Community Engagement

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Community Engagement

Community engagement is critical to the Orange County Superior Court and its mission to administer justice. The Court’s judicial officers volunteer countless hours through the Court’s Community Engagement Committees to advance this mission by reaching out to communities throughout Orange County.

Through its engagement programs and services, the Court seeks to increase access to justice for all, promote dialogue with community members about the law and civic engagement, and work with Orange County youth to encourage them to explore careers in the legal profession and become leaders in their communities.

The Orange County Superior Court offers the following programs for Pre-K–12 students, community members, legal organizations, and other stakeholders throughout the county.

Judges in the Classroom (K–12 Students | Ongoing)
Invite a judge into your classroom and give students a unique opportunity to learn directly from members of the judiciary. Through one-hour, in-person or virtual presentations, judicial officers explore topics including the U.S. Constitution, the rule of law, and landmark trials while encouraging student questions and participation. These engaging sessions help strengthen civic understanding and inspire students to become informed and active members of their communities.

Court Tours: Journey Through Justice (Grades 4–12 | Ongoing)
Court Tours: Journey Through Justice offers students an engaging, in-depth look at the legal system through in-person and virtual tours. This educational initiative connects students directly with judges and other legal professionals to explore the inner workings of the Orange County Superior Court. In-person experiences may include tours of courthouses and opportunities to observe live court proceedings.

Additional Programs

Read Across America (Pre-K–Grade 3 | Annually in March)
The Court invites Pre-K through third-grade teachers to host a judicial officer for an in-person or virtual story session as part of the Read Across America program. This initiative brings engaging, diverse literature into the classroom, fosters a love of reading, and provides students with a unique connection to the justice system.

Law Day Student Showcase (K–12 Students | Annually on May 1)
The Court hosts a Law Day Student Showcase that invites youth to express what the rule of law, justice, and civic responsibility mean to them through art and media.

Young Men’s and Women’s Civic Leadership Conference (Grades 10–12 | Annually in the Fall)
The Young Men’s and Women’s Civic Leadership Conference empowers high school students to lead local service projects through engaging workshops and panel discussions, providing them with tools to become active changemakers in their communities.

All Rise Student Mentor Program (Incoming Grades 10–12 | Annually in June and July)
The All Rise Student Mentor Program offers students a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight into the legal system, interact with judicial officers and court personnel, and explore potential career paths in the legal profession.

Equal Access to Justice and Prevention of Bias Training and Programs (Legal Community | Schedule Varies)
The Orange County Superior Court has developed a comprehensive diversity and inclusion initiative in collaboration with legal aid organizations and local bar associations to support less experienced and underrepresented attorneys in gaining valuable litigation and courtroom experience.

The training and other programs are designed to raise awareness among the judiciary, justice partners, and community regarding efforts to eliminate bias, promote equal and equitable justice, ensure fair access to the courts, and foster inclusion. Educational workshops, forums, and other outreach efforts support these goals while promoting greater understanding of individual experiences.

Judicial Mentor Program (Licensed Attorneys | Ongoing)
The Judicial Mentor Program seeks to recruit and develop qualified and diverse judicial candidates in Orange County. The program was developed by judges in collaboration with the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom to identify, encourage, and provide mentors to individuals considering a judicial career. One of the program’s primary goals is to communicate throughout the legal community the Governor’s judicial criteria and commitment to appointing a capable bench reflective of California’s rich diversity.

Leadership Academy (Community Stakeholders | Annually)
The Leadership Academy is an annual engagement initiative designed to expand and strengthen the Court’s relationships with community stakeholders, including community groups, faith-based organizations, and constituents of local elected officials. Through interactive sessions, participants engage in discussions, share concerns with the Court, and learn about issues facing the Court and the programs and services available to the community. Participants also have opportunities to network, learn about the organizations represented by fellow attendees, and connect with legal professionals conducting the sessions.

Speakers Bureau (Community Groups, Universities, Nonprofit Organizations, and Other Stakeholders | Ongoing)
The Speakers Bureau maintains a panel of judges and other court officials available to speak with community audiences on a wide range of court-related topics. Court personnel are also available to provide information to community groups about accessing the Court’s services for individuals with disabilities.

OC Fair (Fair Attendees | Annually in the Summer)
The Orange County Superior Court hosts a booth at the annual OC Fair in Costa Mesa. The booth provides information about Court programs and services, employment and volunteer opportunities, and family-friendly giveaways.

2021-2025 Community Engagement Report

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