10/01/2021

Plans for the 2021-2022 Program Year

OCLRE is proud and grateful to serve, in partnership with teachers and members of the legal community, students from throughout the state. Providing meaningful, experiential learning opportunities for Ohio students is the core of our programs and will remain the focus despite challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. 

While we strongly believe that in-person events provide the best educational experience for students, we will prioritize the health and safety of participants and volunteers in accordance with the most up-to-date public health guidance. 

In addition to public health, the following important considerations impact our decision-making, some of which are outside of the scope of OCLRE control: 

• Policies of host sites, including the more than 30 courthouses and government buildings throughout Ohio that coordinate or host OCLRE competitions and events, and the recognition that those policies may vary greatly and/or change with little notice. 
• Decisions and policies of participating schools. 
• Capacity of host sites, e.g. 
  • Local courthouses’ dockets may be back-logged due to circumstances and therefore courtroom availability for mock trials may be limited. 
  • Local and state government buildings may delay approval of or prohibit use of space, or limit participation and/or spectators. 

• Capacity and comfort level of volunteers. 
• Equitable access and experience for participants. 
• Capacity of OCLRE staff 
  • To offer consistent quality and equitable service for all participants and programs, limitations may be placed on participation, venue, etc., accordingly. 

We will announce winter program plans and venues in November, with additional information about spring program plans forthcoming in early 2022. Out of respect for all involved, information will be released to all involved teachers, advisors, and volunteers at the same time, via our email and social media channels and website. We will not share information on an individual basis prior to that. 

Thank you for your understanding and patience, and most importantly for your service to students. 

Kate Strickland 

Executive Director