Court and Community News and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion updates

from the Third Judicial Circuit



July 2025

1. Chief Judge Letter
2. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Updates
3. Welcoming our Newest Members of the Bench
4. New General Counsel is Named
5. FOC Welcomes Two Staff Attorneys
6. Office of General Counsel Welcomes Research Law Clerk
7. Celebrating 15,000 Expungements in the City of Detroit
8. HR Corner - Benefits of Vacation Time
9. Tech Tips - HowTo Guides
10. DEI Calendar

Detroit is a popular host for all sorts of activities and events

July is often a month of vacations, 4th of July celebrations and time spent outdoors. While we remain busy here at the Court, I hope all of you are able to take some time to enjoy summer in Wayne County and throughout Michigan. I’m reminded that summer is here looking out my office window and seeing the occasional river cruise ship sailing the Detroit River or docked within view of our 7th floor at CAYMC.

It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through 2025, and I’m proud of the collective work we’ve achieved. Our vacancy rate as of May 31 was down to just over 13 percent. We recently welcomed two new judges to the Bench and promoted our deserving new General Counsel, all of which you can read about in this newsletter. Collectively, our docket is in good shape. But we must keep in mind that our work should be focused and transparent to our stakeholders – the residents of Wayne County.

Thank you to all who are making sure their work is covered during those important vacations and getaways this month. Even though we’re the largest court in Michigan, we’re one team working together to meet the needs of Wayne County and our judicial system.

Email me at chiefjudge@3rdcc.org with comments or questions.

Sincerely,

Judge Patricia Perez Fresard

Celebrating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in July

The Third Circuit Court Diversity Equity, and Inclusion Team’s Mission is: "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, Equity, and 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.

July is Disability Pride Month, celebrating the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities. This month highlights significant cultural and national observances that promote equality and inclusion. Pride Disability Month also commemorates the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, an important law that our court, and all public entities, must recognize to prohibit discrimination against those with disabilities in employment, educations, transportation and more. 

Welcoming the Hon. Aliyah Sabree and the Hon. Nicole Castka to our Bench

Last month we welcomed the Hon. Aliyah Sabree and the Hon. Nicole L. Castka to the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan Bench. These appointments were recently made by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Judge Sabree began her assignment in the Juvenile - Family Division on June 9 after being sworn in by her brother, the Hon. Adam Sabree from 36th District Court. Judge Aliyah Sabree previously served the 36th District Court since 2017, most recently as its Chief Judge Pro Tem.

Judge Castka began her assignment on Monday, June 23 in the Criminal Division when she was sworn in by Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard. Judge Castka previously practiced criminal law at her own firm in Detroit.

We welcome both Judge Sabree and Judge Castka, and members of their team, to the Third Circuit Court Bench.

Fran Yturri Named General Counsel

The Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan has selected Fran Yturri to serve as its new General Counsel. Her hire was effective June 10. 

Fran has served as Deputy General Counsel since January 2024. She began working for the Third Circuit Court in 2005 and for 10 years served as a judicial attorney for judges in both the Civil and Family Divisions of the Court. Following a period of private practice from 2015 to 2016, Fran returned to the court as Judicial Attorney for now Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard. She spent time earlier in her career as an ERISA attorney with Sachs Waldman, P.C.

Fran is a member of the Detroit Bar Association’s Pro Bono/Access to Justice Committee, active with the Michigan Self Help Alliance, which supports self-help legal centers such as the Third Circuit Court Self-Help Center, and a member of the Zonta Club of Northwest Wayne County. She is also a member of the American Bar Association Criminal Law Section, and the Michigan State Bar Appellate Law Section.



“Fran has been with our court for 20 years and has been an exceptional resource and passionate advocate for the greater good of our court,” said Chief Judge Fresard. “She is knowledgeable, conscientious, reliable and responsive. Fran is a trusted advisor and I am deeply grateful that she has accepted this position.”

FOC welcomes two new staff attorneys

Friend of the Court has hired two new staff attorneys.

Courtney Marshall previously worked for Lakeshore Legal Aid as a Counsel & Advocacy Law Line (CALL) attorney, and its Community Engagement Coordinator while also handling a criminal record expungement caseload. Prior to Lakeshore, Courtney worked for over 20 years with Oakland County as a Court Clerk then as a Judicial Staff Attorney for a Family Division Judge, and finally as a District Court Magistrate. Courtney is proud to be celebrating her 25^th year as an attorney and she’s looking forward to continuing her work in public service with the Wayne County FOC. Outside of work, Courtney is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have 5 children. 

Nicholas Fischbach spent the previous 5 years working as a prosecutor with the special victims unit in St. Louis, Missouri. Nicholas moved to Michigan for his wife’s surgery fellowship at the University of Michigan.

Nicholas and his wife have one dog, an Akita named Storm and met playing Dungeons and Dragons.

Welcome to Courtney and Nicholas!

