2023-2024 Haggerty Scholars Federal Court Immersion Event
In December 2023, Bryan Dearinger led the 2023-24 Haggerty Scholars (pictured) on half-day immersion event at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse in Portland. He was joined by Portland attorneys Janet Larson (Lane Powell) and Ben Handy (Littler). Scholars enjoyed a tour of the courthouse and had the opportunity to meet court staff, assistant U.S. attorneys, courtroom deputies, and the Honorable Adrienne Nelson (also pictured with the Scholars). The highlight of the experience included multiple meetings with Judge Nelson, who graciously invited the Scholars into her chambers for an extended Q&A. The Scholars then watched a hearing over which Judge Nelson presided. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Scholars returned to Judge Nelson’s chambers to speak broadly about their experience and what they witnessed.
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Applications for the 2023-2024 Haggerty Scholars Program Have Closed
The Haggerty Scholars Program seeks to provide high school juniors with an opportunity to engage with and within Oregon’s legal and civic community. Students attending under-served schools, or who are members of historically underrepresented communities, are especially encouraged to apply.
Students who are selected for the program will work one-on-one with an attorney mentor over the course of the 2023 – 2024 school year. In the past, mentors have helped students with college essays, taken students to observe courtroom proceedings, and provided general networking assistance on topics of the students’ interests. Mentors will follow COVID-safe protocols.
During the year, the students will attend events relating to law and civil rights. Past events have included discussions with legal practitioners on topics of criminal law, juvenile justice, mental health, and immigration, and interactive events with the Oregon Court of Appeals and the Oregon legislature. During the 2020-2022 scholar years, panel discussions with a variety of legal professionals occurred over Zoom.
The Haggerty Scholars Program was started to honor the legacy of Judge Ancer L. Haggerty, Oregon ‘s first African American federal judge. For more information about Judge Haggerty’s legacy and distinguished career, please visit his page at the U.S. District Court Historical Society.