Greetings all,

With the holidays upon us, it can be easy to focus your attention on preparing and enjoying the feast that lies ahead. But it’s important to remember the reason for the season – gratitude, acknowledgement, appreciativeness, recognition, and thankfulness.  

At the Third Circuit Court, we are most thankful for our talented and committed group of employees. We’d like to express our gratitude to each and every one of you for your tireless work to provide exceptional services to the people and families of Wayne County. This time of year is a good reminder of how we can overcome any challenge, and achieve any goal, with the right people by our side. We notice and appreciate everything you bring to the table. 

May you enjoy the holidays with your friends, family, and loved ones!

Judge Michael J. McClory was appointed as Wayne County Probate Court Judge effective November 1, 2022 and won a term to serve as Probate Judge commencing on January 1, 2023. He is assigned to Third Circuit Court – Family Division-Juvenile. Before becoming Judge, he was the Chief Deputy Probate Register for the Wayne County Probate Court. A graduate of Wayne State University Law School, his professional career has been in the areas of estate planning, administration, and probate. 

Jude McClory is a past Chairperson of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He is a former member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Representative Assembly. Judge McClory served on the Michigan Supreme Court’s Estates and Trusts, Guardianship and Conservatorship, and Mental Health Forms Committees. He is an adjunct professor at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Judge McClory is a recipient of the Michael W. Irish Award, presented by the Probate and Estate Planning Section, for outstanding contributions to the estate planning profession. 

Judge McClory is a frequent lecturer on probate practice and procedure for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) (most recently at the Probate and Estate Planning Institute in May and June 2022), the Michigan Probate and Juvenile Registers Association, and numerous other groups. His articles on probate law have been published in the Michigan Probate and Estate Planning Journal: “MCR 5.101 and the Limits of Probate Court Jurisdiction”; “Joint Financial Accounts: Legal Analysis and Litigation Tips”; and “EPIC’s Antilapse Provisions: An Analysis”. He has authored a chapter on challenges to joint financial assets which is part of Michigan Probate Litigation: A Guide to Contested Matters, published by ICLE. He also has written chapters on the duties and liabilities of guardians for adults and minors which is part of ICLE’s Michigan Guardianship and Conservatorship Handbook and provides editorial assistance for ICLE’s Michigan Probate Benchbook. 

Judge Bradley Cobb was appointed to the Third Circuit Court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in August of this year to fill a partial term created when Judge Lawrence Talon resigned in April. Judge Cobb comes to the bench after having served over 25 years as an assistant prosecutor for Wayne County. In addition to having tried many cases over the years, he also served in several managerial capacities: principal attorney for the Out-County Division, the Diversion and Community Prosecution Units, and as lead Attorney for the Violent Crimes Unit. For the four years preceding his appointment, Judge Cobb served as a docket supervisor in the General Trials Division and as chaplain for the Prosecutor’s Office. Following his graduation from law school and before his time at the Prosecutor’s Office, he worked as a pre-hearing attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Judge Cobb earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Wright State University. Outside the courtroom, Judge Cobb is the pastor of the Mount Beulah Baptist Church of Detroit. He lives in Canton with his wife, Bernadine, and their two daughters.

Judge Nicole Neal Goodson was appointed to the Third Circuit Court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in October. Judge Goodson graduated from the University of Detroit in 1994 and was awarded a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1997. She began her career as a Staff Attorney with UAW Legal Services. In 1999 Attorney Goodson joined Legal Aid & Defender Association, Inc. (LAD) representing low-income residents of Wayne County in housing, consumers, real estate, and debt collection matters. From 2005 – 2009 Judge Goodson joined the Bingham Law Group, PLLC as a partner representing financial corporations in real estate matters, bankruptcy, and other consumer-related matters. In 2009, she rejoined LAD to pursue her passion for serving the underserved and often overlooked low-income residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County. In May of 2017 she was named Chief Counsel/COO for LAD and in December of that same year she was named President & CEO.

