Posted in: Lawyers › None, Mock Trial
Margaret “Peg” Fox’s love for Law Related Education started at Blythewood Middle School in 2005 when she helped start a mock trial team so that her daughter could participate. Since then, she has supported LRE programs and contributed greatly to the development of young students.
Fox’s dedication to going above and beyond to contribute to Mock Trial regional and state competitions while also serving as committee chair for the SC Bar LRE Committee are only a few reasons why she was named the 2022 Law Related Education Lawyer of the Year.
Though Fox was an integral part of the development of a middle school mock trial team, she did not hesitate to follow her daughter and branch out to coaching mock trial at Blythewood High School. Fox, who practices at Burr & Forman LLP in Columbia, also judges We the People competitions. Her passion for first-hand positive impact is what kept her pressing forward.
“I really love working with students,” Fox says. “It is a joy to watch them learn about our system of justice and important values like civility. They even amaze themselves with the skills they learn and the confidence they gain through participating in LRE programs.”
Cynthia H. Cothran, SC Bar LRE Division director, says there aren’t enough good words to say about Fox.
“Working with Peg Fox is an honor and a privilege. She has been a long time Law Related Education Committee member who goes above and beyond serving,” Cothran said. “Ms. Fox has and continues to wear many hats sharing her passion for law related education on the frontlines with the students and on the committee to impact students statewide. Ms. Fox illuminates with joy in everything she does, and we are so thankful for her unending service.”
Fox has worked to expand the impact of the Mock Trial program by co-authoring and editing the SC Bar’s Mock Trial Coaches’ Manual for Attorneys and Teachers. She even joined the SC Bar Law Related Education Committee in order to further statewide mock trial programs and develop materials for younger students.
“It is so special to be recognized in this way. I have seen first-hand the positive impact that LRE programs have on students, teachers, parents, and others in the community, and I am proud to be part of that,” Fox said.
Whether it was creating a mock trial team, judging state and regional competitions, or contributing to the growth of young aspiring lawyers, Fox has served passionately in classrooms and courtrooms. She believes the real reward is seeing the confidence students gain by participating in LRE programs and encourages all lawyers to get involved.
“You will be amazed at the skills these students learn so quickly, and I promise you will get more out of it than you put in,” Fox said.