The New York State Supreme Court courthouse at 60 Centre Street on Foley Square in the Civic Center district of Manhattan, New York City. (Photo: WikimediaCommons) The New York State Supreme Court courthouse at 60 Centre Street in Manhattan. Photo: WikimediaCommons

New York state court officials are hoping to inspire more young persons of color to consider joining the legal profession by hosting a group of high school students at the state Supreme Court in Manhattan on Tuesday.

The Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, a statewide panel tasked with promoting racial and ethnic fairness in state courts, expects the event to be the first of many.

Associate Justice Doris Ling-Cohan of the Appellate Term, First Department, who's a member of the commission, said the panel has long lamented about the lack of students of color planning a career in law, as well as the small number of lawyers and judges of color.

With events like the one scheduled for Tuesday, she hopes to get more students of color interested in pursuing that career path.

"We hope to roll this out in other counties with the help of judges volunteering to host high school kids in their courts," Ling-Cohan said. "Hopefully, we will not be talking about the lack of a pipeline of diverse applicants in the future."

Ling-Cohan serves on the board of directors for the Council for Unity, which will bring the high school students to the court for the event Tuesday. The organization works to provide opportunities for young people to address social, emotional and cultural needs in a way that traditional classrooms may not be able to.

Robert De Sena, president of the group, said the students involved would be particularly well-positioned to pursue a career in the legal profession.

"Our kids, many of whom are considered 'at-risk,' have battled much and, with our program, are now focused on success and are ideal candidates for the FHW Commission's focus on increasing the pipeline, as we have almost a 100% graduation rate and most of our kids go on to college," De Sena said.

READ MORE:

Eileen Millett, Phillips Nizer Partner, Tapped to Serve as New Counsel for Office of Court Administration

Judges Head Back to School to Prepare for Presumptive Mediation Initiative

DiFiore's Trial Court Restructuring Plan Draws Opposition From Justices' Group

NY Courts Ready as Second Phase of 'Raise the Age' Law Takes Effect, Officials Say