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Judicial Mentoring: Starting, Organizing, and Sustaining a Program for Mentoring Persons of Color to the Bench Model Guide 5

NCJ Number
173732
Author(s)
L. Gonzalez; J. G. Richardson
Date Published
1997
Length
161 pages
Annotation
This Model Guide will help to promote diversity in the judicial system by encouraging attorneys of color to consider a judicial career.
Abstract
Persons of color must overcome numerous obstacles when negotiating a career path to the bench, including underrepresentation on or little influence over screening panels; the perception that minorities are held to higher standards or treated more harshly in screening processes than nonminority candidates; and the perception that opportunities for judicial service are limited to predominantly minority jurisdictions. The Guide includes plans and instructions for designing, organizing and hosting an event to match mentors with mentorees, for facilitating successful mentoring relationships, soliciting feedback and implementing follow-up. The Guide describes programs on: finding and disseminating the facts; learning from the success of others; identifying resources; sharing ownership; structuring a program; and choosing a coordinator. Suggestions on planning a þHow To Become a Judgeþ conference for attorneys of color include guidance on establishing the basics, arranging logistics, and planning the agenda. Notes, appendixes