Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL), welcomed 31 students into its eight-week program this summer. The purpose of SWEL is to provide minority students, who are interested in pursuing a career in the legal field, an opportunity to develop their personal and professional skills. Every Friday, the students receive presentations from a variety of legal professionals who help the students develop better writing and speaking skills. The program was directed this summer by SWEL’s founder, retired attorney James Johnson, assisted by Kenneth Parker, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Bryce Lenox, and Calvin Tregre, a shareholder at Burg Simpson.
Judge Marilyn Zayas, first Latina elected to an Ohio Court of Appeals, served as a judge for the students’ oral presentations at the Hamilton County Courthouse. The students researched an assigned topic and prepared an argument in support of their position. Zayas provided feedback to the students, highlighting their strengths and providing guidance to help them improve.
“I love the SWEL program and was honored to help the students improve their presentation skills,” Zayas said. “I was very impressed by their research of the assigned topic and their composure. I wish I had the opportunity to participate in this program when I was their age.”
Attorney Kenneth Parker, said the students were eager and excited to present in front of Judge Zayas. Parker said he was very impressed and proud of the students’ presentation skills.
