolio Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

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Valencia Middle School Won Top Oral Hearing Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

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Schools to Participate in Project Citizen 2008 State Showcase

The following schools will be showcasing their skills on Public Policy at the Black Canyon Conference Center on Friday May 2nd, 2008.

Holy Angels School- "Regulating Second-hand Smoke in Motor Vehicles"

Holy Angels School- "No Pain, No Gain!"

Landmark Middle School- "Animal Testing"

Lineweaver Elementary School- "Solar Energy"

Lineweaver Elementary School- "Animal Safety"

Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies- "School Service"

Parkview Middle School- "Speeding"

Rhodes Jr. High School- "The Green Revolution"

Rhodes Jr. High School- "Helping the Homeless"

Valencia Middle School- "Graffiti in America"

Westwind Academy- "Teen Homeless"

Congratulations and best of luck to you all!

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2007

Showcase Dates Have Been Announced!

Project Citizen District showcases will take place on March 6th and 7th at their respective District locations. Check back for locations and dates for your district in October.

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LRE Grant Available!

You can apply for an LRE grant to assist with expenses relating to your school's Project Citizen Program! The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education promotes access to justice for all Arizonans.The Foundation works to level the playing field, so that all in Arizona have knowledge and access to the justice system. The Granting Program for Law-Related Education supports and enhances educational efforts that prepare youth for the office of citizen.

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The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute

The 2007 Western Regional Project Citizen Summer Institute will be hosted by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education July 6-13th, 2007, in Prescott, AZ, at Yavapai Community College. Professor Joe Stewart, from South Carolina, will be the institute scholar. The institute is designed for middle and high school educators and will provide professional development for 31 participants and serve 9 states.

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Mogollon Jr. High School Won Top Oral Hearing Prize at Project Citizen State Showcase

Topic: School Vandalism

Teacher: Jim Maner

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Westwind Academy Will Send Their Winning Portfolio to National Showcase

• Mogollon Jr. High School, Jim Maner: Payson –Heber Overgaard School District Final Exam Policy
• Holy Angels School, Leonard Leverance: Globe- School Walkways
• Westwind Academy, Carrie Algozzini: Phoenix – Teen Suicide
• Landmark Middle School, George Colebrook: Glendale – Teenage Activities
• Shepherd Junior High School, Libby Hammond: Mesa – Hygiene Kits for the Homeless
• Rhodes Junior High School, Jeff Anderson: Mesa- Stopping Illegal Immigration into Arizona
• Rhodes Junior High School, Jeff Anderson: Mesa- Reducing Illegal Drug Use in the East Valley
• Underdown Junior High School, Mark McCall: Cashion-Elder Abuse & Neglect in Nursing Homes
• Underdown Junior High School, Mark McCall: Cashion – Improving Police Department Response Times

The Project Citizen Showcase would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. Many thanks go to the following, who gave their time for these students: Kim James, Cheri Bludau, Colleen McManus, Dulce Encinas, Rebecca Lauchner, Manoj Vyas, Brendan Moroney, Lori Rodriguez, Theresa Ramsey, Johnetta Dorsey, Heather Matchett, John Contreras, Candace Odenwald, Jan Lundgren, Kevin Brungardt, Dewain Fox, Javan Mesnard, Rebecca Truxel, Gary Odenwald, Kathleen Lundgren, Brian Lockery, Danielle Reiger, Jody Arnold, Paul Bergelin

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The 2007 District Project Citizen Showcase Registration is now underway!

Click here to see the date of your district showcase. Registration is due February 21st, 2007

Your students have done the work- now give them the opportunity to shine! This exciting event gives students the benefit of interacting with other classes who have had the same experience in their communities. They will also improve their presentation skills and boost their confidence by presenting their project to interested community members and getting encouraging feedback. Travel assistance and lunch for everyone is provided, and each student will receive a certificate for their accomplishment. Participation is free!

Please follow these easy steps to register your class(es) on-line
Paper registration is no longer available

• If you have never participated in a showcase, first, "Become a member".
• Fill out the electronic form and click submit
• An e-mail with your username and password will be sent to you within a few days. Once you have received your username and password, please proceed with the instructions provided below. Your confirmation will include information on which Congressional District Level Showcase your school will be assigned to.

