(Top photo) Angela Upchurch, SIU Simmons Law School associate dean, talks with college students during a mock classroom exercise as part of the school’s Pipeline-to-Practice program, while high school students from the Metro East (bottom photo) participated in a crime scene to courtroom program in June. (Top photo by Russell Bailey; bottom photo provided.)
July 28, 2026
SIU Simmons Law School summer initiatives showcase legal careers for students
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Thirteen high achieving college students gained insight on legal careers and preparing for law school last week through Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School’s Pipeline to Practice program.
In June, 36 high school students, primarily from the Metro East area, attended the “Crime Scene to Courtroom” program at Southwest Illinois Center for Justice and Workforce Development in Belleville.
The two free summer programs, hosted by the law school, help high school and college students learn more about law school, the legal profession and criminal justice.
“Our summer law camps open doors for high school and college students across Southern Illinois and beyond to imagine a future in the legal profession,” SIU Simmons Law School Dean Hannah Brenner Johnson said. “We want them to see early on that a legal career is possible, and for those who choose to build a future here in Southern Illinois, these programs are a critical part of the pipeline our region depends on.”
Pipeline to Practice
The fifth Pipeline to Practice program showcased the law school and its 3+3 accelerated law program, which allows students to finish their undergraduate degree at SIU while also completing their first year of law school.
During the three-day program, July 21-23, students participated in a simulated law class, met with attorneys and law school faculty, attended court proceedings in the U.S. District Courthouse in Benton and the Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro, and met with circuit court, federal judges and attorneys, many of whom are SIU alumni. While at the law school, students learned about the admissions process, the bar exam, participated in a mock class, and had dinner with attorneys.
Associate Dean and Professor of Law Angela Upchurch said the students were impressive.
“Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and thoughtful questions made it clear that the future of our profession is bright,” she said. “Programs like this play a vital role in ensuring that talented students from our region and other rural communities can see a pathway into the legal profession. Expanding access to legal education strengthens not only our law school but also the communities that will one day be served by these future attorneys.”
Students who attended the program were from SIU Carbondale, SIU Edwardsville, John A. Logan College, Albany State University, Eastern Kentucky University, Tuskegee University, University of Illinois Springfield, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Mississippi.
From crime scene to the courtroom
During the June 22-26 “Crime Scene to Courtroom” program, students learned forensic techniques and analysis including fingerprinting, blood spatter and DNA analysis, along with legal concepts, said Casey Parker, the law school’s career services director. They also participated in mock trials where each student had a role as an attorney or witness, with several law school faculty, alumni and students providing mentoring and guidance to students.
“Hopefully, students will have a better understanding of both (forensics and the law) after the camp and begin thinking about what classes they can take now and in college to set themselves up for their future careers, including preparing for law school,” Parker said. “It’s important that Simmons Law School is involved in these types of events, as public interest and creating a better community is part of Simmons’ mission.”
Upchurch added that the program gave students who love true crime stories an “ultimate behind-the-scenes experience,” allowing them to move beyond “binge-watching” to become investigators, forensic scientists and legal advocates by working through realistic crime scenes and courtroom simulations. The experience delivered a deeper understanding of how attorneys, forensic scientists, and other professionals collaborate in the pursuit of justice.
The program was in collaboration with SIU Edwardsville and St. Louis University forensic science programs, and the Illinois Math and Science Academy, It took place in the Simmons Law School in the Eckert-Enyart Metro East Experiential Learning Annex, and strengthens the law school’s connection to the region. Parker said the camp will be offered again next year.