Local High School Students Participate in Annual Mock Trial Day at Sallie Mae Headquarters

Howard High School of Technology students returned to Sallie Mae headquarters today for the Legal Administrative Assistants (LAA) Program Mock Trial Day. Sponsored by Sallie Mae’s legal department — in conjunction with Howard High School of Technology, the Corporate Legal Diversity Pipeline Project, and the Delaware Law Related Education Center (“DELREC”) — students simulated a civil trial by assuming the roles as the attorneys for plaintiff and defendant. This marked the second consecutive year that the event was held at and sponsored by Sallie Mae.

“Since its inception, the Legal Administrative Assisting Program Mock Trial Day has continued to grow into a more immersive and rewarding academic experience for our students,” said Kathy Demarest, communications and engagement supervisor for New Castle County Vocational Technical School District. “This hands-on event teaches invaluable soft skills and broadens student understanding of our legal system.”

This year, more than 50 students divided into four teams, under the guidance and assistance of members of the Sallie Mae legal department, to review applicable law, understand case facts, and assume the roles of attorneys. As part of the program, students furthered their understanding of both the content and processes of the legal system and increased basic skills, analytical ability, self-confidence, and cooperation.

“The Corporate Legal Diversity Project is an important part of The Delaware High School Mock Trial Program. This program promotes law-related education in Delaware's High Schools,” said Pat Quann, executive director of Delaware Law Related Education Center. “With the generous support of Sallie Mae and their unwavering support of education in all forms, we are able to provide this active learning experience for high school students in a society based on the rule of law.”

The Mock Trial Day featured Sallie Mae’s legal professionals and other employees volunteering as judges, staff advisors, and case witnesses.

“We are happy to, once again, host an event that is focused on increasing student exposure to our legal system and highlighting the countless professional opportunities that arise with a college education,” said Rick Nelson, senior vice president and deputy general counsel for Sallie Mae. “The critical thinking, public speaking, and problem-solving skills that these students learned, and employed, through this exercise will be essential in helping them achieve their higher education goals, whether they be in a law-related field or not.”

For more information about Sallie Mae in the community, visit SallieMae.com.

Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM) believes education and life-long learning, in all forms, help people achieve great things. As the leader in private student lending, we provide financing and know-how to help make college happen and offer products and resources to help customers make new goals and experiences, beyond college, possible. Learn more at SallieMae.com. Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

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