LEXISNEXIS AGREES TO FUND EXPANSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN JUDGES' COLOR OF JUSTICE PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, D.C - The National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) announced that it has received funding from NAWJ supporter LexisNexis to expand presentation of its Color of Justice Program. The purpose of the program is to encourage girls and minority students in seventh through twelfth grades to consider the law and judgeships as career goals. Since its inception in 2001, the program has been presented in more that 25 states and received national recognition from bar groups, including the American Bar Association. The program focuses on career preparation, panel discussions with judges and lawyers sharing personal and professional insights, and small group discussions during informal luncheons. The program provides an environment where discussion and debate among participants can flourish. The goal is to expand the program to 17 additional states in 2010-2011.

"The Color of Justice program introduces a diverse audience of high school students to the opportunities provided by a legal career," said NAWJ President Dana Fabe, Justice on the Alaska Supreme Court. The Alaska Courts are presenters of the nation's most comprehensive Color of Justice Programs. "It is important that we develop and implement programs that inspire middle and secondary school students and encourage them to attend four-year colleges and universities, and, ultimately law school."

The Color of Justice program's national expansion will be guided by program creator NAWJ Past President Judge Brenda Stith Loftin, St. Louis, MO and NAWJ Vice President of Districts, Retired Judge Joan Churchill, Maryland. LexisNexis team members will join in program collaboration throughout the national expansion.

For more information contact Marie Komisar at (202) 393-0222 ext. 10.