• For those with a username and password, "login".
• If you don't remember your username, contact Amy Koenig and it will be e-mailed to you
• Make sure that your personal information is correct and click "submit".
• On your member page, click "upcoming events registration", and then click the appropriate event for your congressional district.
• Fill out the information to register your team(s), and send in the school responsibility form

If you have any questions about registration or need technical assistance, please contact Amy.Koenig@azflse.org or 602-340-7357

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2006

Welcome to the Arizona We the People.Project Citizen website. The goal of this web site is to provide teachers and students with information that will help them with the Project Citizen program.

Project Citizen is a portfolio based civic education program for grades 5-9. It helps teachers and students understand public policy and use this information to create change in their community thereby empowering them and their teachers. Click here to read Project Citizen historical information, advisory committee members, supporting organizations and past state champions.

• Is interdisciplinary
• Is based on cooperative learning
• Is an excellent model for performance assessment
• Is an excellent method for implementing project based learning
• Focuses on state and local government
• Applies student learning to real public policy issues that concern them Develops participatory skills

...see sample portfolios and more »»

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Coronado K-8 School (Tucson) honored as overall State Champions & Capps Middle School (Heber) honored as top scoring portfolio. Both to represent Arizona at the National Showcase!

Ten teams participated at the state showcase May 11th, at the Black Canyon Conference Centerin Phoenix. Those teams invited were 2 teams from Rhodes Jr. High(Mesa), 3 teams from Capps Middle School(Heber), 2 teams from Parkview Middle School(Prescott), Palo Verde Middle School(Phoenix),Coronado K-8 (Tucson), and Madison #1 Middle School(Phoenix). Each team presented during 2 rounds to a panel of judges consisting of teachers, lawyers, judges, probation officers, and community members. Coronado K-8 School and Capps Middle School (Dress Code)received Superior awards, Capps(Keep It Clean), Madison #1, and the 2 teams from Rhodes Jr. High received Exceptional awards, and Palo Verde Middle School, Capps (Bullying), and the 2 teams from Parkview Middle School received Outstanding awards. Both Coronado K-8 and Capps Middle School (Dress Code) will have their portfolios sent to Seattle in August to be judged nationally during the National Conference of State Legislatures. Congratulations to all the students....you're all winners to us!

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Legislature Back To School Program!

The Foundation and the Center for Civic Education encourages you to involve your school in the seventh annual America's Legislators Back to School Program . The program will kick off the third week of September and, for the first time, run throughout the school year giving legislators and teachers more flexibility in scheduling classroom visits.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) sponsors this program that provides resources such as legislative staff to help coordinate visits of legislators, and lesson plans to help teachers prepare for the legislator's visit. NCSL is the Center's partner in We the People: Project Citizen and the Trust for Representative Democracy.

Here is a link to the Frequently Asked Questions from NCSL's website. For more information go to http://www.ncsl.org/public/backsch.htm.

Teachers who have participated in the past have said it was a good experience for Project Citizen and We the People teachers and students; an excellent opportunity to increase legislator's awareness of the programs.

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For those with a login and password

• Click on "Teacher login" under "Register On Line"
• Click on "Personalized Teacher Page" under "Register On Line"
• Click on "Project Citizen Program" under "Upcoming Events Registration Form"
• Fill out the information to register your team(s)

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Koenig at Amy.Koenig@azflse.org or 602-340-7357

Your confirmation will include information on which Congressional District Level Showcase your school will be assigned to.

We look forward to your participation!

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For new participants

• Click on "Register On-line" on the left hand side of the page
• Click on the link "submit your information" located in the first paragraph
• An e-mail with your login and password will be sent to you. Once you have received your login and password, please proceed with the instructions provided below.

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Mesa's Rhodes Jr. High and Prescott Valley's Park View Middle School Selected as 2006 Arizona Project Citizen Champs

A nation-wide civic education program, We the People: Project Citizen, is conducted locally by the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education. It leads students through the public policy-making process and lets students experience the Office of Citizen first-hand. Project Citizen calls on students to solve a problem in their community, big or small, from bullying to traffic. Project Citizen teaches students to honor civic duty and become active members of our community.

