March 1, 2021 – In November 2020, the Los Angeles Superior Court introduced its Judicial Mentor Program, an initiative focusing on two interrelated goals: formal mentorship and community outreach for those experienced attorneys interested in becoming a judge.
A goal of the program―a one of a kind in the state which serves as a pilot program for several other counties―is to promote and emphasize California’s commitment to appointing a highly capable bench reflective of the rich diversity of the state.
Accordingly, the mentorship program seeks to identify and develop qualified, inclusive, and diverse judicial applicants practicing in Los Angeles County.
Judges are appointed as mentors to practicing lawyers who seek a seat on the bench and participate in training programs to ensure effective mentorship to the mentees.
In addition, the mentors will provide honest advice and guidance on how best to navigate through the application process and identify helpful pursuits to prepare the mentee to become better qualified candidates.
The mentee will obtain first-hand knowledge of the process and procedures in preparing for and applying to the Governor’s office in Sacramento for an appointment.
SFVBA’s Inclusion & Diversity Committee desires to reach any and all practicing attorneys who may have an interest in being appointed to the bench and to demystify any beliefs or assumptions that tend to dissuade attorneys from applying.
The program is available to all practicing attorneys in good standing with at least 10-years’ experience, while those who have been in practice for less than 10 years can reach out to the Mentorship Outreach Committee for input on suggested ways to enhance a future application.
The program does not accept attorneys who have already submitted to and have pending applications before the Governor.
The mentorship officially ends when the application is submitted and participating in the Judicial Mentor Program does not guarantee appointment to the bench.
For more information, those interested should attend the SFVBA’s Inclusion & Diversity Committee’s LASC Judicial Mentorship Program: The Road to Serving on the Bench event on March 23, 2021 at 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Panel speakers will include Judge Paul Bacigalupo, Judge Firdaus Dordi and Commissioner Marilyn Mordetzky.
