School of Criminal Justice and the National Association of Judges

Inspiring minority women in the law: Powerful Judges and attorneys talk with young people at Monroe College

On Saturday, May 5, the New York Chapter of National Association of Women Judges and the Monroe College School of Criminal Justice hosted a powerful Color of Justice program designed to encourage female minority high school students to consider careers in law and the judiciary. Fifty young women, including high school students from across the city and Monroe’s criminal justice students, attended the event that highlighted the value and opportunities for women of color in the legal profession.

“The direct interaction between judges, high-profile attorneys, and the young people was incredibly inspirational,” said School of Criminal Justice Dean Michele Rodney who is a former prosecutor. “Honestly, I wish I was afforded this opportunity when I was a student.”

“The judges in attendance for the conference were from the federal and state level of the judiciary and they welcomed the opportunity to give back, share experiences, mentor and network with these young women,” said NY State Supreme Court Judge Darcel Clark, President-elect of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Women Judges.

Judges at the ‘Color of Justice’

A student greets a judge

In addition to the judges, there were also presidents from a variety of Bar Associations. Focusing on what it takes to prepare for college, law school, the bar exam, and careers in the law and the judiciary, there were panel discussions, small group activities, and a luncheon where judges and lawyers shared personal and professional insights with the young people.

“Some might be surprised to know that minority women have been incredibly successful and influential in the legal field,” said Dean Rodney, “and so it’s important that we continue to inspire and motivate young women to aspire and achieve. That’s what we did today.”

The program will coincided with the theme of National Law Day 2012 : “No courts, no justice, no freedom”. Color of Justice was co-sponsored by LexisNexis.