The reception included a question and answer session with the guest judges that discussed whether the applicant pool for the bench reflected the members of Asian and Pacific Islander descent in the legal community and in the population at large.
The judiciary should reflect the make up of the population in order to bring about trust in the judiciary. Those interested in the bench should be less reserved and seek mentorship by going to courtrooms to watch oral arguments, and how judges handle their calendars. The more a person understands the judicial process, the more the individual might be interested in it as a career.
The California State Bar, Santa Clara County bar association, and other organizations are looking at how to increase the pipeline of diversity on the bench. Those interested in being on the bench might look into programs that assist people in answering questions on what needs to be done in order to become appointed.
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