Detroit, MI, March 9,
2026 – In mid-February, more than 20 students from
Detroit Cass Technical High School walked through the doors of the Third
Circuit Court of Michigan not as spectators, but as possible future legal
professionals.
The students are members of Pathways
to Law, a new club formed at the start of the 2025 school year. Created as
a pilot initiative and currently limited to 25 Cass Tech students, the group
was designed to give them hands-on exposure to the legal profession while
building skills that will prepare them for college, law school, and careers in
the judiciary and broader legal community.
Their visit came at the invitation of the Hon. Chandra Baker-Robinson, a proud Cass Tech graduate and member
of the Third Circuit Court Bench. For many of the students, the experience
marked their first time inside an active courtroom.
Throughout the day, the group observed multiple proceedings in the
court’s Criminal Division, including trials and motion hearings, gaining
firsthand insight into courtroom procedure, judicial decision-making, and the
daily operations of the most active court in Michigan. Students watched
attorneys present arguments, saw litigants navigate complex legal issues, and
observed how judges manage their dockets with discipline and deliberation.
Following the courtroom observations, students engaged in a candid
question-and-answer session with Judge Baker-Robinson and other members of the
Third Circuit Court Bench and fellow Cass Tech alums, including Judge Charise Anderson, Judge Wanda Evans, Judge Tracy Green, Judge Michael Hathaway, and Judge Regina Thomas.
The discussion ranged from educational pathways and professional challenges to the personal responsibility that
comes with serving on the bench. Students asked thoughtful questions about law school preparation, courtroom decorum, and what it takes to build credibility in the legal field.
Judge
Baker-Robinson said the visit by the students marks the beginning of a new annual
program she will plan at Third Circuit Court. That program will give inner-city
students the chance to experience the legal profession in person.
The
trip for the Pathways to Law club
required a collaborative effort to make it possible. Cass Tech did not have
funding for transportation, so the students organized a fundraiser to cover the
cost of the bus, while members of the Third Circuit Court Bench provided lunch
for the students and teachers.
According to Mr. Donald Hightower, a teacher at Cass Tech and
faculty advisor to Pathways to Law, the club was formed to provide
students with direct exposure to the legal profession rather than limiting
their understanding to textbooks and classroom discussion. He noted that the
program launched at the beginning of the 2025 school year and, because it
remains in a pilot phase, participation has been capped at 25 students to
ensure meaningful engagement and mentorship opportunities.
Pathways to Law’s mission is to facilitate
experiential learning through partnerships with judges, attorneys, and law
students. In addition to courtroom visits, the club plans to host guest
speakers, coordinate mentorship connections, conduct mock trials, and expose
students to a broad range of legal careers. Club members also are responsible
for raising money to pay for activities. As Mr. Hightower explained, the
long-term objective is to transition the club into a school-approved,
sustainable program that becomes a permanent staple at Cass Tech.
Early momentum in building the club has been strong. The group
recently organized a Double Good popcorn fundraiser to support club expenses
and plans additional fundraising efforts to sustain programming. The club also
maintains an active presence on Instagram at @ct_pathwaystolaw to share updates
and build community interest.
Third Circuit Court is pleased to have hosted these Cass Tech
students and hope to have members of Pathways
to Law back in the near future. Congratulations to all club members are
already demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a clear interest in
understanding the rule of law.
The Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan is the largest circuit court in the state, with 60 judges and three operating divisions. It has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and family matters arising in Wayne County. Learn more at www.3rdcc.org.
