
Days & Times
to
Course begins 8 a.m Monday and concludes by noon Friday.
Course Location
Reno, NV
Course Fees
Tuition
$1749
Conference Fee
$499
The NJC Judicial Academy prepares lawyers for the work and life of a judge. It starts with outlining the pathways to the bench – through elections and appointments. The Judicial Academy offers the reality of the challenges and responsibilities that judges encounter in judicial service. Topics include judicial ethics (on campaigns and as a judge) and current topics related to taking the bench, such as decision-making, security, media, campaign finance, and access to the courts. Participants will learn from current judges, retired judges, NJC faculty, and a panel of state supreme court chief justices. Each participant will develop a two-minute advocacy speech on why they should become a judge. This is an opportunity for every participant to consider whether, when and how they will seek a judicial seat, through appointment or election.
As of early 2025, 37 alumni of the first Judicial Academy classes will have taken the bench.
From our 2024 class:
"This was an exceptional program that every lawyer - regardless of whether they aspire to ultimately become a judge or not - should take for their own personal growth and development. The best CLE program I have taken." - 2024 Participant
"I really cannot say enough about the Judicial Academy. Being amongst peers and faculty dedicated to each other's success was special enough, but the curriculum was above and beyond a typical CLE. Just an outstanding experience." - 2024 Participant
"The Judicial Academy is a true life-changing experience. Within the course, you meet judges who become mentors and everyone you meet is committed to helping you get to your goal of being jurist. In one week, I learned more than I have learned in several years watching judges from the bench as to what they do and what they should do. The best part of the program is that everyone here wants you to succeed. They go out of their way to bridge that gap of learning for many of us like me who do not have anyone in their families who are judges. People like me are the first and only attorneys in their families and need guidance to move to the next level. You meet other people in your cohort, who become your cheerleaders and friends. There is really nothing better. I cannot wait to come back and take classes as a judge because they gave me the confidence to say that I know now that I will become one." - 2024 Participant
Course $1749
Conference Fee $499
During this course, you will learn to:
- Identify best practices for seeking an appointed or elected judicial officer position.
- Synthesize the daily in class exercises to present a concise and persuasive statement about the graduate’s qualifications for a judicial officer position and why the graduate wants to serve as a judge.
- Create a body of relevant information to complete the application materials for a judicial officer position.
- Develop a working knowledge of the Model Code of Judicial Conduct related to campaigns for a judicial officer position.
- Anticipate courtroom conduct by parties, counsel, members of the public, the media or court staff and develop responses that reflect unbiased compliance with the Model Code of Judicial Conduct.
- Understand the judge's unique role in ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice
- Strengthen understanding of the differences between advocating for a client and serving as a judicial officer.
- Provide a two-minute explanation for why they should be a judge.
Additional documentation required after registration.

The NJC Judicial Academy prepares lawyers for the work and life of a judge. It starts with outlining the pathways to the bench – through elections and appointments. The Judicial Academy offers the reality of the challenges and responsibilities that judges encounter in judicial service. Topics include judicial ethics (on campaigns and as a judge) and current topics related to taking the bench, such as decision-making, security, media, campaign finance, and access to the courts. Participants will learn from current judges, retired judges, NJC faculty, and a panel of state supreme court chief justices. Each participant will develop a two-minute advocacy speech on why they should become a judge. This is an opportunity for every participant to consider whether, when and how they will seek a judicial seat, through appointment or election.
As of early 2025, 37 alumni of the first Judicial Academy classes will have taken the bench.
From our 2024 class:
"This was an exceptional program that every lawyer - regardless of whether they aspire to ultimately become a judge or not - should take for their own personal growth and development. The best CLE program I have taken." - 2024 Participant
"I really cannot say enough about the Judicial Academy. Being amongst peers and faculty dedicated to each other's success was special enough, but the curriculum was above and beyond a typical CLE. Just an outstanding experience." - 2024 Participant
"The Judicial Academy is a true life-changing experience. Within the course, you meet judges who become mentors and everyone you meet is committed to helping you get to your goal of being jurist. In one week, I learned more than I have learned in several years watching judges from the bench as to what they do and what they should do. The best part of the program is that everyone here wants you to succeed. They go out of their way to bridge that gap of learning for many of us like me who do not have anyone in their families who are judges. People like me are the first and only attorneys in their families and need guidance to move to the next level. You meet other people in your cohort, who become your cheerleaders and friends. There is really nothing better. I cannot wait to come back and take classes as a judge because they gave me the confidence to say that I know now that I will become one." - 2024 Participant