Pathways to the Bench Provides Encouragement, Training, and Insight for California’s Future Judges

July 2025

The James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse in San Diego was the setting for California Lawyers Association – Litigation Section’s “Pathways to the Bench,” a live program designed to help attorneys gain a detailed understanding about how to become a judicial officer in  state and federal court.

Adam Hofmann, Deputy Judicial Appointments Secretary for California Governor Gavin Newsom, served as the event’s featured speaker, held on June 6, 2025. San Diego Superior Court Presiding Judge, Maureen Hallahan, opened the day with remarks on the judiciary and anecdotal advice about becoming a judge. More than 70attendees had the opportunity to participate in panel discussions focused on pathways to the Superior and Federal benches. Attendees also enjoyed a dynamic session on the future and importance of bench diversity.

San Diego Superior Court Judge, Terrie Roberts, inspired the group with a powerful story of her own “winding path” to the bench. Judge Olga Alvarez described her colorful childhood on a Texas ranch and the key moments that helped her define and pursue her passions. Judge Euketa Oliver wove for listeners the rich fabric of her history, captivating the audience. All of the judges who spoke generated tremendous enthusiasm with their unique and encouraging stories.

Breakout discussions allowed attorneys to gather in small groups with the panelists, ask specific questions and interact with esteemed judges and folks from the governor’s office, the JNE Commission, and the federal judicial evaluation groups. The breakout sessions provided an informal setting where judges shared their experiences in the appointment processes, and the vetting folks provided plenty of practical information. Attendees received both the “brass tacks” and the inspiration they needed to succeed with their own judicial applications. . Additionally, participants earned MCLE Elimination of Bias credit.

In a breakout session on California’s Judicial Mentor Program, San Diego Superior Court Judges Roderick Shelton and Dwayne Moring listened attentively to the attendees, addressed the self-doubt and tentativeness expressed, and provided genuine encouragement. “Who me? Yes, you!” was a theme of the JMP breakout and of the entire Pathways event. Qualified attorneys should not self-select out of the process because of perceived inadequacies or barriers. This concept is key to creating and maintaining a diverse bench—another topical thread that ran through all of the day’s discussions. “Justice requires a bench that looks like our community—diverse in every way,” said moderator, Mary McKelvey, when she introduced the panel, “Composition of the Bench: Justice Requires Diversity.”

A Pathways Reception followed the afternoon of learning, giving lawyers a chance to relax and connect with judicial officers and peers from across the state. While the main purpose of the day was to inform, event organizers also built in a way for folks to enjoy the company of colleagues and others who are dedicated to the vibrancy, integrity and diversity of California’s judiciary.

Expert speakers volunteering their time and mentorship included: Adam Hofmann, Deputy Judicial Appointments Secretary for Governor Newsom; Hon. Maureen F. Hallahan, Presiding Judge, Superior Court of San Diego; Hon. Olga Álvarez, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego, Hon. Linda Lopez, Judge, U.S. District Court, S.D. Cal., Janice P. Brown, Principal, Meyers Nave; Member, Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel, S.D. Cal., Hon. Dwayne K. Moring, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego; Chair SCSD Judicial Mentor Program, Hon. Euketa L. Oliver, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego, Lorena Peñaloza, 2025 Chair, JNE Commission, Hon. Terrie Roberts, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego, Hon. Roderick Shelton, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego; Former member, statewide Trial Court Mentor Program Working Group, Hon. Renée Stackhouse, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego, Hon. Valerie E. Torres, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, S.D. Cal., and Hon. Rohanee Zapanta, Judge, Superior Court of San Diego; Terrance J. Evans, Partner, Duane Morris; Chair, CLA  (moderator); Tom Stout, Partner, Davis Wright, Tremaine; Chair, CLA/Litigation Section Federal Courts Committee (moderator); Mary McKelvey, Partner, Polsinelli; former Chair, CLA/Litigation Section (moderator); Adrieannette Ciccone, Chair, CLA Litigation Section (MC)

The Pathways to the Bench program is just one opportunity offered by CLA’s Litigation Section to promote excellence in the legal profession. The Section works to advance all areas affecting dispute resolution, including the protection of the rights of all litigants, pre-trial discovery, the expeditious trial of lawsuits, alternative dispute resolution, effective judicial administration, uniform rules of court, and the protection and preservation of the independence of a judiciary of high quality.

Program organizers noted that they were grateful to several sponsors helping make the event possible. A complete list of sponsors is available at: https://calawyers.org/event/pathways-to-the-bench-3/

For more information on CLA’s Litigation Section, please visit: https://calawyers.org/section/litigation/