IN ADDITION TO the kickoff of attorney school visits for "A Lawyer and Judge in Every School Day," this year's Law Week also featured NH Supreme Court Chief Justice David A. Brock participating in a roundtable discussion and classroom visit at Central High School on Law Day, May 1.

Brock was one of a group of 17 business and community leaders, students and Central graduates who participated in a panel discussion on affirmative action issues. The discussion was based on a hypothetical situation involving acceptance into a scholarship program and examined the fairness and constitutionality of affirmative action. The presentation stemmed from issues raised in the U.S. Supreme Court case involving affirmative action at the University of Michigan and also tied into themes in the book "To Kill a Mockingbird," which is this year's selection for the Manchester "One Book, One City" program. The roundtable discussion was moderated by NH Supreme Court Public Information Officer Laura Kiernan.

After the discussion, which was attended by about 1,000 Central students, Brock sat in on an American Studies class as it continued the dialogue on affirmative action, discrimination and diversity. Brock was more of an observer of than a participant in the class discussion, and at the end of the class said that he was impressed by the students' thoughtful examination of the issues. "I am so impressed with your class participation and your willingness to take risks by exposing your thoughts on these complex issues," said Brock.

He encouraged the students to follow the University of Michigan case, as the decision in the case could have a significant impact on affirmative action in this country. "Academic diversity is not something that is protected under the Constitution. One of the risks of this case is that the Supreme Court could say that affirmative action is no good any more," he said. Brock added that he has read the oral arguments in the case, and believes that the court may find that "in certain limited circumstances, affirmative action programs are justified."

Brock's visit to Central High School was also a celebration of the 50th anniversary of his graduation from the school. Manchester Mayor Robert Baines, a member of the roundtable discussion panel, proclaimed the day "David Brock Day" and presented him with a key to the city. Central High Principal John Rist, also a panel member, gave Brock a Central High baseball hat and t-shirt.

Law Day also marked the official beginning of school visits by attorneys participating in the NH Bar's A Lawyer and Judge in Every School (ALIES) program, coordinated by the Bar's Law-Related Education Dept. The program brings lawyers and judges to elementary and secondary schools across the state to teach students about the law, the court system and what it's like to be a lawyer. The attorneys often use lessons that apply to the students and their everyday lives - such as discussing a principal's right to search a student's locker. Because Law Day this year fell during a vacation week for many schools, ALIES visits were scheduled throughout the month of May rather than concentrated mainly on Law Day.

Jewett Street Elementary School in Manchester celebrated Law Week with an ALIES visit from attorney Amy LaBelle, senior legal counsel for Fidelity Investments in Merrimack. LaBelle spoke to second-, third- and fourth-graders about what a lawyer does, laws, the enforcement of laws and legal responsibilities. To illustrate a lesson about contract law, her area of practice, LaBelle discussed with students a hypothetical situation in which a boy loaned his friend a bike that the friend returned late and damaged.

It was LaBelle's first ALIES visit, and she said she enjoyed the experience and plans to participate in the program again next year. "My experience at the Jewett Street school truly re-energized me. Making a connection with the children and teaching them about a profession that I love was a learning experience for me, too, and I will cherish it as one of those rare days in life when I may have actually made a difference," said LaBelle. "I will absolutely participate next year, and I encourage other NH attorneys to do so, as well."

Editor's note: You don't have to wait until Law Week to speak about the law and government with school kids. There's a wealth of instructional materials, such as class activities, lesson plans, mock trial scenarios, links to other Web sites and more - available year-round - on the

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