She was awarded the 2020 Community Leadership Award from First Step for their work with survivors of domestic violence, in 2021 LAD was awarded the Hon. Wade H. McCree, Jr. Award for the Advancement of Social Justice by the Federal Bar Association – Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, also in 2021 she was recognized as a Notable Women in the Law by Crain’s Magazine. She was recently appointed to the State Bar of Michigan’s Access to Justice Policy Committee. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter where she serves as Treasurer.

Retired Deputy Court Administrator Richard Smart received the Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award on November 22^nd. As the Detroit Legal News reported, “The award is being presented to Smart in recognition of his 24 years of dedicated service to youth in Metropolitan Detroit as Deputy Court Administrator of the Wayne County Juvenile Division. On hand to present the award will be Justices Elizabeth T. Clement and Megan K. Cavanagh, co-liaisons on Child Welfare.”

Third Circuit Court would like to welcome Christopher (Chris) Bates, the new Assistant Director of Jury Services. Chris has been with 3^rd Circuit Court for 17 years. He was recently a Senior Domestic Relations Specialist, but started at the courts as a Clerk I. He graduated from Tuskegee University in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He is a passionate person but also easy going. He loves to help others whether it’s a homeless person, friend, co-worker, or family member.

Third Circuit Court would like to welcome Bridget Lamar-Jackson, the new Senior Human Resources Manager Bridget joins the Third Circuit Court of Michigan after serving 19 years as a Human Resources professional with the City of Detroit. In her most recent position she served as an Employee Services Manager II with Detroit Police Department’s (DPD) Human Resources Bureau. She was tasked with overseeing the daily operations of Human Resources, Police Medical, and the COVID-19 Response Team. Under her leadership, DPD increased its civilian talent acquisition efforts by 50%. She was also an integral part of implementing a new Human Resources Information System within DPD. She’s had the pleasure of serving as a human resources professional for every City of Detroit department with the exception of Water.

Bridget is a native Detroiter and 3^rd generation public servant. She’s also a proud Cass Tech graduate. She believes being a civil servant is a privilege and is honored to serve the employees and visitors of this Court.

Bridget received her undergraduate degree from Tennessee State University and graduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She believes “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Community service is a natural extension of her everyday life. In her leisure time, she loves to cook, travel, and gardening. She also treasures spending quality time with family, especially her husband, son, granddaughter, and sorors of Delta Sigma Theta. 

Third Circuit Court would like to welcome Edna Clark, the new Chief Assistant of Administrative Operations in the Family Division - Juvenile.

Edna began her career in 1987 working with Emotional Impaired Children in Residential Treatment/Youth Development and has held several key positions such as a Child Care Worker, Supervisor, Manager, and Project Director. For the past 19 years, Edna was employed with Macomb County Circuit Court wherein the first part of her career she was employed as a            Juvenile Probation Officer and then as a Caseworker Manager. It was through her years of serving the families of Macomb that Edna gained experience in managing Probation Field, Intake, Diversion, Intensive and Residential Services.

Edna holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Psychology from Wayne State University. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University and a Certification in Judicial Administration from Michigan State University. Further, Edna has extensive experience as a leader in the areas of project management, labor relations, leadership development, and grant management. Edna has respectively served as a Chair and Chief Negotiator for POAM (Police Officer Association of Michigan), the UAW (United Auto Workers) and AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees).

Edna is also a graduate of Leadership Macomb Class LM XII (leadershipmacomb.org) and serves on the Program Advisory Board for Junior Leadership Macomb (JLM). Edna is committed to serving the community, making meaningful connections, and being a voice for those who need it most. She was appointed to serve as Program Chair on the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board and Executive Secretary on the Macomb County Women’s Commission. She served on the OneMacomb Executive Leadership Board, the Macomb County Circuit Leadership Committee, the Macomb County Circuit Court Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and is currently the Co-Chair of the MSU Extension Leadership Council for Macomb County.

