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Judicial Pipeline Project

The Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia (HBA-DC) launched its inaugural Judicial Pipeline Project in July 2021.  The Judicial Pipeline Project is a substantial step that the HBA-DC is taking to address the low representation of Hispanics in the District of Columbia judiciary. Candidates must apply to participate.  Program details and the 2023 application are below.

 

Background

The HBA-DC’s Judicial Pipeline Project launched in July 2021 and is ongoing. The program has three main goals.

  • Identify HBA-DC members interested in serving in administrative, trial, and appellate judicial offices in the state and federal courts.
  • Provide support and guidance to the Project participants throughout the application, vetting, and selection process, including establishment of a formal mentorship program involving HBA-DC; and
  • Take proactive steps to facilitate the appointment of HBA-DC members to the bench.

Program Features

The Pipeline Project will evaluate and assess individuals accepted into the program and tailor its resources to prepare these candidates for the bench. Among the Pipeline Project’s features:

  • Confidential Judicial Mentor/Mentee Program. Candidates may have an opportunity to be paired with DC or federal judicial officers to discuss, among other things, the candidates' plans for the bench.
  • Application Counseling. Candidates will work closely with HBA-DC’s network of advisors to prepare the best possible judicial application.
  • Endorsement Counseling. Although participation in the project does not guarantee that candidates will be endorsed by the HBA-DC, the Pipeline Project will advise candidates on obtaining community support for their applications to the extent possible.
  • Post-Application Guidance. Candidates will be counseled on what to do after their applications for judicial officer positions are submitted.
  • Interview Counseling. If a candidate’s name is submitted to the various vetting and rating organizations, the Pipeline Project will assist the candidate in preparing for interviews with those organizations.

Application Criteria

  • You must be an active member of the Hispanic Bar Association of DC when the application is submitted and while participating in the Project.
  • You must be a member of the District of Columbia bar and have practiced law for at least seven (7) years.
  • You must be a resident of the District of Columbia or be willing to relocate if required for the judicial position.
  • You must demonstrate a substantial commitment to the Hispanic community.

Participant Requirements

  • Attend all Judicial Pipeline Project Academy scheduled to take place, starting in early 2023.
  • Participate in 75% of Judicial Pipeline Project events planned throughout the year (networking receptions, panel discussions, etc.).
  • Advise Judicial Pipeline Project’s leadership of any Bar complaints filed against you within 30 days of the complaint.
  • Note, participants will not be required to apply to a judicial position in order to participate in the program.

Application

To obtain the 2023 application click here. Please send completed applications to president@hbadc.org by the deadline of Friday, Dec. 1, 2023.

Resources

About the Judicial Nomination Commission