PR teen tabbed for EILT program

PRIEST RIVER — For as long as she can remember, Jordan MacDonald has dreamed of becoming a lawyer.

“When I was 7, my reasoning for wanting to be a lawyer was because I like to argue,” MacDonald recalled with a laugh. “It’s just been a big part of my life.”

Now a 15-year-old freshman at Priest River Lamanna High School, MacDonald has been selected to represent her school and the state at the Envision Intensive Law and Trial program, held in collaboration with Stanford Law School this summer.

Throughout the 10-day program, MacDonald said that she will learn about the practice of law, legal rhetoric, and ethics from preeminent legal professionals, including Stanford Law School professors. She will have the opportunity to develop and practice essential legal skills, such as making opening statements and closing arguments, preparing cases, and readying witnesses for cross-examinations. Finally, MacDonald said she will get to take part in a mock trial simulation, using the skill she learned throughout the course of the program.

“Going to Stanford is a big opportunity to see if being a lawyer is what I want to continue to do, and it’s really exciting,” she said, adding that it will help her get into her college of choice in the future as well.

To help her prepare for Stanford experience, MacDonald said she will be doing an internship with John Redal, a criminal defense attorney in Coeur d’Alene, in the spring. She is excited about that opportunity as well, she said, though a “little nervous” at the same time.

With a 4.0 GPA at PRLHS, MacDonald is currently ranked 1 of 77 in her freshman class. After high school, MacDonald plans to attend Louisiana State University where, if all goes well, she could get her law degree debt free, she said. She is also looking at possibly attending Stanford, she said, but has been planning on LSU for some time. So at the beginning of her freshman year, she contacted LSU to find out what classes she needs to take in high school to help her get in. It was through that process, she said, that she ultimately received a letter from the Envision program inviting her to attend the summer school at Stanford.

The only barrier MacDonald faces is the cost of the program. Tuition alone is over $4,000, and with travel and other expenses, she needs to raise about $5,000 before summer. Her parents contributed the initial $500 to get her enrolled, she said.

A website has been established for donation and MacDonald’s father, Robert MacDonald, said any help from the community would be appreciated.

“I’m really proud of her … this is a big deal,” the teen’s father said.

Donations can be made online at fundly.com/stanford-law-summer-school-envision. Robert MacDonald said they have an account set up with Mountain West Bank to receive donations as well, or contact him at 208-217-0923.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at mmalone@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.