Cardozo Youth Advocates (YA) provides a great way for Cardozo students to get involved with the New York City community. Members of YA visit Washington Irving High School, a public school near Cardozo, a few times per week to assist high school students as they explore various legal topics as a part of a social justice class. Last fall, YA helped students prepare debates on issues including gun control and the death penalty, which they then presented in Cardozo’s Jacob Burns Moot Court Room before a faculty mediator. During the spring semester, YA prepared and conducted a mock trial, which the students enacted at Cardozo in front of a faculty judge. YA is an easy way for Cardozo students to apply their legal knowledge while serving the community for only a couple of hours per week. Participating in YA is highly rewarding as members can see over time the high school students become interested and learn about the legal system, topics in the law, and debating skills. Not only do the Washington Irving High School students enjoy the time YA members spend with them, Cardozo students find the experience fun and worthwhile as well. YA is also a great resume-building activity, as it provides a chance to develop communication and leadership skills. If you are interested in joining YA or would like to learn more, please email Amanda Rostowsky and Neha Bhalani at a href=”mailto:cardozoya@gmail.com”cardozoya@gmail.com/a./divdiv /divdiv[strongA student from Washington Irving High School questions a witness during a mock trial in the Moot Court Room at Cardozo on Law Day Spring 2009. Photo by Amanda Rostowsky]/div