The Path to the Bench

ACS is committed to illuminating what is often a somewhat obscure process to facilitate the rise of a diverse group of talented lawyers to the bench. To that end, we have set out to demystify the pathway to becoming a judge by:

• Hosting panel discussions and conference calls with judges who give advice on how to become a judge;
• Providing opportunities for law students and lawyers to develop mentee relationships with judges; and
• Working with diverse progressive organizations to develop The Path to the Federal Bench -- a guide to becoming a federal judge.

Helpful Websites:

• The U.S. Courts "Pathways to the Bench" Video Series
• The American Judicature Society’s Judicial Selection Website
• The American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary
• The American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary’s vetting processes and evaluation criteria [pdf]
• Biographical Directory of Federal Judges
• “Options for Federal Judicial Screening Committees,” joint publication of the Brookings Institute and the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System
• Judicial diversity resources
• Judicial nominations and confirmations
• Justice at Stake on Judicial Elections and Appointments
• Justice at Stake’s memorandum, “Guidelines for Judicial Candidates:  Running Campaigns that Educate the Public and Promote Confidence in the Courts”
• United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary
• United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary questionnaire of Judge James D. Shadid