By Jayda Evans
Arizona Daily Wildcat
The O.J. Simpson Trial and television shows like L.A. Law glamorized it, now the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association wants to give Tucsonans the inside track on law.
The People's Law School, sponsored by ATAL, is opening its doors again to anyone interested in learning about the legal system.
"The public's awareness of the legal system has been enhanced because of the (Simpson) trial," said James A. Fein, Esq. of Fein & Hameroff, who is chair of the People's Law School. "It may have made them more interested in law, but there are so many areas that aren't dealt with daily and that are not as sexy as what TV portrays.
"I hope this program enlightens the public about what being a lawyer is really like and helps people understand the legal system."
The Trial Lawyers Association has programs like Tucson's across the nation. This year the People's Law School will be held at the University of Arizona's College of Law, Room 146. Arizona Chief Justice Stanley Feldman, Judge Lawrence Fleischman of Pima County Superior Court, and Elliot A. Glicksman, Esq. of Stompoly, Stroud, Giddings, & Glicksman, P.C. are among the guest speakers. The topics will range from product liability, domestic relations and environmental law to concepts of damages and evidence.
"It could be a case of stump the lawyer," Glicksman said. Along with practicing law, Glicksman also hosts a radio show on KNST-AM 790 that fields legal calls at 8 a.m. on Saturdays. "I held a lecture at (the People's Law School) a few years ago and expect it to be a really good legal education.
"In the old days you didn't have to go to school to become a lawyer," he said, "you just had to hang around lawyers long enough and then you were one. I think this will be a throwback on that concept."
Around 60 people attended the program last year and more than that have signed up for the six sessions this year. Glicksman said the audience ranges from senior citizens and students to people with legal problems and other lawyers.
"We tried to move the date up ... so that students wouldn't have a problem scheduling around their finals and spring break," Fein said.
Students can attend the school at half price. The fee covers the room and some supplies; the speakers are participating because they believe in the program, Fein said.
"I may have to take a few of them out afterwards though," he said.
Fein has been practicing law in Tucson for 22 years and decided to take on this program two years ago to spark people's interest in the legal system and attending law school.
"I became interested in the law because of politics," Fein said. "Now, I'm concerned with the way our profession is perceived because TV makes it seem like we all make tons of money. There are a number of lawyers that aren't making a lot of money and are doing mundane work to some people, but it is important to someone. I feel the public has a right to know about this. I saw the People's Law School as a way to teach them. If one student comes out of this saying they want to go to law school, then it was a success.
"Even if law school is not a part of their future plans, we welcome questions and will provide a notebook with valuable materials and information to everyone," he said. "Last year I gave out a survey at the end of the program and only two people said they would not want to come back. Only two Ÿ that's pretty good."
The sessions will be every Monday beginning Oct. 16 and ending Nov. 20, and will run from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The cost of the program is $20 for the general public or $10 for students. For registration or more information, call 792-4700.