A unique local partnership is giving Manchester Central High School students a glimpse of what it’s like to have a career in the legal profession, and helping provide the tools and knowledge they’ll need to solve problems, better their communities and motivate them to become active participants in society.
About 30 students from Central are taking part in the Corporate Legal Diversity Pipeline Program which partners local legal professionals with nearby high school law classes in an effort to engage the students, teach them about civil law and encourage them to consider careers in the legal profession.
Locally the program is a partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, McLane Middleton and Central High School, in conjunction with the Association of Corporate Counsel and Street Law, Inc. Street Law is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit that teaches students about law, the legal system and broader community issues through practical and participatory programming. This is the first time the program is being offered in New Hampshire.
“The goal of Street Law is to encourage young people to pursue legal careers and give them support to do so. By partnering with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we’re able to highlight in-house legal opportunities and opportunities at law firms like McLane Middleton,” said Scott Harris, Director at McLane Middleton. “The firm has a long standing commitment to giving back to the community. We’re excited to partner with attorneys from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to have an even greater impact and encourage Manchester Central High School students to consider the legal profession.”
The program will wrap with an all-day conference on April 21 at the Manchester headquarters of McLane Middleton. This all-day conference is intended to reinforce the students’ lessons with interactive workshops and give them a glimpse into Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and McLane Middleton’s corporate legal practices. Students will have a chance to view the various opportunities available in the legal field. The day will also include a career fair and an opportunity for the students to receive one-on-one mentoring from the attorneys. In addition to career opportunities, the interactive workshops will provide students with basic legal knowledge in immigration and employment.
“We’re very pleased to bring this unique program to Central where we’re not only igniting interest in the legal profession, but also engaging students in broader lessons about basic legal concepts, democracy and human rights. Allowing students to tap into our expertise and experience gives them a real-world feel for these important issues,” said Carter Beck, Senior Vice President & Counsel for Anthem. “Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has a long history of involvement in the community. We’re proud to join with our legal colleagues from McLane Middleton in expanding our civic engagement and working with students at Central.”
About McLane Middleton, Professional Association
Founded in 1919, McLane Middleton, Professional Association is one of New England’s premier full-service law firms with offices in Manchester, Concord and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Woburn and Boston, Massachusetts. Driven by the firm’s depth of sophisticated legal expertise and an unwavering commitment to client service, McLane Middleton has built collaborative and lasting relationships with a broad spectrum of domestic and international clients. www.mclane.com
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire is available at anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/AskAnthem or twitter.com/AnthemPR_NH, on Facebook at facebook.com/AskAnthem.
About Street Law
Street Law, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides practical, participatory education about law, democracy, and human rights. With a unique blend of content and methodology, Street Law, Inc. uses techniques that promote cooperative learning, critical thinking, and the ability to participate in a democratic society. For 40 years, Street Law, Inc.’s programs and curricula have promoted knowledge of legal rights and responsibilities, engagement in the democratic process, and belief in the rule of law, among both youth and adults.