Alameda County
Bar Association

Roadmap to the Bench: A Unique Opportunity to Network, Learn, and Grow 

From Networking to Mentorship – Build Your Path to the Bench

Roadmap to the bench - mentorship networkingAre you a newer attorney looking to build strong relationships with the judiciary? Are you a more seasoned attorney wondering how you can position yourself to become a judge? Or perhaps you’re seeking mentorship to help you navigate your legal career? The Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA) has curated a series of events this Fall to help you achieve these goals.

Join us for three pivotal opportunities to connect with judicial officers, gain valuable insights from experts, and learn about mentorship programs tailored to support your career. Whether you’re just beginning your legal journey or actively considering a future on the bench, this series is designed to provide you with the tools and relationships you need to succeed.


1. Barristers Judges Social – October 10, 2024

Where: Oakland Asian Cultural Center | 388 9th St Ste 290, Oakland, CA 94607  When: October 10, 2024, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Kick off this exciting series with the Barristers Judges Social, where newer attorneys and experienced practicioners alike will have the chance to meet and connect with local judges and judicial officers. This casual, welcoming event is the perfect environment to build the relationships that can shape your career. It’s an opportunity to seek advice, hear real-world experiences, and network with both your peers and seasoned professionals.

Why Attend?

  • Build Relationships: Strong professional relationships are key to advancing in any career. The connections you form at this event can open doors and create long-term opportunities for growth.
  • Gain Insights: Get advice from local judges who have navigated the same path you’re on. Learn what they look for in attorneys, what it’s like working in the courts, and how to approach future opportunities.

RSVP here


2. Pathways to the Bench – October 23, 2024

Where: Oakland Asian Cultural Center | 388 9th St Ste 290, Oakland, CA 94607  When: October 23, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Looking to the future and wondering how you can become a judge? The Pathways to the Bench event, featuring the Governor’s appointments secretary, is your opportunity to learn how judicial appointments are made and what steps you need to take to get there.

This event will provide essential information on the appointment process, qualifications, and strategies to position yourself for a successful appointment to the bench. Whether you aspire to a judicial position or simply want to understand the process, this event offers unmatched access to the key decision-makers in California’s judiciary.

Why Attend?

  • Learn from the Best: The Governor’s appointments secretary will share insider knowledge on how candidates are evaluated and selected for judicial appointments.
  • Advance Your Career: Understanding the pathway to the bench now can help you take actionable steps early in your career to increase your chances of becoming a judge.

RSVP here


3. Alameda County Judicial Mentorship (Date TBA)

Our final event in this series will be a Zoom session with Superior Court of California, County of Alameda judges and staff focused on judicial mentorship within Alameda County. This virtual event will give you an opportunity to learn about available mentorship programs and how to connect with judicial mentors who can guide you along your professional path.

Whether you’ve already started building relationships or are just beginning, mentorship is a crucial aspect of long-term career success. This event will offer practical advice on how to find and approach mentors, and how mentorship can help you reach your professional goals.

Why Attend?

  • Find Your Mentor: Mentorship is key to success in the legal field. Learn how to access these resources and start building a support network that will help you throughout your career.
  • Support Your Judicial Goals: If you’re aiming for a judicial appointment, having a mentor with experience in the courts can offer invaluable guidance.

Why Attend All Three?

The ACBA’s Fall events offer a comprehensive roadmap for newer attorneys to grow professionally, build relationships, and gain insights into judicial career paths. Attending all three events will provide you with a well-rounded experience:

  1. Start by Networking at the Barristers Judges Social to build foundational relationships with local judges.
  2. Learn the Process at Pathways to the Bench and gain critical information on how to secure an appointment to the bench.
  3. Find a Mentor through the Alameda County judicial mentorship program to continue developing your career under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Each event builds on the next, offering a progression from networking, to education, to mentorship. Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in all three to maximize your chances for long-term success!


RSVP Today

Take advantage of this series and invest in your future. Register now for the Barristers Judges Social on October 10 and the Pathways to the Bench on October 23. Stay tuned for the announcement of the date for the Judicial Mentorship Zoom event.

Your path to the judiciary starts here!