Judge O’Connell, who was long-time board member of WLALA, created the Power Lunch Program to provide civic education, judicial mentorship and exposure to the judicial branch to local high school students. As part of the Power Lunch Program, students come to courthouses to have lunch with judges, lawyers, courtroom staff and members of law enforcement. Approximately 75 students attend each lunch, with students from various schools coming to courthouses throughout Los Angeles County for lunch with justice system professionals including judges, lawyers and members of law enforcement. At the lunches, the students hear presentations about the Constitution and the legal system. Following the presentations, the students break into smaller groups for personal interactions with the participating judges and lawyers. The Power Lunch concludes with an interactive game of “Judicial Jeopardy.”

Contact info@wlala.org to request a Power Lunch at your high school.

Power Lunch participants who identify as a woman, are interested in a legal or public service career, and are inspired by the WLALA power lunch, are eligible to apply for a scholarship. More information here.