Judicial Mentorship Program

Formed in 2021, California's Judicial Mentorship Program is a statewide undertaking to advance the shared goal of an inclusive judiciary that reflects California’s diversity. The program aims to demystify the appellate and trial court application process, fostering the development of a qualified and diverse judicial applicant pool.

On Monday, April 3, 2023, from noon to 1:30pm, the Superior Courts of Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties will be hosting a Zoom panel entitled "Becoming a Judge in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties." The panel discussion will describe the Judicial Mentorship Program and the judicial appointment process, focusing on the counties mentioned, but with valuable information for anyone interested in the process. According to the California Judicial Council Vacancies Report, there are 16 vacancies in the state for the Courts of Appeal and 99 vacancies for the state trial courts.

Judicial Panelists for the Webinar include Luis Cespedes, Judicial Appointments Secretary; Judge Erica Yew, moderator; Judge Vanessa Vallarta of the Monterey County Superior Court; Judge Omar Rodriguez of the San Benito County Superior Court; Judge Nahal Iravani-Sani of the Santa Clara County Superior Court; and Judge Nancy de la Peña of the Santa Cruz County Superior Court.

Judge Nahal-Iravani Sani, one of the panelists and an ally of IABA NorCal has asked for assistance in getting the word out about this panel to anyone interested in becoming a judge, or learning more about the judicial mentorship program. I would appreciate if you all would spread this to your networks.

Register in advance for this panel here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsde-opzkoGdXcHc0wzfb3xA1TP0zcMIyp