News Releases

Schiff Hardin LLP is a Golden Sponsor of the San Francisco YMCA Youth and Government Program

April 30, 2008

Schiff Hardin LLP became a Golden Sponsor of the San Francisco YMCA Youth and Government Program on April 10 when the firm donated $5,000 to the program.

"We are thrilled to donate to this worthy program," said Schiff Hardin Managing Partner Ronald S. Safer. "At Schiff Hardin, we are committed to cultivating increased diversity in the legal field, and we believe that interest in pursuing a career in law can begin at a young age. The YMCA Youth and Government Program provides a great service to the legal community by introducing a diverse group of high school students to the practice of law."

Each year the YMCA Youth and Government Program trains a racially, ethnically, and economically diverse population of teens from public and private high schools in trial advocacy skills. This national program teaches students about how state government works and provides participatory activities in which they can experience simulated state government proceedings.

"Schiff Hardin is always on the lookout for ways in which we can promote diversity in the legal field," said Schiff Hardin Chairman Robert H. Riley. "The YMCA Youth and Government Program not only gives us the opportunity to do so, but it allows us to contribute to the education of high school students. We are pleased and proud to support this program."

"The San Francisco YMCA Youth and Government Program affords us the opportunity to give back to our community," said Jean L. Bertrand, Coordinating Partner of Schiff Hardin's San Francisco office. "Both students and the legal community benefit from such a program, and we are honored to be able to support this valuable organization."

Students involved with the San Francisco YMCA Youth and Government Program also stage a "Bill Hearing Night" in San Francisco City Hall hosted by Mayor Gavin Newsom and a mock trial at the Federal Courthouse with the Honorable Thelton Henderson presiding.

In addition, the San Francisco YMCA delegation engages 35-50 teens in a six-month program culminating in a "Model Legislature and Model Court Conference" in Sacramento each February where the teens join more than 2,000 of their peers from throughout California. These San Francisco teens learn valuable insights from one another in the delegation, while providing a unique and valued perspective for the other delegates across the state. This year, four participants are now interns for Assemblywoman Fiona Ma.

The San Francisco YMCA Youth and Government Program relies on sponsorship by local law firms, as well as the engagement of members of the legal community to mentor and teach the delegates each year.

For additional information about the YMCA Youth and Government Program, please visit their Web site at http://www.ymcayg.org/ymcayg.html.