Since 1958, the American Lawyers Alliance has been a part of a national network of local and state bar auxiliaries which support various aspects of learning about our legal heritage. Through “citizenship education,” our group encourages law related education for youth and citizens through many programs.
Many of these, such as the “Now you are 18” pamphlet and the pocket constitution, are designed for students and were first introduced through local and state auxiliaries.
There are many other law related programs which our group encourages, and these include being one of the sponsors for the National High School Mock Trial Competition and assistance with the “We the People” national competition.
On the local level, many auxiliaries support literacy, or help to fund supplies and fees for their local high school mock trial and debate teams, or assist their district courts with mentorship of at-risk youth.
Our group also recognizes outstanding teachers, with the annual $4,000 Law-Related Educator of the Year award. Please see the requirements for this award and help someone apply on the website. We also offer an annual $10,000 scholarship, the Catherine Jurgenmeyer Scholarship, to a deserving high school senior. We have had some amazing winners, and they can apply on our website.
These two awards, as well as a judicial award, are awarded every year at the summer meeting.
Finally, if you are interested in any of these things, whether a teacher, lawyer, or family of a lawyer, please consider joining us! Our group has members from across the country, and you don’t need to be part of a local auxiliary to join.
We accomplish a lot of things while helping affiliated bar associations and within our communities, but we also have enjoy our friendships, camaraderie, travel and getting to know people from all over the U.S.A.
I know that I feel very enriched by the friendships I have made, the things that I have learned and the many students, teachers, and judges that I have met within the organization.
On a personal level, I am a fourth generation Texan, am married to a retired lawyer and teacher; our son is a lawyer and I am a (fairly) new grandma to two rambunctious boys. I am retired from a corporate, journalism and educational career. I have been involved with my local auxiliary (San Antonio Bar Auxiliary) for 15 years and ALA for five years.
I sincerely hope that on this 250th anniversary of our country, you will consider becoming a part of our the American Lawyers Alliance.
Dodi S. Manning, President ALA