On Friday, October 17, the First District Court of Appeals welcomed a group of young women from Miami University’s Women in Political Science student organization. Women in Political Science is new student organization at Miami University dedicated to elevating women in the political science field and striving to provide members with examples of career opportunities available to them after they obtain their bachelor’s degree.
The undergraduate students started their visit with a tour of the First District’s courtrooms and offices, led by Administrative and Presiding Judge Jennifer Kinsley. During the tour, students got to see insights into the daily operations and the roles of the judicial officers and various other staff members. Following the tour of the First District, attendees were guided through the Hamilton County Courthouse by Ashley Coffaro, Staff Attorney to Judge Jennifer Kinsley. On this tour, students learned about the legal process, explored various courtrooms, and met with a few Hamilton County judges and clerks.
When the students returned to the First District, they participated in a Women in Law panel session with staff members from the Hamilton County Juvenile Court, the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, and the First District Court of Appeals. Featured participants of the Women in Law panel consisted of professionals working in various positions within the court system to highlight the significant and vast roles that might be available to the students post-graduation.
To conclude their visit, the group met with Judges of the First District. They first took part in a Q&A session with Judge Jennifer Kinsley, Judge Marilyn Zayas, Judge Ginger Bock, Judge Terry Nestor, and Judge Richard Moore. The session concluded with a special opportunity to try on Judge Zayas’s robe.
President of the Women in Political Science organization, Natalie Janssen, said about the experience, “It was truly an insightful and wonderful field trip for my organization, Women in Political Science, to visit the First District Court of Appeals. Members had the opportunity to talk to appellate judges, administrative staff, and see the various courtrooms. Many of us have never spoken to individuals in this field, which made this trip even more special. We are so appreciative to the Court of Appeals for having us because of how beautifully organized the trip was, and the opportunity we had to speak to so many impressive individuals involved in the court system!”
If students at your school would be interested in setting up a similar experience, click here for more information, or send an email to coa@firstdistrictcoa.org with your information.
