They held a mock trial and got to see what it is like in a real courtroom.
The Project Law Track 2026 mock trial was in session. The unique program is a wat to empower girl while building their confidence and their skills.
This weekend, the girls were lawyers. They were part of group of around 40 girls taking part in the Project Law Track 2026
"I've really been thinking about being a lawyer, because it sounds fun, and I really want to help people," 11-year-old participant Yasmina Fofana said.
The immersive program, hosted by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, looks to encourage girls in the 6th through 12th grades to consider law as a profession.
Saturday's case was about trademark infringement.
'We want to build girls of courage, confidence, and character with Girl Scouts," Girl Scouts of America board member Jennifer Mikulina said.
The girls come from 24 different Girl Scout troops, representing nearly two dozen Chicago-area neighborhoods. For most of the girls, it was their first time there.
"I like it. It's very interesting, and I like how you can learn to use your voice and be confident," 11-year-old participant Allison Martineau said.
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"I personally am aiming to be a lawyer, so project law was just like what's the next big step for me," 16-year-old participant Kourtney Odems said.
Saturday's hands-on event began at DePaul University's College of Law in the Loop.
"To see women like myself and other women of color who were in the room right now, to show where you could be at some point in your future," labor attorney Monica Lowe said.
"I'm part of a women's only trial team at my law firm, and we've noticed that as we get older, there are a few and fewer women in the courtroom," trial lawyer Jaci Fortini said.
Participants were be matched with a female attorney who helped them learn about the legal process.
Together, they built a case and presented it during a mock trial Saturday afternoon in front of a real judge in a real courtroom at the Dirksen Federal Building downtown Chicago.
The program is in its 16th year.
"I've never really thought to start a career law, but it honestly sounds kind of interesting to do," 12-year-old participant Eva Roberts said.
Organizers said even if the girls don't want a career in law, the experience offers valuable lessons to the girls, like critical thinking.
"But the skills that you're learning today, basically confidence and using your voice is what's going to transcend will be on this day," Project Law Track 2026 progra, co-chair Jillian Burstein said.
For a second time, actor from the Second City played the part of witnesses, to make the simulation more real.
The program hopes to encourage girls to follow their dreams and know that they and their voices have impact.