Serving families and helping to shape the lives of young people is her true passion, both professionally and personally. Edna states she looks forward to serving the families of Wayne County with the same commitment and drive.

Edna’s priorities in life are faith, family, and community. She serves tirelessly in serval capacities at her church, LAM Christian Church in Warren, Michigan. Edna finds her most enjoyable moments spending time with her husband, three daughters, large extended family and serving in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Veterans Court

Referee Eric Gloudemans presides over the Family Division-Domestic Veterans Specialty Court with the support of Senior Domestic Relations Specialist LaDonna Cato-Floyd. Specialty courts are important because they encourage problem-solving by coordinating efforts of the judiciary, court personnel and community resource providers, such as Food Futures.

Veterans Court is specifically designed to address the unique challenges that veterans may face after serving our country. The goal is to help break down the barriers that may be contributing to the payer’s inability to fully meet his or her child support obligation, such as unemployment, underemployment, and lack of education, as well as issues involving housing, transportation, substance abuse, and mental health. As part of the program, the participant’s child support obligation is reviewed and “right-sized” based on current circumstances to facilitate compliance with the support order.

Since its inception in March of 2016, 39 Veterans (with 73 total cases) have participated in the Veterans Court program. Over $545,000.00 of child support arrears have been discharged, through both the State-Arrears Forgiveness program and the elimination of arrears by the consent of the parties. Additionally, veterans have paid child support of $46,117.71 while enrolled in the program. Veterans Court offers a more therapeutic approach than the traditional outcome of nonpayment of support resulting in sanctions.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, the Third Circuit Court chose to highlight those who served in the military. Those who have served have protected the freedoms of this nation. First, the Court recognizes all of those who graduated and are currently enrolled in our Veterans Treatment Court (VTC). The VTC promotes sobriety, recovery, and stability through a coordinated response that involves cooperation and collaboration with the traditional partners found in problem-solving courts, with the addition of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care networks, Veterans Benefits Administration, and veterans and veterans’ family support organizations.

The Court also salutes its judges and employees who have served in the various branches of the military. Our national flag waves proudly because of your courage and selfless service. Our newsletter this month is dedicated to all of the Veterans.

What Is A Veteran?

A “Veteran” – whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserved – is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount of up to, and including his life.” That is honor. ~Unknown

Josef Funchess

U.S. Army

Rank: O-3 - Captain

Dates of Service: 2004 - 2014

U.S. Navy

Rank: E-5 - Petty Officer, 2nd Class

Dates of Service: 2000 – 2004

Native American Heritage Month

This month we observed Veterans Day on November 11, 2022 and Native American Heritage Month. The National Diversity Council has published infographics in its DiversityFirst Toolkit to help us become more aware and informed about these groups. 

November 2022: Family Court Awareness Month

November 01, 2022

WHEREAS, the purpose of Family Court Awareness Month is to increase awareness of the importance of a family court system that prioritizes child safety, recognizes the unique circumstances and needs of each child and family unit, and that makes decisions based on the best interests of each child; and,

WHEREAS, it is recognized that the family court system handles more than 50% of all Circuit Court Cases filed in Michigan. As such there is a need for a Court system that values continuity, permanency, and stability for each child and recognizes the need for a dedicated family court with judges and court professionals that prioritize the needs of the families and children of this State; and,

WHEREAS, we recognize that families have multiple needs and multiple cases to address those needs. There is a need to ensure that each family has a judge who provides consistency and understands the family’s dynamics assigned to all cases involving the family; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the impacts of domestic abuse and how this dynamic presents within the family court system; and,

WHEREAS, we recognize importance of specialized education and training for Judges and professionals working within the family court system in the areas of domestic abuse, childhood trauma, substance abuse, mental health, and service availability; and,

WHEREAS, we must also educate judges and other family court professionals on the proper application of existing laws regarding families and children to ensure that the children's best interests are considered in every decision made by a Family Court; and,

