This past summer, three of Loughlin’s own young women were chosen to participate in a three-week program called The Scales of Justice Academy at Fordham University. The purpose of this program was not only to provide girls from NYC an opportunity to experience law programs, lectures, and course loads; but also to impart necessary life skills as they prepare for college and the professional world.
Zora James ’18, Azizat Osinaike ’18 and Gia Walcott ’19 (pictured) were among fifty young women chosen to participate in this selective and prestigious program. Among their first lessons was an exercise in punctuality. In speaking with Gia Walcott, one of the many challenges of the Scales of Justice Academy was its insistence that girls be present every day of the three-week program and arrive on time. The girls, determined to make a positive impression, did not disappoint. “As in the professional world, it is important to be on time and to stick to commitments,” the girls pointed out, and for senior Zora James, this even meant shuffling around a family vacation.
For Zora, the highlight of the program was getting the opportunity to visit a courtroom in downtown Manhattan; “It was really cool to see the shift in people’s attitudes, the Judge was very strict and stern on the stand, but when he came to talk to us he was actually really sweet.” Thanks to the Scales of Justice program, the girls were able to watch courtroom procedures and then speak to the main players after court recessed. The girls even got an opportunity to visit the Supreme Court in Washington D.C. While in Washington, the girls were able to see the sights and sounds of the bustling courtrooms and visit several law museums.
Back in New York, at Fordham University, the girls were able to sit in on lectures delivered by practicing New York City attorneys. The girls were most surprised at all of the various types of law programs that are available to them after they graduate. Azizat Osinaike always believed she would pursue criminal law, but after a presentation on family law and divorce court, Azizat now sees this sector as an opportunity for her to explore. After the program, Azizat remained in touch with the lecturer and even had the opportunity to shadow the attorney for a day in her New York office.
The greatest highlight of the program for the girls was the opportunity to make lasting connections. The girls are still in touch with many of the other girls they met from the program and have remained in contact with several lecturers.
The liaison between Loughlin and the Scales of Justice program was facilitated by Pamela Sloan, Bishop McDonnell Class of 1973. Ms. Sloan recognizes that Loughlin girls today are no different from the Bishop McDonnell girls from the past. Not only is Ms. Sloan on the Board of Governors, and in support of the Scales program, but she has also helped to fully fund The Bishop McDonnell Scholarship Fund to support Loughlin girls.
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