The Color of Justice: Judges, Attorneys Encourage Students to Consider Legal Career

On November 4, 2011, judges and attorneys, including Richmond’s own Christopher Darden, hosted an informal, interactive program aimed at encouraging students to become the new face of justice.  As part of the program, students met and talked with legal assistants, attorneys and judges of color in an informal setting where they learned about their backgrounds and how they succeeded.

Chris Darden, a Richmond native and practicing attorney, well-known for his role as prosecutor during the O.J. Simpson trial, participated in small group conversations with students throughout the program and addressed the full group of students as the program drew to a close:

The program aimed to encourage minority students to consider the law and judgeships as career goals. It focused on career preparation through presentations by judges and lawyers sharing personal and professional insights, and through small group conversations during lunch. The Color of Justice program provided an environment where discussion and debate among participants flourished. Students were also invited to observe an enactment of a realistic legal proceeding and act as interpreter for a witness.

The Color of Justice Program was developed by the National Association of Women Judges and has been implemented in states all over the country. Contra Costa County had the unique opportunity to plan and host the Program, in conjunction with members of the Contra Costa County bench, bar association and diversity section, for our local community.