Judicial Training & Mentorship Institute
Demand Justice is committed to helping lawyers who have devoted their careers to the fight for justice & equality navigate the path to becoming judges. Our courts are out of balance, with too few judges from civil rights, public defender & labor law backgrounds. JTMI seeks to reverse this trend & improve the professional diversity in state courts.
The Judicial Training & Mentorship Institute (JTMI) is a 501(c)(3) program that provides training and networking opportunities for talented lawyers from traditionally underrepresented legal backgrounds who wish to serve in the state judiciary. It is a year-long program, starting with a judicial training conference that is followed by a structured mentorship program and regular, virtual issue seminars. The Judicial Training and Mentorship Institute is currently conducted in six states: Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
During the judicial training conference, our participants will:
- Learn what it takes to become, and serve as, a judge;
- Hear from, and network with, leaders in the legal community;
- Deepen their leadership skills; and
- Develop a better understanding of challenges to achieving equal justice in our court system.
Meet & Learn From Leading Figures Across the Legal Community
The Judicial Training and Mentorship Institute offers a unique chance to get to know and learn from dozens of current and former judges, leading academics, leaders of area bar associations, political insiders, and grasstops leaders who know the ins and outs involved with forging a path to the bench. These JTMI supporters often present during the conference weekend, mentor participants, or serve as a valuable connector for those who are pursuing a path to the bench.
Benefit From Ongoing Support and Networking Opportunities
Long after the judicial training conference is concluded, the JTMI program provides ongoing learning and networking opportunities to enrich the experience and support you in your potential path to the bench:
Participants will be matched with a mentor from our ranks of high-profile leaders in your state’s legal community. Your mentor will be available for one-on-one conversations and can help make introductions to expand your network.
Participants are invited to regularly scheduled, issue debriefs with guest speakers who have expertise on different areas of the law and the job of judging. Past guest speakers have included representatives from leading national policy and legal organizations.
The JTMI Judicial Campaign Bootcamp is a supplemental training program designed to educate participants on a nonpartisan basis about the process of running an electoral campaign for judge including; how to build a campaign team and work with volunteers, a practical lesson on how to get on the ballot, an overview of the judicial canons as it applies to elections, navigating the legal endorsement process, the rules and guidelines for fundraising, and an overview of the benefits of earned and paid media. The training will be open to all current and former participants of the flagship Judicial Training and Mentorship Institute training program at no additional cost.
Applying to the Judicial Training & Mentorship Institute
We accept applications on a rolling basis from lawyers with underrepresented professional backgrounds. After completing a short, written application,. select applicants will be invited to participate in a 45-minute interview with two representatives of JTMI. If you are interested in applying or would like to know more information about the process please contact our team at [email protected].
There is no fee for participating in the program and meals will be provided throughout the weekend. Additionally, accommodations and parking will also be covered for those who need to travel to attend the conference.
What People Say about the Judicial Training & Mentorship Institute
Contact Us!
If you are interested in learning more about the Judicial Training and Mentorship Institute or wish to apply to the program, you can email us at [email protected].
The Judicial Training and Mentorship Institute is conducted as a 501(c)(3) program hosted by Demand Justice Initiative, which works to educate the public about the importance of our courts and increase civic engagement about matters related to the judiciary. JTMI is currently operating in five states: Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin.