The Application Deadline For The SMILE Program Is Monday

Read Time:2 Minute, 41 Second

The application deadline is Monday, April 29, 2024. Summer Mentoring in Legal Education (SMILE) Gwinnett was founded in 2016 by the then State Court Judges Pam South and Joe Iannazzone, inspired by a similar initiative started by Judge Stacey Hydrick in DeKalb County. Since its inception, high school students across Gwinnett County have dedicated their Friday afternoons to learning about the legal system and interacting with prominent local figures in law, including lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and other legal professionals.

This program is free for students attending a Gwinnett High School the next academic year, although they must arrange their own transportation to and from the Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center (GJAC) and any other program venues throughout the summer.

Volunteers from the Gwinnett County legal community staff the program. SMILE provides an introduction to the court system and allows participants to spend time in courtrooms learning about the trial process, covering topics like the United States Constitution and constitutional issues. Local legislators will discuss the legislative process and share insights on running for office.

Tours of the courthouse and associated offices, potentially including the medical examiner’s office, the Gwinnett County Detention Center (jail), and the Gwinnett County Police Training Academy, are also included.

Local defense attorneys will offer insights into the challenges faced by defendants charged with felonies, particularly focusing on teenage offenders. A panel of judges will discuss pathways to a legal education and career opportunities in the field. Other topics will include dating and domestic violence and how the criminal justice system addresses issues related to alcohol and drug abuse.

The program concludes with an evening graduation ceremony where students will receive certificates and share their reflections on their experiences.

Summer Session 2024

We invite you to apply for our summer legal education program, S.M.I.L.E. Gwinnett. This program, free of charge, offers deep insights into the court system and legal processes. Hosted primarily at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville, the program is open to Gwinnett County high school students.

Featuring speakers from various legal and court sectors, discussions will cover the constitution, court system structure, criminal law, and accountability courts. Participants will engage in debates/mock trials, observe court proceedings, and tour legal facilities.

Dates (All Fridays):

June 7, 2024 – 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Jail)
June 14, 2024 – 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
June 21, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
June 28, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
July 12, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
July 19, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
July 26, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Graduation Reception (Reception starts at 6:00 p.m., graduation program at 6:30 p.m. with finger foods and dessert served).

Participants must provide their own transportation and adhere to punctuality for both arrival and departure at events. Appropriate courthouse attire is required. While there is no homework, note-taking is expected during presentations by lawyers and judges.

To apply, complete the application and permission/release forms and return them to [email protected] by April 29, 2024.