A group of DePaul law students recently learned a novel way to use a law degree—mediating disputes as a television judge. The law students were guest audience members of the “Judge Pirro” show, where they experienced the entertainment value of resolving for a television audience cases that would normally be heard in small claims court. 

The “Judge Pirro” show, which is taped at NBC Tower in Chicago, is a reality court show that features real litigants involved in actual cases. Audience members are encouraged to get involved with the proceedings by clapping, laughing or even booing as a particular situation might dictate. Judge Jeanine Pirro, former district attorney and county court judge of Westchester County, N.Y., hosts the show. 

DePaul’s visit to Pirro’s courtroom, which will air at a future date to be determined,  offered students an experience different from a classroom lesson or one where they might help actual clients in a clinical setting—both staples of the law school experience. Instead, they learned firsthand how cases are mediated, using real law, on a television set—a  twist on the conventional career choices presented to students.

“It’s always helpful to see different things you can do with a law degree,” remarked Alicia Robinson, a third-year student interested in intellectual property law. “It’s good to see how the law works in a different context. Judge Pirro has been a prosecutor and her show gives a different dimension to what you can do with that experience.”

Being a television court show audience member as part of a law school group was something some students found unexpected. “It was good to get out and see actual issues adjudicated and resolved using laws from the litigants’ states,” said Patrick Viktora, a second-year law student with ambitions of practicing corporate law. At no time while applying to or attending law school did I expect to be part of a court television show.” 

As part of their VIP visit to Pirro’s courtroom, the students got to meet her. She discussed with them the hard work that goes into becoming a lawyer and the competitive job outlook. She also told them her formula for being a successful television judge. “I try to be respectful and still have a sense of humor,” she said. “It’s fun.”