[Chicago, IL, February 8, 2011] – Students from University of Chicago Charter School Woodlawn Campus will conclude an educational law program with an all-day conference on February 9, 2011, at the Chicago offices of DLA Piper LLP with Verizon, the firm announced today.

The program and conference are part of the NALP/Street Law Legal Diversity Pipeline Program, a joint effort between the two named non-profits that promotes diversity in the legal profession. The program partners law firms with nearby, diverse high school law classes in an effort to engage the students, teach them about civil law, and encourage them to consider careers in the legal profession. DLA Piper is one of nine law firms across the country participating in this third year of the Legal Diversity Pipeline program.

The program, which began in 2007, is one important component in the movement to increase the representation of women and people of color in the legal profession. By providing students opportunities to learn about the law and participate in simulations of real-world legal situations, the program works to open young people to the possibility of a legal career and provide them with resources to pursue that path.

The conference is the culmination of a multi-week program in which DLA Piper attorneys and members of the Verizon legal department will teach students about contract disputes, legislative hearings, and advertising law. The legal professionals will also offer personal mentorship and career guidance to students interested in legal careers. The all-day conference reinforces the students’ lessons with interactive workshops and gives them a glimpse into the firm’s business. The day will also include lunch and a career fair where students can explore the wide array of jobs and practice areas in the legal profession.

“This program is a powerful experience for the high school students – it gives them the opportunity to interact with legal professionals and sparks their interest in legal careers,” according to Megan Hanson, program director at Street Law, Inc.

“We are proud to work with our client, Verizon, to inspire some amazing young people to consider a career practicing law,” said DLA Piper Pro Bono Partner Lisa Dewey.  “We value multiple perspectives and voices at our firm, and we hope to excite young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue a challenging and rewarding career in the legal profession.”

About DLA Piper (www.dlapiper.com): DLA Piper has 3,500 lawyers in 30 countries and 69 offices throughout the US, UK, Continental Europe, Middle East and Asia. In certain jurisdictions, this information may be considered attorney advertising. About Verizon: Verizon Communications Inc., headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, serving more than 94 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion.

About Street Law: Street Law, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides practical, participatory education about law, democracy, and human rights. With a unique blend of content and methodology, Street Law, Inc. uses techniques that promote cooperative learning, critical thinking, and the ability to participate in a democratic society. For 35 years, Street Law, Inc.'s programs and curricula have promoted knowledge of legal rights and responsibilities, engagement in the democratic process, and belief in the rule of law, among both youth and adults. To learn more visit www.streetlaw.org.

About NALP: Founded in 1971, the National Association for Law Placement, Inc.® (NALP) is a nonprofit educational association of law schools and legal employers dedicated to facilitating legal career counseling and planning, recruitment and retention, and the professional development of law students and lawyers.

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