Judicial Evaluations

A significant goal for CWL is the advancement of women onto California's bench. To this end, CWL encourages judicial candidates to obtain an evaluation from CWL. We have reason to believe that CWL's evaluation may significantly increase an applicant's chances of appointment. CWL presents its hallmark "So, You Want to Be a Judge" seminar, which explains the judicial application process and seeks to increase participants' chances of appointment, at various places and times around the state, and encourages applicants' attendance at these seminars.

How to apply for a CWL Judicial Evaluation

An applicant must submit to the CWL office a request for a CWL judicial evaluation. This request may be made by phone, by mail, by fax or by e-mail. The request should include the applicant's name, address and position applied for (i.e., superior or appellate court). CWL's address is 650 Howe Avenue, Suite 555, Sacramento, CA 95825, phone (916) 646-3114, fax (916) 646-6469, e-mail: info@cwl.org.

CWL will then send the applicant a letter and form. The applicant should return two copies of the form along with the two copies of the following items: (1) mailing labels containing the names and addresses of at least fifty professional references including those of judges, opposing counsel, and other professionals identified in the application to the governor's office, (2) a writing sample, (3) a current resume, and (4) a check in the amount of $75.00.

Once CWL receives the applicant's returned packet, the evaluation will be assigned to a CWL board member to complete the evaluation process, which will include a personal or telephone interview with the applicant. Upon completion of the evaluation, the CWL board member will present findings to the full CWL Board of Governors so that an evaluation discussion may be made and a rating (Exceptionally Well Qualified, Well Qualified, Qualified, Not Qualified) assigned. Thereafter, CWL will send a letter to the governor's office containing CWL's evaluation.