Over the last few weeks, editorials around the state have drawn renewed attention to the lack of diversity on Florida’s state bench and, specifically, the decreasing number or black judges. Despite the plethora of initiatives and committees that have been formed, this issue persists. But, the members of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division may hold the key to increasing the diversity of Florida’s judiciary.

Over the past 10 years, between 2,000 and 3,300 new lawyers have been admitted to The Florida Bar each year. These new lawyers are more diverse by just about any measure than the generations of lawyers that preceded them. These lawyers will form the pool from which the members of our future judiciary will be drawn.

But a more diverse pool is not sufficient. Young lawyers must prepare themselves to be judicial candidates who will rise above the field. Preparation does not begin when the position to which you hope to apply is open, it starts during your first day of practice. Judicial candidates will be asked about all their relevant legal experience. This includes the total number of cases tried and the case number and names of opposing counsel and judges on the most recent trials. Candidates will want to ensure they have accumulated the relevant experience that the application requires.

The members of the judicial nominating commission will also research each candidate’s reputation in the legal community and request that lawyers who have practiced with you provide letters of reference. The judge or opposing counsel from your first trial may have a relationship with a member of the JNC and his or her statement about how you conducted yourself may affect your application.

Your involvement in bar or community organization will also be important. All members of Florida’s judiciary must run for election, whether through the county-wide elections required of our trial court judges or the merit retention process required of our appellate court judges. Future judicial candidates must, therefore, build a base of support in the legal community and the community-at-large in order to succeed in those elections. Get involved in your local bar association, civic group, church, synagogue or other community organizations today.

Our diverse group of young lawyers can help to increase the diversity of our judiciary but only if our members are prepared to be judicial candidates. Whether you became a lawyer because it was your dream to be a judge or it’s a tiny idea in the back of your mind, take a look at the Judicial Nominating Commission Application and take the first step toward becoming a successful judicial candidate.

Annika E. Ashton lives in Miami, Florida and is an Assistant County Attorney for Broward County, Florida. She is one of the 11th Circuit representatives on the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors and a Past President of the Caribbean Bar Association.