Judicial Commission Hosts Networking Event to Diversify Legal Pipeline

The Brooklyn Supreme Civil Courthouse served as the backdrop for a professional development gathering on July 28, as the Franklin H. Williams (FHW) Judicial Commission hosted its "Chat, Connect & Continue" speed networking event. The initiative, organized under the commission’s Judicial Mentor Program, sought to provide undergraduate and law students with direct access to judges and attorneys from various legal sectors, including Family, Housing, Criminal, and Supreme Court venues.

FHW co-chair and First Department Associate Justice Troy Webber emphasized the commission's ongoing commitment to fostering diversity within the state judiciary. Webber noted that while efforts toward equity and inclusion face modern challenges, the commission remains dedicated to ensuring that communities of color are represented within the legal profession and the judicial process.

The event utilized a "mentoring circles" format, allowing students to receive career guidance and insights into the complexities of judicial appointments. Second Department Associate Justice Joanne D. Quiñones, who chairs the mentor program, highlighted the personal impact of such guidance, citing her own experience with a mentor as a foundational element of her career path.

Practitioners in attendance shared the practical value of these connections. NYC Housing Court Judge Alberto Gonzalez noted that the appointment process for the bench can be rigorous and multi-layered, making the guidance of someone who has successfully navigated the path invaluable for aspiring judges. Naya Brown-Yohay, a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society and a former FHW intern, added that the mentorship she received helped her transition into the workforce with greater confidence.

For the students, the event offered a chance to explore different career trajectories. Participants like Nago Wilkins and Sam Kamara utilized the opportunity to discuss their interests in court administration, advocacy, and the nuances of various legal specialties. The FHW Judicial Mentor Program continues to focus on strengthening the pipeline for young, diverse lawyers, aiming to demystify the steps required to enter the judiciary and succeed in the legal field.