CBA Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom Program
Why CBA’s Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom?
Our History
For almost 40 years, the CBA Edward J. Lewis II Lawyers in the Classroom has connected attorneys and students through engaging civic education experiences that strengthen democracy and bring the Constitution and legal system to life. We started as an experimental program under the CBA YLS (Young Lawyers Section) in the 1980s, transferred to the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago, and came back to CBA permanently in 2019 when CRFC closed. The program is named for Edward J. Lewis II, a prolific volunteer and beloved Jenner & Block LLP partner who passed away too early and has left an indelible impact on youth, our program and civics education for years to come.
Today, hundreds of attorney volunteers (including judges, retired lawyers and law students) teach students from 2nd-8th grades in communities across Chicagoland using or adapting our standards-based curriculum. Through lessons grounded in discussion and real-world examples, students develop critical thinking skills, explore constitutional principles, and learn how law impacts everyday life. Lawyers in the Classroom serves a variety of schools in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, including Chicago Public Schools, parochial, charter, and specialized institutions.
Why It Matters Now
Lawyers in the Classroom brings civic education to life, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to actively participate in society and strengthen our democracy. Through interactive non-partisan lessons led by attorney volunteers, students explore constitutional principles, deepen critical thinking skills, and learn how the law impacts everyday life. Students often meet attorneys for the first time who ask what their thoughts are and provide new ideas of what vocation they might like to pursue as adults.
Aligned with Illinois Learning Standards, the program supports civics, inquiry, literacy, and social-emotional learning while helping students become informed, engaged members of their communities.
Constitutional Literacy | Critical Thinking | Career Exposure | Democratic Principles
See how a Lawyers in the Classroom visit inspired a Harvard Law Degree!
Help Bring Civics to Life for Thousands of Students—Donate Today!
