Registration is now open for the University of the Pacific’s Summer High School Institute, giving high school students the chance to immerse themselves in two-week programs.

This summer, the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law is offering two pre-law sessions where high school students become immersed in cutting-edge topics and issues through focusing on real-world, hands-on experiences.

The Pacific Summer High School Institute (SHSI) is a two-week residential pre-college summer program designed for high school students to learn firsthand experience from faculty and professionals in the field. Students have the opportunity to choose between over 50 immersive two-week courses offered in the SHSI program. 

This year, McGeorge Professor Erin O’Neal is teaching two summer program sessions. The first course, "Lawyers and the Rule of Law," will be held June 1 – 11. The course explores the importance of the rule of law and legal analysis skills to give students the opportunity to learn more about law school and the role lawyers play in society. O’Neal teaches law school courses on the McGeorge campus and also teaches undergraduate pre-law courses at the University of the Pacific, where she serves as director of Pacific’s pre-law exploratory Pacific Legal Advantage program.

“It has been such a pleasure to teach students in SHSI, have the opportunity to work with them again in Pacific Legal Advantage courses, and then see them realize their dream of attending law school as students on our McGeorge campus,” O’Neal said. “Our pre-law Summer High School Institute programs are designed to give high school students the opportunity to learn more about law school and the legal profession, while gaining real-world legal analysis and advocacy skills that can help them determine if law school is the path for them.”

The second summer course, “Be a Lawyer in Court" will be held on June 16 – 26. The course dives deeper into trial preparation, case analysis, direct and cross-examination, admitting and using exhibits, and delivering opening statements and closing arguments, offering high school students, the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that will prepare them for college and law school.

McGeorge’s Office of Admissions hosts a variety of pathway events throughout the year for high school and college students interested in law school. Dean of Admissions and Professor of Law Dan Croxall ‘08 said these events are designed to help students explore legal education early and build a strong foundation for their future careers. 

"We hope to inspire a deep interest and a love of the law,” Croxall said. “Professor O’Neal’s SHSI course has the potential to inspire lifelong curiosity about how the law is created and evolves over time. The second course is more practical and emphasizes the skills and traits lawyers must have to be strong advocates in court. This portion brings excitement and strategy into the minds of the students."

Yaretzi Coronel, a high school senior who participated in SHSI last year, described her experience in “Lawyers and the Rule of Law” as going beyond showcasing college life.

“It’s raising the next generation of lawyers,” Coronel said. “It gave me the opportunity to analyze the proceedings of court, articulate arguments, and find an inspiring legal community.”

Registration for all programs is open now. The deadline to register for the first session is May 10, and the deadline for the second session is May 24.