New York Associate Mike Catapano presented at Justice for All – Courts and the Community Initiative as a keynote speaker. The event, which involves three separate week-long programs, invites high school students to three federal courthouses in New York to educate them about the federal court system. The students prepare for and compete in a live mock trial competition overseen by real federal judges. Each week is capped by a keynote speaker.
Mike participated as the keynote speaker twice at this year's event, discussing his transition from 5-year NFL veteran to law school student and now trial lawyer, and best practices for those considering law school.
Following are media reporting regarding the Justice for All - Courts and the Community Initiative:
SECOND CIRCUIT’S AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM BREAKS GROUND, JNET (09-05-2023)
The Second Circuit, as part of its Robert A. Katzmann Justice For All: Courts and the Community Initiative, has launched an innovative, annual civics education program taught by judges and attorneys that brings diverse New York City high school students into the historic Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse in lower Manhattan for an after-school program that exposes them to careers in the law.
Students learned about the role of the Supreme Court from Nicole Maffei, Civic Education Director at the Supreme Court Historical Society. Students also heard from judges and attorneys how to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. They also heard from Michael Catapano, a lawyer and former NFL football player, before practicing their advocacy skills by presenting arguments debating the greatest sports franchise or musical performer.