July 15, 17, & 18, 2025

Assistant Federal Defenders Carly Levenson and Allison Kahl and Chief Investigator Jennifer Mellon presented at panel discussions with approximately 25 high school students from across Connecticut. The presentations were part of the week-long WWE Summer Justice Institute organized by the Connecticut District Court. On July 15, 2025, Assistant Federal Defender Carly Levenson spoke on a panel about direct and cross-examination, alongside a District Court Judge and Assistant United States Attorney. Attorney Levenson then worked with a small group of students to craft cross-examination questions for their mock trial. Also on July 15, 2025, Chief Investigator Jennifer Mellon spoke on a panel regarding law-adjacent careers. That panel was moderated by Magistrate Judge Thomas O. Farrish and included a courtroom deputy, probation officer, and supervisory FBI agent. On July 17, 2025, Assistant Federal Defender Allison Kahl helped conduct a mock jury selection exercise with Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector and Assistant United States Attorney Ray Miller. On July 18, 2025, First Assistant Federal Defender helped judge the mock trial competition.