Benjamin Dietlin Hired as Research Law Clerk - Attorney I 

Benjamin Dietlin joined Third Circuit Court in June as a Research Law Clerk - Attorney I in the office of the General Counsel. He has been a practicing attorney in the State of Michigan since 2021. Benjamin began his career in personal injury. Subsequently, he was employed at the United Community Housing Coalition, primarily serving low-income individuals in real property matters. He earned his B.A. degree from Grand Valley State University and received his Juris Doctorate degree from Wayne State Law School.

Benjamin resides in St. Clair Shores with his wife, Justine, and three cats. In his free time Benjamin enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and participating in kendo. Welcome Benjamin!

Mental Health Court celebrates four graduates

Third Circuit Court’s Drug/DWI Court program kicked off the summer session last month with a celebration of 10 participants who successfully completed the 18–24-month program under intensive judicial supervision and case management.

Supervising Judge Prentis Edwards, Jr., (right) presided over the ceremony. He was joined by the Manager of Specialty Court Services, Yvonne Barnett Greene (right) and other DDWI team members. Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Community Engagement Team's Viera Brownlee shared words of encouragement to the participants. She previously served as the Specialty Court Coordinator over the program

The theme throughout the graduation was, “Always remember the tools have you learned to help you maintain your sobriety. And even though you are graduating, we are here if you need us. We are still your family.”

Thank you to the State Court Administrative Office for their continued funding to support the efforts in this jurisdiction. And thank you to our Court Administration team, various community partners and treatment providers for their support of this invaluable program. 

Project Clean Slate celebrates 15,000 expungements in the city of Detroit

Criminal Division Presiding Judge Donald Knapp, Jr. was one of the featured speakers at the City of Detroit’s Project Clean Slate 15,000 Expungement celebration in early June. Project Clean Slate provides free legal services to Detroiters seeking expungement, guiding them through the process with compassion and respect. These expungements are only possible with the help and support of numerous departments and agencies, including Third Circuit Court. Thank you to all members of the Bench and employees at the court for helping when needed. 

Court employees are encouraged to use their vacation time

Vacations and time away from work are crucial for individual well-being and can lead to increased productivity and better work-life balance. The Court provides a generous time-off policy and encourages employees to take vacation days off with appropriate approval from their supervisor.

Vacations and time away from work provide a chance to reduce stress, improve mental and physical health, and recharge, ultimately benefiting both employees and employers. 

Here's a more detailed look at why vacations and planned time away from work are important benefits to the employee and the Court.

Benefits for Employees

Reduced stress and burnout

Vacations allow employees to disconnect from work-related stressors, recharge their energy, and return to work with a renewed perspective. 

Improved mental and physical health

Stress and lack of rest can negatively impact health. Vacations can help lower the risk of heart disease, improve sleep, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

Enhanced productivity and focus

Rest and relaxation can improve cognitive function, leading to better concentration and problem-solving abilities. 

Increased job satisfaction and loyalty

Employees who feel supported and encouraged to take time off are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and remain loyal to their organization. 

Stronger relationships

Vacations provide opportunities for quality time with family and friends, fostering stronger relationships and improving overall well-being. 

Expanded horizons and new perspectives

Exploring new places and experiences can broaden horizons and provide new insights that can be applied to work and personal life. 

Benefits for Third Circuit Court

Increased employee retention and reduced turnover

A positive work-life balance, including adequate vacation time, can lead to increased employee satisfaction and loyalty, reducing turnover costs. 

Improved productivity and reduced absenteeism

When employees are rested and rejuvenated, they are more likely to be productive and less likely to take sick days. 

Enhance morale and team cohesion

A supportive work environment that encourages time off can lead to increased morale and a stronger sense of team cohesion. 

Reduced healthcare costs

Stress-related health issues can be costly for employers. Vacations can help reduce stress and improve overall health, leading to lower healthcare expenses. 

Potential for improved innovation and creativity

Time away from work can provide employees with the opportunity to think outside the box and return to work with fresh ideas. 

Vacations and time away from work are essential for both individual well-being and organizational success. By prioritizing rest and relaxation, employees can improve their physical and mental health, enhance their productivity, and strengthen their relationships, while employers can benefit from increased retention, reduced costs, and a more engaged workforce. 

Tech Tips - Zoom Calls

A common problem when working from home is getting your audio and video to work when participating in a Zoom call. People often try to join the call within their VPN session. The problem here is that the PC at the office is being utilized for your microphone and camera. Here is what you should do to join a Zoom call while working remotely:

1. Maximize your VPN session
2. Go to 3rdcc.org/Staff Resources and start Outlook Web Access 

1. After logging in, go to the Calendar option
2. Navigate to your meeting and launch the URL to your meeting.
3. Be sure to test your speaker and microphone when prompted; if necessary, you can change the source and/or levels.

July 2025

DEI Calendar



LGBTQ+ International Non-Binary People's Day – July 14

Raises awareness of non-binary gender identities.

Nelson Mandela International Day – July 18

Honors the legacy of Nelson Mandela and promotes global peace.

National Disability Independence Day – July 26

Commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

International Day of Friendship – July 30

A day to celebrate and strengthen existing a new friendships.