By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
The courtroom at the Jefferson County Courthouse took on a different tone Friday as middle school students from i3 Academy and Legacy Prep Charter School stepped into the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors during the Law Day celebration hosted by the Birmingham School of Law (BSOL).
Observed nationally each year on May 1, Law Day highlights the importance of the rule of law and its impact on everyday life. In Birmingham, the annual program brought that concept to life through a hands-on mock trial, giving students from across the area a chance to experience the legal system firsthand.
Under the guidance of law student mentors, participants spent weeks preparing for the live courtroom experience. Practices began in early April, with students balancing rehearsals alongside their regular schoolwork. Their efforts culminated in Friday’s event, during which they presented a scripted case before a presiding judge in a real courtroom.
“This is pretty amazing,” said Desiree Celeste Alexander, who presided over the mock trial. “I really like it when the kids interject themselves into the part. They’re really feeling the script, really understanding it. Our prosecutors, defense counsel, and witnesses all did a great job today.”
The program, organized in part by the Black Law Students Association at Birmingham School of Law, has been a longstanding tradition. Now in its 17th year, the initiative continues to focus on more than just legal education.
Friday’s mock trial also marked a milestone for the program itself.
Alexander, a professor at the Birmingham School of Law and the author of the mock trial script, played a central role in shaping the experience. Teaching courses such as contract and environmental law in the school’s weekend program, Alexander also presided over the proceedings in character as a “Chief Justice” in the fictional “Kingdom of Magic City Land.” The mock trial was based on a Wizard of Oz-inspired storyline, allowing students to engage with familiar characters like Dorothy while exploring legal concepts in a creative and accessible way.
“The Birmingham School of Law and the school administration have been supporting the Black Law Students Association in presenting this program since 2009,” Alexander said. “The program that we’re presenting this year is from 2016. It was the first time our program was acknowledged by the American Bar Association, and we received an article mention.”
Exposure and Inspiration
Sheena Reed, President of the Black Law Students Association at Birmingham School of Law, emphasized that the event is designed to provide exposure and inspiration—particularly for students who may not have previously considered careers in law. Following the mock trial, participants had opportunities to network with attorneys, judges, and community leaders, further expanding their understanding of the profession.
Reed said its continued use reflects both its educational value and its lasting impact.
For Reed and others involved, the highlight remains the students’ transformation as they take on their roles.
“They really step into it,” she said. “You can see their confidence build right there in the courtroom.”
Among the student participants was 13-year-old Auri Hill, a sixth grader at Legacy Prep, who took on the role of Dorothy in the trial. While initially nervous about speaking in front of others, she said the experience helped her step outside her comfort zone.
“I was kind of nervous because I don’t like talking in front of people unless I’m comfortable,” Hill said. “But I do think I might want to pursue law. I just find it interesting, and I like to argue a lot.”
Another student, 14-year-old Zion Goree from i3 Academy, served as one of the prosecutors in the case. Though previously more interested in real estate, the experience sparked a new curiosity about the legal field.
“I was more interested in real estate, but this is starting to tip the board a little bit,” Goree said. “One thing I learned is that the courtroom is a lot quieter than I expected. I thought it was going to be louder.”
Beyond the courtroom dynamics, Goree said the storytelling aspect of legal work stood out. “I find the stories kind of interesting,” the student added. “It’s not a situation I’d find myself in, but you get to listen and understand what’s going on and be part of it.”
As the day concluded, students gathered not only to celebrate their performance but also to connect with legal professionals—an experience organizers hope will leave a lasting impression.
Follow the Black Law Students Association at Birmingham School of Law on Instagram @blsa_bsol_chapter.
