Local students selected for Legal Heritage Institute

Michael Soter of Calabasas High School and Adam Sowlati of Viewpoint High School have been selected to participate in the Foundation of the State Bar of California’s Legal Heritage Institute, a one-week, all-expenses paid legal literacy summer program for high school seniors scheduled for July 10 through 16 in Sacramento.

Along with 23 other students from throughout California, Soter and Sowlati will visit courthouses and law firms, observe state and federal court proceedings, interview lawyers and judges, visit the state capitol and learn about the legal system. The field faculty consists of volunteer lawyers, judges, and civic leaders.

Upon successful completion of the program and enrollment in a college or university, the students will be eligible for a college scholarship up to $1,500.

The Foundation selected the participating students on the basis of a statewide essay competition on “My Rights and Responsibilities under the Law.” Soter wrote on “the independence of the American judicial branch viewed through an historical perspective.” Sowlati’s essay discussed “the importance of preserving judical independence.”

Founded in 1990, the Foundation is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the State Bar of California. The organization is dedicated to promoting, improving, and building public trust and confidence in our justice system and supports an array of educational programs. For more information, please visit the website at www.foundationstatebarcal.org.