Dear CPDA Member: For about a generation, many of us gave up dreams of being a judge because it was unlikely that past administrations would appoint a defense attorney or public defender. The last administration actually appointed public defenders to the bench and the present administration is seeking judicial applications from a diverse group of applicants, including defense attorneys and public defenders. The state bar, the judicial council, and other organizations are encouraging applicants from diverse and underserved groups to apply and to help truly diversify the judiciary. CPDA is a strong advocate of diversity in the legal profession and we join others in promoting and encouraging diversity throughout the legal system. To assist those with an interest in becoming a judge, we are providing a sampling of links that include helpful information. The first link will lead you to the on-line judicial application. The other links are to groups that are involved in seeking diverse applicants for judicial appointments. Judicial Application Links: https://govnews.ca.gov/judicial/ http://aaba-bay.com/aaba/showpage.asp?code=caljudgeprocess http://www.calblacklawyers.org/ http://www.cwl.org/professional-development/seminar http://www.lgla.net/ http://larazalawyers.net/id4.html ————————————————– Margo George, President California Public Defenders Association Michael C. McMahon, Chair CPDA Judicial Independence Committee Jose Varela, Chair California Council of Chief Defenders Committee