Students in Project Citizen classes begin by identify a problem in their community. Next, they research the problem contacting other communities with similar problems to find out what policies were in place to correct them. They then create a policy they feel will solve the problem. And finally they present their research findings as well as their suggested policy and implementation plan both through a static display portfolio and orally to a panel of community leaders.

Project Citizen Oral Hearing State Showcase Champions
Rhodes Jr. High - Mesa - Extra Curricular Activities
Teacher - Terri Welsh

Project Citizen Portfolio State Showcase Champions
Park View Middle School - Prescott Valley - Hwy 69 "Blood Alley"
Teacher - Becky Fitch
(Their portfolio will be judged again at the 2006 National Conference of State Legislatures in Memphis, TN in August)

Superior

• Holy Angels 6th Grade - Globe - topic: Recycling - Teacher: Len Leverance
• Capps Middle School - Heber - topic: Smoking - Teacher: Stacey Frazier
• Rhodes Jr. High - Mesa - Swimming Safety - Teacher: Terri Welsh
• Rhodes Jr. High - Mesa - Mesa Money Matters - Teacher: Terri Welsh

Exceptional

• Westwind Academy - Phoenix - topic: Declining Health of Students - Teacher: Tim Lewis
• Holy Angels 5th Grade - Globe - topic: Recycling - Teacher: Len Leverance
• Palo Verde Middle School - Phoenix - Prop 200 - Teacher: Rich Curtain

Outstanding

• Palo Verde Middle School - Phoenix - Wire Tapping - Teacher: Rich Curtain

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2012

Corona del Sol Students Chosen to Sing National Anthem

Congratulations to Robert Choueiri, Sharae DeWitt, Alexandra Karn, Michael Kim, and Steven Womer for being chosen to sing the national anthem at the 25th Anniversary of the National We The People Competition.  You sang beautifully!!!!!

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2011-2012 State Competition Results

 

 

 

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2011

2011-12 Hearing Questions

The 2011-12 We The People Citizen & The Constitution hearing questions are now available at new.civiced.org/wtp-the-program/hearings/hearing-questions.  Remember, Arizona does not use the District level Questions.  One State Hearing Question will be used at the District Competitions on December 3rd,  and the other two questions will be used at the State Competition, if it is held depending on current planning.   Good luck!

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2010-11 State Competition Results!

First Place:	Hamilton	Team 4
Second Place:	Corona del Sol	Team 7
Third Place:	Marcos de Niza	Team 2
Fourth Place:	Lake Havasu	Team 10
Unit 1 Award:	Prescott	Team 9
Unit 2 Award:	Gilbert Classical	Team 1
Unit 3 Award:	Skyline	Team 8
Unit 4 Award:	Maricopa	Team 6
Unit 5 Award:	Rio Rico	Team 5
Unit 6 Award:	Red Mountain	Team 3

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2010

2010 We the People Summer Institute

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09-10 WTP State Competition Results!

Congratulations to all the participating schools for a fantastic performance at the State Competition!

1st place--Corona del Sol High School (Team 7)

2nd place---Hamilton High School (Team 4)

3rd place---Dobson High School (Team 2)

4th place---Lake Havasu High School (Team 10)

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Unit 1 Award--Prescott High School (Team 9)

Unit 2 Award--Higley High School (Team 1)

Unit 3 Award--Maricopa High Schoool (Team 6)

Unit 4 Award---Westwood High School (Team 8)

Unit 5 Award--Rio Rico High School (Team 5)

Unit 6 Award---Red Mountain High School (Team 3)

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2009

TEMPE AREA SCHOOL REPRESENTS ARIZONA IN NATIONAL COMPETITION Corona Del Sol Students Recognized with Top Honors at “We The People” Competition

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Winners of the 2009 We the People State Competition Announced

Winners of the January 9th We the People State Championship:

1st Place - Corona Del Sol - Tempe (AE)

2nd Place - Dobson High School - Mesa (BG)

3rd Place - Hamilton High School - Gilbert (AG)

4th Place - Prescott High School (BY)

