Maslon UPLIFT: Legal Institute for Teens Expands Program to Columbia Academy

Maslon LLP is pleased to announce the expansion of Maslon UPLIFT: Legal Institute for Teens—the after school mock trial program launched in October 2017 to serve 8th grade students who reflect the rich diversity of the Twin Cities.  After a successful launch at St. Louis Park Middle School, the six-month program has expanded to include Columbia Academy in Columbia Heights, Minnesota—and is currently underway at both schools for the 2018-2019 school year.

Participation in Maslon UPLIFT helps students build confidence, develop analytical and speaking skills, foster long term vision, and create a framework to pursue academic excellence in high school. The program offers students engaging opportunities to learn from volunteer attorneys about the legal profession, criminal justice, and the court system.

Catherine Ahlin-Halverson, a former partner at Maslon LLP and currently Public Interest Counsel for the firm, leads the mock trial program for local students. Prior to this, Catherine practiced in the areas of complex and class action litigation for 16 years and served as co-chair of Maslon's Litigation Group from 2011-2013. She is a 2000 graduate of Columbia Law School where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and graduated cum laude from Smith College in 1996 with a B.A. in music. In addition to leading the mock trial program for local students, Catherine serves as a mentor and leader across all of Maslon's pro bono efforts.