On May 20, 2014 the Cherry Creek West Middle School (Denver) eighth-grade social studies classes participated in the Mock Congressional Hearings and presented before a panel of judges, including Kutak Rock attorneys Christopher Heroux and Lee Sachnoff. This national, non-competitive program allows students to both demonstrate and receive an assessment of their knowledge of United States history and the Constitution.

The students conducted a simulated congressional hearing before a panel of three to four judges that included teachers, administrators, judges, attorneys and others familiar with American history and Constitution. Judges asked follow-up questions to further encourage student participation. The judges evaluated the students using criteria and a rating system developed by the Center for Civic Education, the organization charged by Congress to develop national standards in civic education.

As the program is an important learning experience for students, Sachnoff added, “When I first volunteered to help with the Mock Congressional Hearings, I thought it was about mocking Congress and would not require much work or preparation. However, after learning about the actual nature of the program, I realized it was a worthwhile endeavor.”

Heroux is a partner in the Denver office and has a wide-ranging transactional practice focused in the areas of oil and gas, energy and mining law, representing local, national and international companies in connection with mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, participation and development projects.

Sachnoff, also a partner in the Denver office, is a member of the corporate group where his transactional practice includes representing businesses and individuals in corporate and limited liability company laws, debt and equity financings, mergers and acquisitions and real estate. He specifically has represented clients in the organic and natural foods industry for over two decades.