From the Chief’s Desk

Dear Third Circuit Team,

February has been a favorite month for my extended family. Traditionally, we gather to celebrate Valentine’s Day by having a party to acknowledge that love needs to be recognized beyond the romantic affection and concern for each other.

I have also felt a deep gratitude and affection for all of you on our Court Team. It has been a genuine pleasure to work with people who have a real interest for those we serve. In addition, have a willingness to work as a team and support each other in our efforts to serve better together. I have enjoyed seeing more team members on-site; a strong on-site presence demonstrates concern and best service to our community.

I am grateful to those of you who responded to my invitation for input and reached out to me by email with your concerns, thoughts, and ideas that can help us move forward in service and efficiencies. Please know that my email, door, and heart are always open to hear and act on all of your great ideas.



It is truly inspiring to see the progress made in our Court through your efforts. I recognize that we need to do more to do in terms of reaching parity of compensation for our hard-working employees and keeping up progress to stand out as Michigan’s finest and hardest working Court. Our Administrative Team are working effortlessly to meet these goals.

Thanks again for your kind words and support. I look forward to continued collaboration and progress with you this year.

Best,

Honorable Patricia Perez Fresard

Judge Helal A. Farhat - Bio

Judge Helal A. Farhat was appointed Presiding Judge to the Family Division of the Third Circuit Court on January 25, 2024 but has been with the Court since March of 2019. Prior to his appointment, he served as a Magistrate in the 19th District Court from 2009 to 2012 and then appointed again from 2016 until his judicial appointment in 2019. Prior to taking the bench, he was in private practice for 17 years and was a partner at Salamey & Farhat, PLLC, and then served as the principal attorney at Farhat & Associates, PLLC, where he handled cases involving domestic relations, civil, criminal, and commercial litigation and commercial transactions. Judge Farhat graduated from Wayne State University where he obtained both his Undergraduate and Juris Doctor Degrees.

In addition to serving on the Michigan Judicial Counsel, Judge Farhat continues to be involved in many organizations that promotes education and healthy living, and provides assistance to the underserved. He has also served as President of the L.A.H.C., The Dearborn Bar Association, and served on the boards of ACRL, ADC, and other non-profit and/or civic organizations. Judge Farhat is married to Sahar Farhat and has three daughters, Layal (18), Sarina (16) and Noor (15). 

Judge Lawrence Elassal - Bio

Judge Lawrence Elassal served as Magistrate for the 20th District Court and was the founding Partner / Senior Trial Attorney at Elassal and Associates, PLC. He also worked as a Federal Attorney Advisor for the U.S. Department of Defense. Judge Elassal is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Michigan and Henry Ford College where he teaches business law classes. Previously, he was an associate attorney for Cardelli Lanfear P.C..

Judge Elassal received his Bachelor of Business Administration and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and his Juris Doctor from the Michigan State University College of Law.   

"I am humbled and incredibly honored to receive this appointment from Governor Whitmer to serve as a Circuit Court Judge," said Judge Elassal. "I am excited to serve the citizens of Wayne County and the State of Michigan, and committed to treating all those who appear before the court with the utmost respect and humanity. I promise to remain committed to every person that enters my courtroom, by ensuring my decisions are fair and equitable based on deliberation grounded in law."

Judge Elassal’s term commenced on December 4, 2023 serving in the Criminal Division filling a partial term following the retirement of Judge Gregory D. Bill. 

Family Division – Domestic/Friend of the Court Attend

Wayne State University Law School Family Law Society Meeting

Wayne State University Law School Family Law Society invited the Family Division Domestic/Friend of the Court to attend their meeting on January 17, 2024. Family Domestic Presiding Judge Melissa Cox, Deputy Court Administrator – Friend of the Court Erin Lincoln, and Assistant Friend of the Court – Legal Director Jillian Fitzgerald attended the meeting along with 12 law school students. Topics discussed included what the Family Division – Domestic and the Friend of the Court do; the typical day of an attorney or judge; benefits of working for the court; and how we work with parties without attorneys. Additionally, there were discussions about how law students can prepare to work in family law and internship opportunities with the court. Overall, the law students were engaged, asked thoughtful questions, and their interest and commitment to pursuing family law impressive. 

Pictured below left to right: Jillian Fitzgerald, Erin Lincoln, Judge Melissa Cox

Budget & Finance Celebrates Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Studies have shown that diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace builds employer engagement, morale, and trust. When employees feel included they are more willing to go the extra mile for their organization and their customers which in turn can cause a ripple affect that can spread far and wide. The Budget and Finance Department noticed that the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion calendar could be the beginning of a new tradition if we started celebrating some of the events. Although this new tradition started with the Budget & Finance Department, they are inspiring everyone to celebrate these events Courtwide.

National Popcorn Day Puzzle Day – Pictured from left to right: Karen Coley, Brittany Settles, and Felicia Smith

National Puzzle Day – Kim Cavanaugh National Hot Chocolate Day – pictured from left . to right: Gina Spencer and Jacquis Stephens

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.

FEBRUARY 2024