The Next Bench Project introduces young students to law, justice, and legal careers through interactive experiences with real legal professionals.
Student-founded • Community-focused • Built for the next generation
The Next Bench Project was created to give young students opportunities to explore the legal world that they may not otherwise encounter.
Rather than simply teaching legal vocabulary or memorizing rules, NBP focuses on conversations, real-world scenarios, interactive activities, and direct exposure to professionals working in law today.
Discover the world of law and the many careers within it.
Learn through discussion, activities, and real-world scenarios.
See new possibilities for education, careers, and the future.
NBP partners with community organizations, schools, and other educational programs.
Students participate in interactive workshops led by legal professionals and other knowledgeable volunteers.
Students leave with a greater understanding of law, legal careers, and the possibilities available to them.
An interactive legal education session featuring a guest practicing attorney, built to introduce students to law through real conversation and real questions.
Learn moreMany students encounter lawyers and the legal system only through media or personal circumstance. NBP aims to offer a more direct and accessible introduction to the field — one built on conversation rather than assumption.
A firsthand look at the many paths a legal career can take.
Working through real-world scenarios that don't have easy answers.
Encouraging students to ask questions they might not otherwise ask.
Building a clearer picture of how justice and law shape everyday life.
Direct access to people practicing law today, in their own words.
Discover law and legal careers through interactive workshops built for curious minds.
Get in touchShare your experience and help introduce students to the legal profession.
VolunteerGain experience working in educational settings while helping younger students explore law.
Join the volunteer networkPartner with NBP to bring workshops to your students or community.
Partner with usFounder & Executive Lead
Brian founded The Next Bench Project as a student, with a simple goal: make legal education and career exposure more accessible to younger students.
What started as an idea about closing the gap between students and the legal world has grown into an effort to build real, interactive experiences with practicing legal professionals.
"Law should be something students can explore — not something they should be afraid to approach."
NBP is currently developing its first community workshops. From here, the goal is to grow thoughtfully — one partnership, one workshop, one conversation at a time.
These are goals we're working toward, not accomplishments to date.
If your school, community organization, or educational program is interested in introducing students to law and legal careers, we'd love to hear from you.
Lawyers, law students, and educators help make NBP's workshops possible. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you'd like to be involved.
Reflections and experiences from students who participate in The Next Bench Project will be shared here as workshops take place.
Questions about a workshop, a partnership, or getting involved? Reach out directly or send a message.