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The 19th annual Color of Justice Program was held on March 25, 2026, at the University of Texas School of Law. The event was sponsored by the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) in partnership with the Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association (TCWLA).
Students from Akins and LBJ high schools, as well as Lively Middle School, attended the program to learn about the legal profession and its vital role in society.
Throughout the event, students heard from attorneys and judges who shared their experiences and encouraged students to consider careers in law.
Legal Jeopardy Kicks Off the Program
The program began with welcoming remarks from Justice Gisela Triana of the Third Court of Appeals.
Students then participated in an engaging round of “Legal Jeopardy,” moderated by Kim Hidrogo, Assistant Travis County Attorney, and Samantha McCoy, Associate Attorney at Nadler Nelson.
Attorneys and Judges Share Their Experiences
Following “Legal Jeopardy,” students participated in two panel discussions moderated by Beth Payán, Assistant Travis County Attorney.
The attorney panel featured:
- Cristopher Mugica
- Daniela Peinado Welsh
- the Hon. Rudy Metayer
- Jessica Huynh
The panelists spoke about their educational and professional journeys to the practice of law.
The judicial panel included:
- Judge Brad Urrutia, 450th District Court
- Judge Yvonne Williams, Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
- Judge Maya Guerra Gamble, 459th Civil District Court
- Judge Sherine Thomas, 353rd Civil District Court
Together, the panelists offered valuable insight into the many paths and opportunities within the legal profession.
Karla Peredo Receives $1,250 Access to Justice Scholarship
At this year’s Color of Justice Program, NAWJ and TCWLA awarded a $1,250 Access to Justice Scholarship.
The scholarship is awarded to a law student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity and access in the justice system.
Justice Triana presented Karla Peredo, a 2L student at Texas Law, with this year’s scholarship. Peredo has shown dedication to making diversity, access, and equality in the justice system a reality for all.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Special thanks to the program sponsors whose generous support made this event possible:
- National Association of Women Judges
- Travis County Women Lawyers’ Association
- Jackson Walker
- Graves Dougherty Hearon & Moody
- Judge Denise Hernández of County Court at Law No. 6
- UT Law Pipeline Program
- Pinthouse Pizza
- H-E-B
