Events
Pathways to the Bench
June 6 @ 11:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where: James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse
333 W Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
When: June 6, 2025
Pathways to the Bench is a live program featuring panels on the state and federal judicial appointment processes, a special panel on the future of bench diversity, and breakout sessions that allow attendees to meet with panelists and get their questions answered. The breakout discussions offer a choice of topics, including California’s Judicial Mentor Program and deeper dives into the state and federal appointment processes. Top off the day by mingling over refreshments at the Pathways Reception.
Boxed Lunch and Reception included.
Agenda
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Opening Remarks
Speakers:
- Adrieannette Ciccone
- Hon. Maureen F. Hallahan, Presiding Judge, Superior Court San Diego
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Pathway to the State Court Bench
Moderator: Terrance J. Evans, Partner, Duane Morris, Vice-Chair of CLA
Speakers:
- Luis Céspedes, Judicial Appointments Secretary
- Lorena Peñaloza, 2025 JNE Commission Chair
- Hon. Terrie Roberts, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego
- Hon. Renée Stackhouse, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Pathways to the Federal Bench
Moderator: Tom Stout Partner, Davis Wright, Tremaine
Speakers:
- Daniel Suvor, Statewide Chair, Senator Padilla’s Judicial Evaluation Com
- Hon. Linda Lopez, Judge, U.S. District Court, S.D. Cal.
- Hon. Valerie E. Torres, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, S.D. Cal.
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM | The Future of Diversity on the Bench
1.25 Elimination of Bias
Join our panel of distinguished judges for a thought-provoking conversation on the critical role that diversity plays in the judiciary and the fair administration of justice. This topic is particularly relevant in a climate where the value of diversity is being questioned and challenged. The discussion will include such topics as defining diversity, recognizing and eliminating bias in the judicial selection process, bench diversity as a bedrock principle, and challenges faced when the value and concept of diversity come under broad societal scrutiny.
Moderator: Mary McKelvey, Partner, Polsinelli
Speakers:
- Hon. Rohanee Zapanta, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego
- Hon. Olga Álvarez, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego
- Hon. Euketa L. Oliver, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego
- Hon. Dwayne K. Moring, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego
- Hon. Roderick Shelton, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM | Breakout Sessions
Breakout Sessions:
- A Deeper Dive into the Superior Court and Appellate Court Appointment Processes
- Other Pathways – Judicial Election/Sitting as a Commissioner
- Getting to the Federal Bench
- A Unique Resource: The Judicial Mentor Program
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM | Pathways Reception
Registration Information
| Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Litigation Section Member | $95 |
| Non-Litigation Section Member | $125 |
| Non-CLA Member | $175 |
| Government, Non-Profit, Students, New Lawyers, Panel Attorneys** | $50 |
*New Lawyers practicing law for three years or less and Law Students are invited to join the California Lawyers Association (CLA) for free. Learn more and join today.
*Non-CLA Members who are Government & Non-Profit Employees or Panel Attorneys will need to use a code to receive this pricing. Please email ProgramRegistrations@calawyers.org if you have any questions.*
Cancellations and refunds must be received in writing no later than May 30, 2025 and are subject to a 10% service fee. Refunds will not be provided after May 30, 2025.
For program and registration information, please email ProgramRegistrations@calawyers.org or call 916-516-1757.
This event may be recorded. By attending this event, you consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded, and to any use, by the CLA, of your likeness, voice, and name in any and all media including social media. If you do not want your name or photo to be used, please let us know in advance. We cannot, however, honor requests to opt out of the use of your image or voice if you choose to ask a question during one of the event sessions.
The California Lawyers Association is an approved State Bar of California MCLE provider.
We are committed to accessibility! Virtual events are equipped with closed captioning. To request an in-person accommodation, send us a note at accessibility@calawyers.org or contact us at 916-516-1760 for assistance.