LASC: THE COURT’S NEW DIVERSITY INCLUSION WORKING GROUP WEBPAGE OFFERS VALUABLE TRAINING VIDEOS AND PROGRAMS FOR ATTORNEYS AT ALL LEVELS

THE COURT’S NEW DIVERSITY INCLUSION WORKING GROUP WEBPAGE OFFERS VALUABLE TRAINING VIDEOS AND PROGRAMS FOR ATTORNEYS AT ALL LEVELS

Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor today announced the launch of a new Diversity Inclusion Working Group webpage that features a Civil Trial Advocacy Voir Dire video training that last week drew a record-setting 1,600 registered participants. The video, which is available for free on the newly launched webpage, is the most recent example of the working group’s successful attorney training and mentorship programs that seek to create a more inclusive and diverse bar.

The new webpage provides on-demand access to training and programs created by the Diversity Inclusion Working Group, co-chaired by Presiding Judge Taylor and Judge Ruth Ann Kwan, in collaboration with local bar associations, attorneys, and legal aid. The website reflects the working group’s vision to create opportunities for attorneys to glean more courtroom experience and have access to expert mentors to help them hone their trial and litigation skills.

“We recognize the need to engage attorneys at all levels of their career to develop an inclusive and diverse bar,” Presiding Judge Taylor said. “The webpage reflects the passion of our judicial officers and court partners to give back to the legal community in lasting ways that will help attorneys excel in their profession regardless of systemic obstacles, good fortune, or favoritism. I am proud to provide this resource where interested attorneys can access important information and training videos at any time and in one place. We look forward to working with many other bar associations, justice partners, and legal aid organizations that have volunteered their time and expertise for future programs and trainings.”

The working group is currently planning an Opening Statements training. Watch for an announcement on this new webpage and on the Court’s Twitter account (@LASuperiorCourt).

The webpage features:

• Presiding Judge Taylor’s welcome video, which details the mission and goals of the working group’s training and programs;
• A calendar of upcoming events and opportunities; and
• Training videos of the popular Civil Trial Advocacy Voir Dire Program and the Pro Bono Litigation Opportunities Forum, which explores pro bono opportunities for attorneys to gain courtroom experience while helping litigants who cannot afford legal representation in their civil cases.

The working group’s programs are made possible thanks to collaborations with the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel, the American Board of Trial Advocates, the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, legal aid partners, accomplished attorneys, and legal practice experts.

Judge Taylor formed the Diversity Inclusion Working Group in August 2021 to help underrepresented attorneys gain valuable litigation and courtroom experience. The other working group members are Judge Robert B. Broadbelt III, Judge Kristin S. Escalante, Judge Deirdre Hill, Judge Yolanda Orozco, Judge Yvette M. Palazuelos, Judge Zaven V. Sinanian, Judge Michael E. Whitaker, and Judge Helen Zukin.

The webpage will continue to highlight current and future training and outreach opportunities. Attorneys and the public are encouraged to check the webpage often for new information.

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