Seattle attorney’s board position helps drive forward mission to diversify Washington State’s judiciary

Schroeter Goldmark & Bender attorney Carson Phillips-Spotts recently joined the board of Judicial Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to the judiciary and diversifying Washington State’s bench.

Judicial Institute supports this vision by providing resources, mentorship, and education for attorneys who are considering a future on the bench, but who may not otherwise have guidance on how to get there.

Every other year, Judicial Institute hosts a clinic designed for legal professionals of diverse backgrounds with at least eight years of experience. The program brings together attorneys from a wide range of racial, gender, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds to learn about the judicial appointment process, understand what it means to be a judge, and hear directly from members of the bench.

The next clinic will be held at Seattle University School of Law in March 2026, offering two days of hands-on learning, discussion, and community building. The program not only equips attendees with practical insights but also strengthens Washington’s future courts by encouraging a broader, more representative pool of judicial candidates.

“It’s fulfilling to serve on Judicial Institute’s board, helping shape outreach efforts that ensure more attorneys know about – and feel welcome in – these opportunities,” said Carson Phillips-Spotts. “The organization helps foster a more inclusive legal community and supports the development of future leaders on Washington’s bench, and it’s an honor to serve on its board.”

To learn more about Judicial Institute, visit https://judicialinstitutewa.org/.