California is one of the most diverse states in the nation. We recognize the state’s attorneys and judiciary should reflect the multiracial and diverse communities that they come from and that diversity is a great strength of our state. It is important that everyone be included for the judicial system to work effectively.
The State Bar's work to promote diversity includes these efforts:
The State Bar's Council on Access and Fairness is comprised of lawyers, judges and members of the public advising the State Bar Board of Trustees and others on ways to advance strategies and goals for diversity, including encouraging people of diverse backgrounds to enter and remain in the profession.
In 2010, the State Bar and the California Department of Education partnered to add law academies to the state's partnership academy program. The model provides an avenue to promote diversity in the legal profession and helps educate California's youth in a richly diverse state. Attorneys, judges and others volunteer to enhance these programs.
The 2+2+3 Pathway to Law initiative is changing the legal profession with the help of local high schools, community colleges and law schools. It involves 29 community colleges, 6 law schools and their undergraduate counterparts.
The Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation compiles a yearly demographics report on the candidates it has reviewed for appointment by the governor.