Steven Adams’ passion for law started early because, as he puts it, he was the friend who always found a way to get his buddies out of trouble.
Before going to law school, he joined the military and gained a deep appreciation for structure, which ultimately led him to criminal law.
“I like to be able to help people when they’re at their worst,” Adams told The Dispatch on Wednesday.
The dedication of area legal professionals like Adams is what inspired the Golden Triangle Law Academy, a four-day camp where students can experience real hearings in courtrooms and gain a deeper understanding of how the justice system functions. Through the camp, those professionals will have a chance to share their expertise with campers through legal demonstrations, conversations and fun exercises.
The academy is open to rising sophomores through 2026 high school graduates and will be held from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 22-25 at the Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Annex.
GTLA was organized by Executive Director of the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission Nicole McDowell and Circuit Judge Michelle Easterling in an effort to encourage students to pursue a career in law and demonstrate the diversity that the law profession offers.
“They’re going to see all of the different cogs in the wheel of justice,” Easterling said.
The academy focuses on interactivity, giving campers the opportunity to observe chancery court hearings, participate in mock negotiations, tour the Oktibbeha County Jail and practice soft skills that improve their understanding of professionalism.
“We’re going to try to keep it moving, and we’re going to avoid lecturing to them,” Easterling said. “They don’t want to be lectured to. They want to see and participate.”
Criminal defense attorney Rod Ray said he hopes campers end the week with the understanding that everything in our society comes back to the law.
“Most people’s perception of the legal business or profession is (the television show) ‘Law and Order.’… That’s not how it works,” Ray said. “The intricate details sometimes aren’t flashy or sexy, but they make everything in our society work.”
A primary concern of local legal professionals is the lack of attorneys in Mississippi, Easterling said. The camp strives to inspire young students in the Golden Triangle not only to become interested in the law but to give back to their community by staying in their home state to practice.
“There are some small towns in our district and in the state of Mississippi that do not have attorneys, and everybody needs access to an attorney,” Easterling said. “It’s access to justice.”
The mock negotiations stand out as an important exercise that extends past practicing law and into every aspect of someone’s life, McDowell said.
“We don’t really realize that we negotiate almost on a daily basis with things, whether you’re buying a car or maybe you’re talking to your kid about bedtime,” McDowell said.
Campers will be provided with snacks and a binder with notepads, pens and other supplemental materials however lunch will not be provided, Easterling said.
Students who participate will be given a law academy certificate and will have the chance to be awarded a college scholarship at the end of the week. While there is a $50 registration fee that funds the scholarships, students who may be impeded by the cost are encouraged to reach out to [email protected] for financial assistance, Easterling said.
Interested students can register at msatjc.org/event and registration closes June 15.
Easterling said the local law community has shown unwavering support for the inaugural event, and organizers are eager to get started.
“I’m really grateful to the attorneys that volunteer and that have helped me make this a reality,” Easterling said.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
