Strong student turnout for Penn State Dickinson Law’s ‘Growing Judges’ event in Carlisle and University Park

CARLISLE and UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.—Penn State Dickinson Law students at the Carlisle and University Park locations enjoyed a unique opportunity to learn what it takes to become a judge and hear about the challenges of navigating this rewarding and demanding career path.

The September 25 event “Growing Judges,” sponsored by the Judicial Council National Bar Association Judge Clifford Scott Green Chapter, featured a panel of accomplished jurists who answered insightful questions from Superior Court of Pennsylvania Judge Timika Lane, the evening’s moderator, before taking queries from students. The innovative format employed a simulcast that allowed the judges to interact with audiences in both locations.

The “Growing Judges” event has been held for decades by the Judicial Council, the largest and oldest association of Black judges in the world. The goals of the event, which moves to different law schools each year, include sharing information and inspiration about judicial career paths with law students; creating an opportunity for law students to meet, network with, and hear directly from judges; and increasing contact with and visibility of judges among law students.

The Penn State Dickinson Law panel participants—Commonwealth Court Judge Lori A. Dumas and Magisterial District Judge Hanif L. Johnson in University Park and Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Charles Hayden and Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Royce Morris in Carlisle—boast more than five decades of combined experience on the bench.

The evening closed with receptions in both locations, where students asked additional questions and socialized with the judges. More than 100 students attended the event.

“The ‘Growing Judges’ event was a really cool experience. It revealed some unique paths to reach the bench and highlighted that every path in life and the law is distinct,” said Tristen Sutton’28, who attends Penn State Dickinson Law in University Park. “It was also very inspiring to see people of color as judges because that’s not something you often think about or see. I appreciate all the judges who took the time to talk to us and hope to see more events like this in the future.”

Discussing the mistakes attorneys make and the most difficult cases

The event began with student leaders from Carlisle and University Park introducing each judge. Cristen Williams (Black Law Students Association), Aiyanna Gutema (BLSA and Women’s Law Caucus), Jordan Hodess (Jewish Law Students Association), Celia Woodruff (Asian Pacific American Law Students Association), and Amber Rattery (BLSA) shared each judge’s background and highlighted important parts of their legal careers.

The ensuing conversation touched on a wide range of topics as Lane tailored her questions to the respondent. The judges discussed the biggest mistakes attorneys make in court (lack of civility), the most challenging cases to decide (taxation), and the difference between a good and a great lawyer (the ability to truly put yourself in someone else’s shoes).

Johnson, who in 2017 became Pennsylvania’s youngest judge at age 27, compared the role of the judge in the courtroom to that of a referee at a sporting event, ensuring that the playing field remains equal and everyone plays by the rules, an assessment Morris seconded.

The judges also discussed an issue often unseen by the community at large— the difficulty of separating their professional identities from their personal lives. All noted that whether they are at the grocery store or a social event, they are seen as “the judge,” which can take some getting used to after joining the bench.

‘Do what you need to do to reach your goals’

Next, students had the opportunity to address the judges. One asked what skills carry from having your own practice to becoming a judge. Hayden noted that working for himself honed his work ethic. “Everywhere I have gone, that experience of having been a solo practitioner has served me,” said Hayden.

Another student asked Morris whether his experience working in the public defender’s office impacted his viewpoint on trials. While Morris cautioned that judges cannot let their past experiences sway their actions, he said he has an open-door policy and encourages young lawyers to discuss a case after the fact. “I can talk to you afterward, if you want to Monday morning quarterback, so I do not do anything to influence any case on either side,” said Morris.

Asked how she has navigated career challenges, Dumas said her keen focus has served her well. “If you really are passionate about what you want, then you go after it, and you do what you need to do to reach your goals,” said Dumas.

Johnson was asked how his youth differentiated him from his more senior colleagues, and he joked that he did not need to take naps. He also said he tries to remain flexible. “Case law changes. Everything can change at the drop of a hat. Something may go to the Supreme Court, and then the decision changes everything the next day. You have to constantly evolve, you have to be up to date with everything, and you have to be willing to learn all the time. It does not stop. Case law is your best friend,” said Johnson.