WHEREAS, we must further educate judges and other family court professionals on the empirical data and research that is currently available; such research is a critical component to educating the decision makers regarding the best interests of children. This research includes The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study (CDC-Kaiser Permanente), Saunder's Study (U.S. Department of Justice), The Meier Study: Child Custody Outcomes in Cases Involving Abuse Allegations, and the Santa Clara Law Study (Confronting the Challenge of High-Conflict Personality in Family Court); and,

WHEREAS, during Family Court Awareness Month, the state of Michigan seeks to educate the public and to continue to improve the family court system;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 2022 as Family Court Awareness Month in Michigan.

Governor

Free Child Support Help Program

The Free Child Support Help Program, sponsored by the Salvation William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, resumed on Saturday, November 5^th after a three-year hiatus. The event was held at the Wayne County Community College District Northwest Campus. Chief Judge Timothy M. Kenny opened the event with his remarks; Presiding Judge Melissa A. Cox personally thanked all of the attorney, staff, and partner volunteers; and presentations were given by Amy Roemer about the services the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic provides, Leslie Murphy on the State Discharge of Arrears Program, and John Miles with a partner spotlight on The Children’s Center. 

Thirteen family law attorneys volunteered their time on a Saturday to help 135 individuals with their child support, custody, and parenting time issues. The Friend of the Court received over 40 applications for the State Discharge of Arrears Program. The overwhelming turnout of parents demonstrated the need for this type of legal support in the community. A special thanks to the Friend of the Court staff and Call Center representatives who helped organize and run the program and for whom this event would not have been possible – Michele Bradford, Leslie George, Alyce Haas, Lori Kaczmarek, Tonzia Maxwell, Cheryl McGill-McNeary, Carl Meyer, Chernel Moore, June Morgan, Leslie Murphy, Tom Smellie, Celena Steele, and Lisa White.

Picture of panel (left to right): Leslie Murphy, Erin Lincoln, Amy Roemer, Chief Judge Timothy M. Kenny, John Miles, Presiding Judge Melissa A. Cox

Picture of attorney volunteers (left to right): LaChelle Bussell, Matthew Catchick, Katherine Shensky, Kory Shimek, David Findling, Esse Tuke, Ryan Kelly, Rachel Lewendusky, Stephen Grajewski, Jesse Stec, Dan Webster, Patrick Foley, Rita Young (not pictured)

NAWJ 44th Annual Conference

The Women judges, lawyers, professionals, and staff make a positive difference daily at the Third Circuit Court and they definitely played a positive role in the planning and execution in the National Association of Women Judges 2022 Conference held in downtown Detroit late October. Over 200 women judges attended representing 20 various countries.

The conference was the result of yearlong planning by Michigan judges and lawyers. Third Circuit Court was proudly represented by Hon. Patricia Perez Fresard, Hon. Mariam Bazzi, and Hon. Qiana Lillard. Their efforts help secure the presence of dignitaries, the hosting of internal judges, and entertainment for the conference. Fran Yturri, Alisa Shannon, Jan Hiller, Jalona Colvard, and Jeannette Heacox volunteered their services in various capacities. The conference was co-chaired by our Executive Court Administrator Zenell Brown and Judge Michelle Rick of the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Judges and lawyers in attendance were educated and entertained. Keynotes included U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison and author-speaker, Tonier Cain. Our beloved former judge, Hon. Karen Fort Hood was the recipient of the Lady Justice Award posthumously. The Association of Black Judges of Michigan sponsored the luncheon in her honor. Many of our current and retired judges were in attendance.

Wayne County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was the benefactor of the proceeds from the Party With a Purpose that was held at One Campus Martius. CASA Executive Director Robyn Roberts was on hand to share how funds will be used to help serve more Wayne County children and families in the foster care system.

