Youth and Law Forum 2026, 36th Annual Judge Charles V. Johnson Forum

The Youth and Law Forum 2026, the 36th Annual Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum, takes place Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Church by the Side of the Road in Tukwila, with additional activities at Tukwila Municipal Court. The forum is free for middle school and high school students, parents and guardians. Breakfast, lunch, prizes and giveaways are included, and registration is required.

A Free Day of Legal Education for Young People

For more than three decades, the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum has brought young people together with attorneys, judges, law students and community leaders to learn how the justice system works and what their rights and responsibilities are. The theme of the Youth and Law Forum 2026 is about rights and responsibilities, education and elevation. Students spend the day in interactive sessions, ask real questions of people who work in the law, and leave knowing more about how to protect themselves and lead in their communities.

The forum was founded by three members of the judiciary, Judge Charles V. Johnson, Judge Norma S. Huggins (ret.) and Judge LeRoy McCullough. Judge Johnson also served as president of the Seattle King County NAACP, which is why the branch encourages its members, parents, educators and mentors to share this invitation with young people across King County. The 2026 forum is dedicated to Judge Johnson’s memory.

What to Expect at the Youth and Law Forum 2026

1. Know your rightsSessions on constitutional rights, how the justice system works and how civic engagement shapes the law.
2. Real conversations with the professionTime with attorneys, judges and law students who answer questions honestly and share their career paths.
3. Courtroom exposureAdditional activities at Tukwila Municipal Court, 15005 Tukwila International Boulevard.
4. Breakfast and lunchBoth meals are included at no cost for every registered student and family member.
5. Prizes and giveawaysStudents can win prizes and take home giveaways throughout the day.

Built for Students, Parents and Guardians

The Youth and Law Forum 2026 is designed for pre-teens and teens, and parents and guardians are welcome to attend alongside them. Organizers describe the forum as a place where every family belongs, whatever language they speak or wherever they come from. Families learn together, so the conversation about rights and responsibilities can continue at home.

Beyond the forum day, the organization behind it offers mentorship, leadership development, scholarships for graduating seniors and pathways into internships with partner firms. Questions about the event can go to the forum at (206) 257-5572 or [email protected].

Why the Youth and Law Forum 2026 Matters to NAACP AOWSAC

The NAACP Alaska Oregon Washington State Area Conference shares this forum because young people who understand their rights are better prepared to use them, and because the forum carries the legacy of a former Seattle King County NAACP president. Investing in Black youth and in legal education is how the region builds its next generation of leaders, advocates and lawyers. Find more gatherings across the three states on the NAACP AOWSAC events calendar.

Additional Resources

• Youth and Law Forum Registration
• About the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum
• Seattle King County NAACP
• Washington State Bar Association

The Youth and Law Forum 2026 is hosted by the Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum and shared by the NAACP AOWSAC State Area Conference