Inspiring the Next Generation of Legal Professionals at Hayfield Secondary School
In February, attorney Doug Landau returned to the classroom, this time as a guest speaker, for two Business Law classes at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria, Virginia. Invited by Business Law teacher Andrea Wells through Fairfax County Public Schools, Landau spent the day engaging more than 60 students in grades 9–12 with an inside look at the legal profession and what it truly means to build a meaningful career in law.
Landau, who has a long history of civic and educational involvement across Fairfax County, taught two separate class periods in February, delivering an interactive, student-focused presentation tailored to a wide range of interests and experience levels. Drawing on decades of practice, he created a dynamic presentation that introduced students to personal injury law while also addressing broader questions about legal careers, education, and purpose.
Throughout both sessions, students asked thoughtful and wide-ranging questions, reflecting genuine curiosity about the profession. For many in attendance, this was their first time ever meeting a lawyer. Landau walked students through the path to becoming an attorney, from undergraduate education and law school to the bar exam, while also emphasizing the practical skills lawyers use every day such as critical thinking, communication, research, and advocacy.
Beyond credentials and career steps, Lawyer Landau also shared personal stories from his own journey, discussed what keeps him passionate about his work, and offered advice he wished he had received earlier in his career. The message resonated with students across the spectrum, including those considering law as a career, those exploring electives, and those simply curious about how the legal system works in real life.
Andrea Wells later shared that students were highly engaged and enthusiastic during the presentations, with several commenting on how inspiring and approachable Landau was as a speaker. She noted that guest speakers like Landau play a critical role in bridging classroom learning with real-world application, helping students understand how the concepts they study translate into actual careers.
Landau’s visit to Hayfield builds on his long-standing commitment to legal education and youth outreach. Prior to the pandemic, he spent seven years as a volunteer instructor at Rachel Carson Middle School in the nationally recognized “We the People” Constitutional Law and Civics program, where his teams consistently placed in the top ranks nationwide, including two national championships. He has also participated in court tours, career days, and mock trials through the Fairfax Bar Association.
Programs like this one highlight the powerful impact legal professionals can have outside the courtroom by showing up, sharing their stories, and helping students envision futures they may not have previously considered. As Hayfield Secondary School continues to connect students with professionals in the community, experiences like Doug Landau’s classroom visit help shape not only future lawyers, but informed, confident, and engaged citizens.
If you or someone you care about has been injured and there are legal questions, please contact us at once. Lawyer Doug Landau and the team at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. are committed to advocating for those injured and ensuring they receive the care and compensation they need. Contact us today to get experienced legal help in workers’ compensation and personal injury cases at frontdesk@landaulawshop.com or call/text us at (703) 796-9555.