Third Circuit Court judges and volunteers introduced and shared the hometown favorites like Savannah Blue, Vernors, Better Made chips, and the Detroit Youth Choir.

Third Circuit Court women judges, lawyers, professionals, and staff take their commitment to the law and community seriously. The 2022 NAWJ conference volunteers were exemplars of career women, Third Circuit Court, and the city of Detroit.

Employees share their Reflections of the Images and Perceptions Conference.

“I promote Diversity”. I am proud to repeat this statement every day. This was the declared intention for the 19^th Annual Images and Perceptions Diversity Conference held this past October 20, 2022 at the Ford Community Center in Dearborn.  Myself and many of my Third Circuit Court colleagues from all divisions were in attendance. I can report without hesitation this was truly amongst the best conferences I have attended. I was so proud to be in attendance for this cultural education and even more proud of our Court’s contribution to empowering this community by embracing diversity.  Chief Judge Kenny, Chief Pro Tem Judge Fresard, and Judge Elder were among the incredible conference panelists. Diversity and Inclusion has long been an objective of this Court and community; and it was truly amazing to see the leadership from this Court share the advancements made towards this end. – Article by Ref. Kathleen Allen – Juvenile Division

The 19^th Annual Images and Perceptions Diversity Conference was held on Thursday, October 20^th at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. The theme of this conference is engagement and empowerment through diversity in collaboration with the Hispanic American, African American, Jewish American, Arab American, Asian American, LGBTQ, Native American, and Disabilities communities.

Third Circuit Chief Judge Timothy M. Kenny, Chief Judge Pro Tem Patricia Perez Fresard, and Judge Charlene M. Elder were all distinguished panelists. Session topics included education and the social impact of COVID; equitable and balanced justice; trust building and law enforcement; fairness, equity, and our civil liberties; and diversity in media. The event also hosted a number of vendors providing culturally diverse products for purchase and information regarding medical care and other services. Twenty-three Third Circuit Court employees were in attendance demonstrating their commitment to promoting diversity. – Article by Jillian Fitzgerald, Legal Director – Assistant FOC

IN MEMORY OF THOSE WE LOST

In Loving Memory:

Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, loving you always,

forgetting you never.

Delores J. Evans, Retiree, served the Court as a Court Department Executive 8 in the Juvenile Division.

THE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION CALENDAR

The Third Circuit Court Diversity and Inclusion Team’s Mission: "We appreciate our common connection and respect our diverse and unique human experiences. We move forward as an inclusive organization as we provide accessible and equal justice."

The Court’s Diversity & Inclusion Team strives to ensure the values of its diverse bench, staff, and court users are acknowledged and reflected in our delivery of service as well as our work environment.

In that spirit, the team creates and shares a monthly list of various holidays and observations along with some celebration suggestions. We invite our work community and the community at large to contribute.

December 2022



Universal Human Rights month

World AIDS Day – December 1

Rosa Parks Day – December 1

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery – December 2

International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3

International Volunteer Day – December 5

AFL-CIO Day – December 5

World Soil Day – December 5

Inclusive Schools Week – December 5–9

National Handwashing Awareness Week – December 5–11

Nat’l Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women-Canada – December 6

Saint Nicholas Day – December 6

Pearl Harbor Day – December 7

Bodhi Day – December 8

Genocide Prevention Day – December 9

International Human Rights Day – December 10

Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe – December 12

St. Lucia’s Day – December 13

National Cocoa Day – December 13

National Horse Day – December 13

Bill of Rights Day – December 15

Las Posadas – December 16–24

Wright Brothers Day – December 17

Hanukkah – December 18-26

International Migrants Day – December 18

Winter Solstice – December 21

Yule – December 21–January 2

Christmas Eve – December 24

Christmas – December 25

Zartosht No-Diso – December 26

Boxing Day – December 26

Kwanzaa – December 26–January 1

Wounded Knee Day – December 29

New Year’s Eve – December 31

Leap Second Time Adjustment Day – December 31