LEAD for Justice

LEAD for Justice

LEAD for Justice is a candidate recruitment and training program focused on offering judicial candidates (and those who are interested in running in the future) training on how to navigate the judicial appointment process and how to run a successful judicial campaign.

LEAD for Justice

Launched in 2022

Total Trained: 102

Total Candidates: 51

Judges Elected: 8

Judges Appointed: 5

Women Trained: 67%

BIPOC Trained: 49%

LEAD for Justice ⋆ Launched in 2022 ⋆ Total Trained: 102 ⋆ Total Candidates: 51 ⋆ Judges Elected: 8 ⋆ Judges Appointed: 5 ⋆ Women Trained: 67% ⋆ BIPOC Trained: 49% ⋆

LEAD for Justice Training

Training has concluded for 2024. Click here to be notified when an upcoming training is scheduled.

In this exclusive 5-week, virtual training program we bring in experts from across Michigan to provide the best information on how to run a successful judicial campaign. (Trainings are held on a weekday evening, once a week for 5 consecutive weeks.)

  • Launching a Judicial Campaign & Campaign Fundamentals

  • Judicial Appointments & Endorsements

  • Judicial Fundraising

  • Judicial Ethics & Compliance

  • Realities of Running for Judicial Office

** Curious of what the training is like? See testimonials below from judicial candidates who have completed the training.

Are you a current judicial candidate or interested in running for judge in the future?

Applications for our 5-week virtual training program are reviewed on a rolling basis. If accepted into the LEAD for Justice training program, you will be notified as soon as the next training is scheduled. The cost of the 5-week training program is $50.

We only accept a limited number of participants.

If you have any questions about our programming or are interested in partnering with us, please contact our Judicial Director, Tara West at tara@glpacademy.com.

Our Partners

Michigan AFL-CIO logo
Michigan League of Conservation Voters logo

What Judicial Candidates are Saying About LEAD for Justice

“LEAD for Justice has given me additional confidence in many areas of my campaign, including campaign finance, compliance and the nuances involved in running a judicial campaign. The team is always accessible to you and willing to provide helpful resources to ensure you are a success. I could not have asked for a better training experience leading up to my first campaign cycle as a candidate.”

— Elected Judge Charise Anderson, 3rd Circuit Court

“I am so grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to participate in the GLPA LEAD for Justice training. As a complete novice to the election and appointment processes, GLPA-LEAD provided step by step procedural programming that equipped me with the tools necessary to seek office by either means. Access to exceptional reference materials, expert presenters, and a wealth of knowledge and expertise of GLPA-LEAD staff were all invaluable tools. I am forever grateful for the personal guidance and encouragement received from Ms. West and the entire staff.”

— Appointed Judge Nicole Goodson, 3rd Circuit Court

“This is one of the most helpful programs I've ever attended. It provides a true blueprint to follow on the path to the bench. The resources and topics are 100% useful and has eased my mind in so many ways. The sessions on rules, deadlines, and technical requirements provide clear guidance and I feel less overwhelmed about the process.”

— Macie Gaines, 2023 LEAD for Justice graduate