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2008

2009 Summer Institute

Please click here for details about the 2009 We The People Summer Institute

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TOP ARIZONA SCHOOLS TO COMPETE IN “WE THE PEOPLE” STATE TOURNAMENT

• Prescott High School – Prescott – Marc Goligoski
• Lake Havasu High School – Lake Havasu – Jamie Festa-Daigle
• Corona del Sol – Tempe – Tim Smith
• Dobson High School – Mesa – Shannon Sweat
• Mountain Pointe – Phoenix – K.R. Scott
• Hamilton High School – Chandler – Abby Dupke
• Higley High School – Higley – Patrick Farrlley
• Skyline High School – Mesa – Jill Benza
• Rio Rico High School – Rio Rico – Kent Barter
• Maricopa High School – Maricopa – Bernadette Russoniello

• Mogollon Jr. High  – Heber – Jim Maner
• Glassford Hill Middle School – Prescott Valley – Sandra Clark
• Desert Sands Middle School- Phoenix- Duane Phifer
• La Cima Middle School- Tucson- Dennis Ritchie
• Valley Vista High School – Surprise – Tammy Waller

• Chino Valley High School – Chino Valley – Mark Parmeter
• Tri-City Prep. High School – Prescott –  Wendy Tollefsen
• Mohave High School – Bullhead City – Craig Evins
• Valley Christian High School – Chandler – Gail Haase
• Westwood High School – Mesa – Debra Fischer
• Chandler High School – Chandler – Larry Hansen
• Mesa High School – Mesa – Theresa Ratti
• Red Mountain High School – Mesa – Jaime Leverington

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We the People District Registration Now Open

We the People teachers!!!

You can now register your classes for the We the People District Competition which will be held on December 6th, 2008. But hurry up!!!! The registration deadline is October 31st, 2008.  Please sign in by clicking on the "Sign In/Login" link on the left-hand side of this screen.  If you are already logged in, click on the "My AZFLSE" link to begin registering.

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New We the People Companion Website Launched

The Center for Civic Education is proud to announce the launch of their new We the People Companion website! The website is designed to be used alongside the new We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution Level 3 text for high school students.

The We the People companion website contains the following features:

• An overview of the student edition, the preface, and the introduction
• The full text of all unit and lesson purposes
• Each term and concept to understand with definitions
• The complete glossary
• Brief biographies of each Founder and Framer mentioned in the student text
• Links to Supreme Court syllabi and opinions for each case described in the student edition
• Links to the full text of primary sources mentioned in the text
• Annotated bibliographies for each unit
• Links to specially selected websites that illuminate concepts mentioned in the student text
• Links to videos and podcasts related to the content of the student text

In addition, the unit and lesson purposes and terms are printable, downloadable and can be listened to in MP3 format (click here to check out the website).

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Now Registering for We The People Summer Institute

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We the People State Competition Results

First Place - Dobson High School

Second Place - Hamilton High School

Third Place - Corona del Sol High School

Fourth Place - Mountain Ridge High School

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2007

Teams to Compete at State Have Been Announced!

Congratulations to all the schools that participated in the district competition on December 8th, and thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible! The following teams will be moving forward to the state competition on January 11th, 2008:

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Competition Dates Have Been Announced!

We the People District Competitions will take place on December 8, 2007 at their respective District locations. Contact your District Coordinators for locations, assistance and guidance leading up to the District Competition.

Registration has already begun and is due November 1^st.

The State Competition will be held January 11^th, 2008 at Chandler Gilbert Community College.

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We The People Registration Is Now Free!

For the 2007-2008 school year, We The People teams will be able to register for the competitions for free due to the generous support of the Arizona State Supreme Court. School responsibility forms and up-to-date rosters will still be required for registration

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LRE Grant Available!

You can apply for an LRE grant to assist with expenses relating to your school's We The People Program! The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education promotes access to justice for all Arizonans. The Foundation works to level the playing field, so that all in Arizona have knowledge and access to the justice system. The Granting Program for Law-Related Education supports and enhances educational efforts that prepare youth for the office of citizen.

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We The People Summer Institute A Success!

Summer may be time off for some teachers but there were more than 50 educators that were back at 'school' and this time as the student. Their committment to their students led them to give up a week of their summer vacation to learn more about the We The People Program. The We The People Summer Institute in June at Yavapai College in Prescott, offered the teachers an opportunity to hear presentations from national civic education leaders, Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales, and other local experts.  The institutes are made possible through a combination of support from the Foundation, Arizona Supreme Court,  and the Center for Civic Education.

