MLBA supports and endorses individuals seeking judicial office, whether through appointment or election. The following information serves as a guide for individuals interested in receiving the MLBA’s endorsement for judicial office.
Requesting the Recommendation
Please send an email to [email protected] requesting an endorsement. In the email, include
- a copy of the completed judicial application form; and
- a cover letter explaining the candidate’s interest in seeking the endorsement of the MLBA.
The MLBA Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month. If possible, please submit the endorsement request at least one month in advance of the date the endorsement is required. However, given the tight timelines of the judicial appointment process, the MLBA will consider endorsement requests between monthly Board meetings if the candidate so requests. Candidates should request expedited consideration in their initial email to the MLBA and state the requested deadline for a decision on the endorsement.
The names and application materials of all candidates are kept confidential by the Board. Please note that the Board may contact any person named in the candidate’s application materials as part of the endorsement consideration process. If the candidate does not want the Board to contact a particular person, the candidate must indicate this preference in their initial email to the MLBA.
The Evaluation Process
The Chair or Co-Chairs of the MLBA shall serve as the contact people for each endorsement request. The Chair or Co-Chairs will coordinate with the candidate to arrange for an interview, by Zoom or in person, with at least two Board members.
After the interview, the entire Board will review the application materials. The Board will decide by a majority vote as to whether it will endorse, decline to endorse, or request additional information for the endorsement. The Chair or Co-Chairs will communicate any requests by the Board for additional information. Members of the Board who are current judicial officers or members of the Commission on Judicial Selection will abstain from voting.
Upon approval by the Board, the Chair or Co-Chairs will draft a personalized letter of endorsement for the candidate. The letter of endorsement will discuss the candidate’s engagement with underrepresented communities and how the candidate’s professional and personal experiences reflect the values of the MLBA. The letter of endorsement will be provided to the candidate via email. The candidate should inform the Chair or Co-Chairs if the letter of endorsement should be provided to any other party.
Please note that unless otherwise communicated, an endorsement means the MLBA may, at its discretion, publicize and promote the candidate, including, but not limited to, posting on the MLBA website and social media, communicating the endorsement to its membership, or publicizing in any other manner.
If the Board declines endorsement of a candidate, the Chair or Co-Chairs will inform the candidate.
The candidate must contact the Chair or Co-Chairs to disclose any important changes in the application or to discuss any questions the candidate may have regarding their request for endorsement.
The MLBA does not conduct mock interviews for candidates seeking judicial appointment. We encourage candidates seeking a mock interview to contact the Infinity Project, which provides mock interviews and application support to diverse candidates, including LGBTQ+ candidates.
Criteria for Endorsement
The MLBA is deeply committed to advancing a judiciary that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. In addition to considering the ordinary criteria for judicial office (such as integrity, knowledge of the law, legal experience, and temperament), the MLBA particularly seeks to endorse candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. This commitment may be reflected in professional decisions, community engagement, participation in affinity groups and bar associations, mentorship, advocacy, or other meaningful actions that promote fairness and respect for all. We encourage candidates to use their cover letter to share specific examples of how they have championed the values of diversity in their work and lives, and to articulate how they will continue to uphold those values on the bench.