Fifteenth Annual Color of Justice Program Inspires Students

BY EMILY MORRIS

The National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ), in partnership with the Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association (TCWLA), held the 15th Annual Color of Justice Program on April 14, 2022. Middle and high school students from Akins, Travis and Del Valle high schools and Lively Middle School were able to learn from lawyers and judges and had a chance to visit The University of Texas School of Law. The Color of Justice Program emphasizes the rule of law and provides students with an opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with judges and lawyers who hopefully inspire them to enter the profession.

The event featured two panel discussions with speakers sharing their personal backgrounds, experiences, and area of practices, discussing the important roles of personal commitment and perseverance, and the importance of lawyers and judges in our society. The first panel, titled “Making a Difference,” featured judicial panelists: Justice Gisela Triana of the Third Court of

Appeals; Travis County Judges Hon. Maria Cantu-Hexsel of the 53rd Civil District Court, Hon. Cliff Brown of the 147th Criminal District Court; and Hon. Nick Chu, Justice of the Peace Pct. 5; and moderator Hon. Orlinda Naranjo, retired from Travis County 419th Civil District Court and former NAWJ District 11 Director. The second panel, titled “Law as a Career: Preparing the Way,” featured Juan Alcala, partner at Holland & Knight; Roswill Mejia, associate at Reed Smith; Tycha Kimbrough, managing attorney at Kimbrough Legal; and moderator Ayeola Williams, in-house counsel at CapMetro. Following the presentations, students were able to enjoy lunch and mingle with UT law students, attorneys and judges in attendance.

The Color of Justice Program emphasizes the rule of law and provides students with an opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with judges and lawyers who hopefully inspire them to enter the profession.

NAWJ and Texas Latinx Judges granted a $1,000 Access to Justice scholarship to UT Law 2L Lezly Cardenas for her demonstrated commitment to the achievement of equality of opportunity and access to justice. Cardenas gave a moving speech to the students, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance in order to succeed as a DACA recipient and first-generation college and law student.

The Color of Justice Program could not be as successful without the help of its sponsors, which included Moody Bank, the William Wayne Justice Center for Public Law, Texas Latinx Judges, and TCWLA. AL

Color of Justice program participants listen to speakers.

Justice Gisela Triana, Judge Cliff Brown, Judge Orlinda Naranjo, Judge Nick Chu, and Judge Maria Cantu- Hexsel provide insight into being a lawyer.

Emily Morris specializes in the areas of business law and real estate, providing legal solutions to companies and individuals. She received her juris doctorate at Tulane University and also holds a marketing degree. In 2019, Morris was recognized by the Austin Young Lawyers Association with its Mentor Award.