Gordon & Rees continues its decade long tradition of participation in the National Constitutional Rights Foundation by sponsoring a San Francisco high school team in the California Mock Trial program. The National Constitutional Rights Foundation seeks to instill in our nation's youth a deeper understanding of citizenship through values expressed in our Constitution and its Bill of Rights and educate young people to become active and responsible participants in our society. The National Constitutional Rights Foundation organizes the Mock Trial program, an academic competition, in which high schools compete at the county, state and national levels.

The trial itself is a simulation of a criminal case, in which students portray each of the principals in the cast of courtroom characters. Student teams study a hypothetical case, conduct legal research, and receive guidance from the volunteer attorney coaches in courtroom procedures and trial preparation. Students acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system which encourages them to develop their analytical abilities and communication skills while gaining increased self-confidence and self esteem. For the 2005 - 2006 year, the Gordon Rees coaches headed by Amy Maclear included colleagues Kevin Collins, Rupa Bhandari, Tom Watson, Katherine Hall and Joy Jaeger. Ms. Maclear said, "It's an extremely rewarding experience to help mold and nurture young adults gain a greater understanding and appreciation for our legal system."

Tireless hours of preparation, coaching, and mentoring went into the new team of 20 students at Lowell High school, a Distinguished School of Excellence in San Francisco. Last year, Lowell High School placed first in the county against 7 other schools and proceeded to the state level competition.