PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The California Judicial Mentor Program (CJMP) fulfills the Executive and Judicial Branch’s shared goal to increase broad diversity and excellence of the California judiciary. The primary aims of the program are to demystify the trial and appellate court application process and improve transparency of the process.
MISSION STATEMENT
The CJMP promotes access to justice and public trust and confidence through a diverse and inclusive judiciary that embraces and reflects all of California’s people. The CJMP will work with all sectors of the legal community to support and encourage all individuals interested in a trial or an appellate court appointment. Participation in CJMP is not a prerequisite to or a guarantee of appointment.
Apply to Your Judicial Mentor Program
Upcoming Events & Trainings for Mentors and Mentees
Beyond the Myths: Women Redefining What It Takes to Litigate
Feb 5,
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What does it really take to thrive in litigation? Too often, women are told they must be dominant, aggressive, or unemotional to succeed in the courtroom. This panel of accomplished women litigators will dispel those myths, share the challenges they’ve faced, how they navigated barriers, and the rewards of building a litigation career. Women make up 41% of U.S. lawyers but only 28% of law firm partners, and in the public sector they remain underrepresented in senior leadership. For women of color, barriers are even steeper: they hold less than 5% of equity partnerships, and nearly 70% report experiencing bias or exclusion from key opportunities. This conversation will highlight resilience, redefine confidence, and offer strategies to help more women enter, stay, and thrive in litigation. |
The History and Future of Judicial Diversity
Oct 10,
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Location: Zoom In 2000, the California State Bar released a twenty-year projection that found as the population of California would become more diverse, the demographic make-up for attorneys and judges was projected to be less diverse. As a result, numerous pipeline projects were initiated, and the state held its first Judicial Diversity Summit in 2006. Since that time, strides have been made in the profession. This program will commemorate where we started, share the ground we have covered through the California State Bar Diversity Report Card, and explore what has yet to be done through the Judicial Council Advisory Committee on Providing Access and Fairness, the California Judicial Mentor Program, the California State Bar, and the affinity bar and judicial associations. |
Becoming a Judge in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties
Apr 3,
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Location: Zoom If you are interested in appointment to the trial or appellate courts, watch the panel discussion that occurred on Monday, April 3, 2023, to learn more about the appointment process, the California Judicial Mentor Program – created to demystify this process, as well as local mentoring programs that are available to applicants. |
