The Second Annual Mandell-Boisclair Justice Camp Inspires Future Rhode Island Advocates
July 29, 2025
Thirty-four middle-schoolers from across Rhode Island spent part of their summer learning exactly how courts work, why laws matter, and how a single voice can spark change during the second annual Mandell-Boisclair Justice Camp at Roger Williams University School of Law. Split into two weeklong sessions, one for first-time campers and another for returning students, this free program explored the myriad ways the law can be used to advance justice and make the world freer and fairer for all.
Immersing sixth- through ninth-graders in conversations with RWU School of Law faculty, state leaders, local judges, and attorneys on topics including civil liberties, environmental justice, voting rights, and constitutional law, the program focuses on righting wrongs through advocacy and legal action.
Over the course of the two sessions, students:
- Engaged in a formal debate, moderated by Kim Kalunian of WPRI 12, on timely constitutional questions, including voting age in the U.S., mandatory community service for high schoolers, and school access to student phones and social media.
- Met civil-rights leader Karen Korematsu at Providence’s new AAPI History Museum.
- Visited Superior and District Courts for behind-the-bench discussions with judges.
- Honored Station Fire victims, including survivor Gina Russo, with lead lawyer for the case, Mark Mandell, at Station Fire Memorial Park.
Other speakers, panelists, and participants included:
- RWU School of Law Dean Gregory W. Bowman
- State Representative June Speakman
- Executive Director of the Latino Policy Institute, Marcela Betancur
- Executive Director of the Economic Progress Institute, Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies
- State Associate Justice Linda Rekas Sloan
- Liaison for the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission, Carla Aveledo
- Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell attorneys Mark Mandell, Zachary Mandell, and John Meara
- And more
Graduates of the camp received a Certificate of Achievement from RWU School of Law, as well as Certificates of Special Achievement from Governor Daniel McKee and U.S. Representative Gabe Amo.
In his opening remarks, Mark Mandell noted, “This camp is about believing in yourself, caring enough to make a difference, and recognizing that anything is possible…” Stressing ethical behavior and hard work, he continued, “At a time when equal justice for all is under attack across our country, we want to create a space that respects social justice.”
Sponsored and underwritten by trial lawyers Mark Mandell, Yvette Boisclair, and their son, Zachary Mandell, the camp removes every cost barrier by fully covering tuition, materials, meals, and field-trip travel for participants. The law firm of Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell strongly supports RWU Law’s commitment to equity and access in the legal field and is proud to provide support for this camp and the University’s ongoing work.
About RWU School of Law
Roger Williams University School of Law, the state’s only ABA-approved law school, emphasizes public-interest advocacy and experiential learning. Its Providence campus hosts clinics, externships, and community programming designed to build the next generation of change-makers.
Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell and RWU Law plan to welcome another cohort in the summer of 2026. Families and educators interested in future sessions should watch our community page and RWU Law’s website for application details later this year.