Each teacher received a complimentary set of text books and more supplimental text books than they could carry for their classrooms.  The weeklong professional development and networking opportunities gave these teachers the gift they value most: increased resources for their students to learn.

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The Arizona We The People Summer Institute

The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education hosts a We The People Summer Institute each June at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. This week-long training is for We The People teachers in upper elementary through high school grade levels, and of all levels of experience with the program.

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Congratulations to Dobson High School!

Dobson High School finished fourth in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution after they participated in the competition's final round on Capitol Hill in congressional hearing rooms. More than 1,200 students from all 50 states and the District of Columbia participated in the competition. Students on the Dobson team are Quinney Fu, Elizabeth Meyers, Henry Jiang, Jennifer Truong, Cady Pisani, Laurel Jones, Amanda Toohey, Cheseree Gaston, Caree Wheeler, John Lorenzen, Lauren Hanson, Arielle King, Sarah Raynes and Blake Blackman. The team's teacher is Shannon Sweat.

2007 Arizona State Competition Results!!!

Winners:   

1st - Dobson High School - Mesa - Teacher: Shannon Sweat

2 nd Hamilton High School - Chandler - Teacher: Mike Spears

3 rd Corona del Sol- Tempe - Teacher: Tim Smith

4 th Marcos de Niza - Tempe - Teacher: David Dotts

Unit Award Winners:

Unit I Mountain Ridge High School - Glendale

Unit II Lake Havasu High School

Unit III Rio Rico High School

Unit IV Higley High School

Unit V Prescott High School

Unit VI Maricopa High School

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Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C.

The first round of the national finals was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 29 and 30. The competition involves entire classes making presentations and answering questions on constitutional topics before a panel of judges recruited from across the country. Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders, acting as congressional committee members, judged the students' performances. Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales was one of this years National Judges. The combined scores of the classes during the first two days of hearings determine which ten teams will compete in the championship round May 1 in Senate hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. That evening the winning classes receive awards at a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham, Washington D.C.

The annual three-day final competition is the culminating activity of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the most extensive civic education program of its kind in the country. The Dobson students have been working with their teacher, Shannon Sweat, since last fall studying We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The text provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

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We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution State Competition

2007 Arizona State Competition Results!!!

Winners

1st - Dobson High School - Mesa - Teacher: Shannon Sweat
2 nd Hamilton High School - Chandler - Teacher: Mike Spears
3 rd Corona del Sol- Tempe - Teacher: Tim Smith
4 th Marcos de Niza - Tempe - Teacher: David Dotts

Unit Award Winners:

Unit I Mountain Ridge High School - Glendale
Unit II Lake Havasu High School
Unit III Rio Rico High School
Unit IV Higley High School
Unit V Prescott High School
Unit VI Maricopa High School

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Judges Connecting in the Classroom

A GREAT teacher resource available! Arizona teachers from around the state, along with staff and members of the Arizona Supreme Court, have created lesson plans, videos, activities and reading materials for teachers to use when they invite members of the Arizona judiciary into their classroom. The lessons link to all levels of the We The People textbook on the subject of the court system. There is a statewide information sheet included on who to contact to schedule a classroom visit. For further information, contact Jennifer at Jennifer.Nickason@azflse.org

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Legislature Back to School Program

For more information, please click here Legislature Back to School Program

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2006

Raise the Bar Documentary

FREE - Preview copy of "Raise the Bar", the documentary film based on the 2003-04 National High School Mock Trial Championship. E-mail Charleston@mac.com with your request for a copy along with your mailing address.

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State Competition Results

view all past event results!

Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C.

On April 28, students from Mesa's Dobson High School traveled to Washington, D.C., where they represented Arizona in the national finals of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the highly prestigious academic competition on the U.S. Constitution. The Dobson students studied for months to prepare for their role as experts testifying on constitutional issues in a simulated congressional hearing. To represent their state at the national finals, the class won their congressional district and the Arizona state competition earlier this year. Dobson placed in the top 25 in a field of 50 teams.

