In their own words: Judges, lawyers, professors discuss diversity in Nebraska's legal community
On Juneteenth, as the country neared Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's swearing-in as the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, the Journal Star reached out to several people on the bench, in the legal community and at Nebraska's law schools to ask their thoughts about diversity in the state's courtrooms.
We asked what drew them to a career in law; how long they've been working in Nebraska and if they plan to stay; why diversity is important in the judicial system and what can be done to foster diversity in the legal community.
(8) updates to this series since Updated
"I immigrated from a country with little rule of law and it is inspiring every day to be a part of this great country’s system of law and justice."
"We need to help make the journey to law school more accessible for young people. Many people of color or from diverse backgrounds do not have attorneys in their families or broader friend groups."
"Having an awareness that each individual is different and unique based on a culmination of their life experiences is the foundation of equity and fairness."
"One thing that will improve diversity among attorneys and judges here in Nebraska is to try to retain the diverse law students that attend Nebraska law schools."
"No matter who you are, we need lawyers and judges in our communities who look like you or share your life experiences."
"Bringing diversity of skills and experiences to any endeavor can result in a better end-product, whether it is the skill sets needed to build a house or a judicial system."
Deputy Platte County Attorney Jose Rodriguez grew up in New York and graduated from Creighton University School of Law.
"In order to apply the law in the most equitable fashion possible, the judicial system must incorporate the varied perspectives of all of its constituents."
When Tressa Alioth was sworn in last year, she quietly became the first Black woman to be appointed as a district court judge in Nebraska.
"I feel like our state is a better state when there's a diverse representation, whether that's politically, racially, ethnically, in ability, all of those things," said Shawntal Mallory of the Nebraska Legal Diversity Council.
Here's a little known fact: A dozen counties in Nebraska currently have no practicing attorneys. And by 2027, four more counties are projected to join them.Â
Community members and state officials squeezed into a classroom at the UNL College of Law to support the first graduating class of Lincoln's DUI Court.
