The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, in partnership with the Hippodrome Foundation, hosted an inspiring event for Baltimore City and County middle school students on Thursday, December 18. The program featured a unique educational experience designed to introduce young learners to the legal system in a fun and engaging way.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Dean Renée Laurent, who greeted students with enthusiasm and shared the law school’s commitment to equity, fairness, and community. “What our students find here is a place where they are part of a supportive community that shares their values of equity and fairness. And just like Dorothy, in their three years of law school, they forge lifelong friendships and graduate with new confidence and courage,” she said.
Students were treated to a special mock trial, The State of Oz v. Dorothy Gale: A Fairy Tale Trial, presented by the law school’s National Trial Team. This whimsical case centered on Dorothy Gale, who stood accused of murdering the Wicked Witch by dropping her house on her. The trial featured testimony from beloved characters including The Wizard of Oz and Glinda the Good. “The most important part of this event is the community outreach,” said Lauren Helbig ’26, who played the defense attorney for Dorthy Gale. “I hope this trial helps students become interested in litigation.”
Middle school participants played an active role in the proceedings. After watching the arguments unfold, they had the opportunity to question the law students and the judge before casting their votes as members of the jury to decide Dorothy’s fate. “I think it was a fair and reasonable trial,” said Noble McCraw, age 11. “I think being a lawyer looks like fun. You get to help a lot of people in the world.”
Following the trial, students and trial participants attended a performance of Wicked at the Hippodrome Theatre, thanks to the generosity of the Hippodrome Foundation. This combination of legal education and performing arts created a memorable experience that highlighted the power of storytelling—both in the courtroom and on stage.
Dean Laurent encouraged students to imagine themselves as future law students, emphasizing that success in new and challenging environments comes from hard work, passion, and a supportive community. “I hope that as you spend time with us today, you will see that all you need to belong in new and different places, like college or law school, is the will to work really hard, the passion to make a difference, and a community that takes seriously the need to mitigate unnecessary barriers to progress,” she said.
The event underscored Maryland Carey Law’s dedication to increasing access to the legal profession and inspiring the next generation to pursue justice for all.