State Sponsor
Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education
4201 N. 24 Street, Suite 210
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 340-7361
Fax: (602) 271-4930
Susan Nusall, Law-related Education Program Manager

National Sponsor
Center for Civic Education
5145 Douglas Fir Road
Calabasas, CA 91302-1467
1-800-350-4223
Robert Leming, We the People National Director

The Arizona We the People... The Citizen and the Constitution program is funded in part by the Arizona Supreme Court and the Center for Civic Education

We the People...the Citizen and the Constitution is administered by the State Coordinator and Congressional District Coordinators.

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Legislature Back to School Program!

For more information, please click here Legislautre Back to School Program

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We the People Logos

Click to download logos

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Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C.

The first round of the national finals was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 29 and 30. The competition involves entire classes making presentations and answering questions on constitutional topics before a panel of judges recruited from across the country. Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders, acting as congressional committee members, judged the students' performances. Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales was one of this year's National Judges. The combined scores of the classes during the first two days of hearings determine which ten teams will compete in the championship round May 1 in Senate hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. That evening the winning classes receive awards at a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham, Washington D.C.

The annual three-day final competition is the culminating activity of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the most extensive civic education program of its kind in the country. The Dobson students have been working with their teacher, Shannon Sweat, since last fall studying We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The text provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

A GREAT teacher resource available! Arizona teachers from around the state, along with staff and members of the Arizona Supreme Court, have created lesson plans, videos, activities and reading materials for teachers to use when they invite members of the Arizona judiciary into their classroom. The lessons link to all levels of the We The People textbook on the subject of the court system. There is a statewide information sheet included on who to contact to schedule a classroom visit. For further information, contact Jennifer at Jennifer.Nickason@azflse.org

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FREE Professional Development Opportunity!

You are invited to be one of only 24 teachers to attend the We The People: The Citizen & The Constitution 2006 Arizona Summer Institute
Date: June 7-14th
Cost: FREE!!
Location: Northern Arizona University
Teachers will be provided at no cost:
Room and board
Travel Stipend
Classroom set of We The People textbooks
Set of supplemental resource books

The Arizona Summer Institute is open to 4th-12th grade teachers of government, civics, or history. Teachers will participate in lectures given by Constitutional Scholars from around Arizona, learn about effective methods for using the We The People curriculum, which has been correlated to the Arizona Social Studies Standards, and participate in a simulated congressional hearing. Large group and small group work will provide teachers with an excellent networking opportunity. All of this and a week in the cool pines of Flagstaff at NO COST to teachers!

Click here to download an application:
Word Doc - 2006 WTP Arizona Summer Institute
PDF- 2006 WTP Arizona Summer Institute

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We The People: "The Citizen and The Constitution 2006 Summer Institute"

Vice-Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch assisted with teaching at the “The Citizen and The Constitution 2006 Summer Institute in Flagstaff this June. Fifteen educators from Arizona and surrounding states participated in the rigorous professional development program. The educators became students during the five day program and learned constitutional scholars from a variety of disciplines.

"We can’t express how much we appreciate the Vice-Chief Justice’s time to share her expertise," says Susan Nusall, Program Manager, "she, along with the other scholars are preparing these educators to go back and teach their students. Those students, then, will know our constitution and be better prepared for the Office of Citizenship. It is a tremendous gift to our state and nation."

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Dobson High School of Mesa Represents Arizona in Washington D.C

The first round of the national finals was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia, April 29 and 30. The competition involves entire classes making presentations and answering questions on constitutional topics before a panel of judges recruited from across the country. Constitutional scholars, lawyers, and government leaders, acting as congressional committee members, judged the students' performances. Arizona Supreme Court Justice Scott Bales was one of this years National Judges. The combined scores of the classes during the first two days of hearings determine which ten teams will compete in the championship round May 1 in Senate hearing rooms on Capitol Hill. That evening the winning classes receive awards at a special ceremony at the Omni Shoreham, Washington D.C.

The annual three-day final competition is the culminating activity of We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, the most extensive civic education program of its kind in the country. The Dobson students have been working with their teacher, Shannon Sweat, since last fall studying We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution. The text provides students with a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

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