Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan

Court and Community News and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion updates

from the Third Judicial Circuit

December 2025

Chief Judge Letter - The Court's Strong Future
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Updates
HR Holiday Open House on Tuesday
Adoption Day Celebration
Fall Swearing In Ceremony
Welcoming New Referees Harb and Sheldon-Smith
Retirement Celebrations for Jan Hiller and Katy Allen
Penobscot Praise - Jim Caputo
Criminal Courthouse Kudos - Jason Sedore
December Employee Events at the Court
Judge Baker-Robinson Speaks at Black Men's Mental Heath Conference Panel
Holiday Cheer Spread by Lynn Wade
FOC Child Support Draws Nearly 100 People
FOC Leaders Attend National Conference
DEI Calendar

Celebrating the Court's Strong Future

As I prepare to conclude my three-year term as Chief Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan on December 31, 2025, I feel an immense sense of gratitude and pride. It has been an honor to lead this court during a time of significant transition, particularly in the months following the worst of the COVID pandemic.

Our success in overcoming these challenges was truly a team effort. With the steadfast support of my fellow members of the Bench, our hardworking referees, and every dedicated court employee, we eliminated a tremendous backlog of cases, significantly reduced the number of open positions, secured long-overdue pay raises for most staff members, and oversaw the successful transition of the Criminal Division to the Criminal Justice Center. None of this would have been possible without the talent, resilience, and unity of our entire staff.

As I return to the Civil Division Bench, I am confident that Third Circuit Court will continue to thrive in providing Wayne County residents and business owners the service they deserve. Incoming Chief Judge Edward Ewell, Jr. brings strong leadership, deep experience, and a genuine commitment to justice. The court will be in excellent hands under his guidance, and I look forward to supporting the court’s leadership throughout 2026 and beyond. Thank you, all. I wish each and every one of you a happy and healthy holiday season.

Judge Patricia Perez Fresard

Recognizing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in December

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.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month. This recognition is designed to recognized to raise awareness, reduce stigma, promote HIV testing and prevention, and support people living with HIV.

HIV was once the leading cause of death for young people, but because of scientific advances, fewer people are becoming infected with HIV, and those who do are living longer and healthier lives. The rate of new HIV infections declined 73% between 1984 and 2019, and the age-adjusted death rate has dropped more than 80% since its peak in 1995.

Despite these statistics, it is important to maintain and further accelerate the attention to and investment in reducing the impact of HIV and AIDS on society.

Sources: HIV.com Hally Health, WebMD

Universal Human Rights Month

Universal Human Rights Month offers a time to reflect on and promote human rights globally. It offers a time to stand up for the rights and dignity of all people worldwide. It serves as a tribute to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that outlines fundamental rights and freedoms for all, regardless of their background.

Established in 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly, it is an opportunity to reflect on past struggles, celebrate progress, and recommit to the work of protecting human rights in the present.

Sources: United Nations website, America's Charities

Celebrating Expanded Families at Adoption Day

The Third Circuit Court of Michigan marked Adoption Day on Friday, November 21, celebrating the joy and stability that adoption brings to families during National Adoption Month. The event honored and finalized the adoptions of four Wayne County families, each beginning a new chapter grounded in love, commitment, and hope.

Speakers at the ceremony included Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra H. Bolden and Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard. It was hosted by the Hon. Sheila Ann Gibson and the Hon. Judy Hartsfield who along with the Hon. Todd Briggs welcomed the newly adopted youth to their new families. The presence of numerous court employees also underscored the judiciary’s continued dedication to child welfare and its recognition of the life-changing impact of adoption.

Three local media outlets attended as well, covering the event for television and online viewers, including CBS Detroit, Fox 2 and WXYZ, Channel 7.

Adoption Day serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the importance of providing permanent, nurturing homes to children across Michigan.

The annual event highlighted the collaborative effort of families, courts, and community partners who work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive in a loving family environment.

(l to r: Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra H. Bolden, Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard, and Third Circuit Court Family - Juvenile Judges Todd Briggs, Interim Presiding Judge Sheila Ann Gibson and Judge Judy Hartsfield.

Fall Swearing In Ceremony

Third Circuit Court and the Detroit Bar Association hosted the Michigan Bar's Fall Swearing-In ceremony for more than 40 new attorneys last month in the 13^th Floor Auditorium at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center.

Congratulations to all of these lawyers and their family members as they work to provide access to justice for their clients and Michigan residents.

Welcoming Referees Harb and Sheldon-Smith

l to r: Referee John Harb, Chief Referee Stephanie Witucki, Referee Alexander Sheldon-Smith

The Friend of the Court recently hired two new Family - Domestic referees, John Harb and Alexander Sheldon-Smith. Both will be assigned to hear Case Establishment cases.

Referee Harb previously served as a Staff Attorney in the FOC Legal Department from 2019-22, before moving into private practice, exclusively representing clients in divorce and family law matters. He was selected as a Rising Star Honoree by Super Lawyers in 2024. Referee Harb then returned to the FOC in the same role. Referee Harb earned his law degree from Cooley Law School and holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Michigan-Flint.

Prior to practicing law, Referee Harb was employed for several years in the financial services industry. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, attending sporting events, and exploring the outdoors.

Referee Sheldon-Smith was in private practice exclusively in Family Law representing clients in divorce and family law matters. He is a member of the Wayne County Family Law Bar Association, Shamrock Bar Association, and Oakland County Bar Association where he serves as the Chair of the Family Law Committee and as a Vice-Chair of the New Member Committee. Additionally, Referee Sheldon-Smith serves on the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section as a representative of District 1 (Wayne and Macomb County).

Referee Sheldon-Smith earned his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and graduated from University of Michigan-Dearborn majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice with a minor in History. In his free time, Referee Sheldon-Smith enjoys traveling the country, golfing, attending sporting events, and spending time up north.

Retirement Celebrations: Jan Hiller and Kathleen Allen

l to r: Chief Judge Pro Tem Leslie Ann Smith, Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard, Jan Hiller, Frank Hardester, Katy Allen and Fran Yturri at the retirement celebration for Jan and Katy.

Security Director Jan Hiller and Deputy General Counsel Kathleen (Katy) Allen are retiring after 29 and 27 years of service respectively.

Jan (left in the corresponding photo) has worked in every division of the Court including as a court reporter in Recorders Court, administrative assistant for the very first Presiding Judge in the Family Division and in the Michigan Court of Appeals. She's worked in the Friend of the Court as the Executive Assistant, and most recently as Deputy Director of Facilities and Security Director for Third Circuit Court.

Katy (right in the corresponding photo) has served as a Juvenile Division Referee, Chief Referee, Third Circuit Court representative on SCAO Court improvement, court rules, court forms, Juvenile Justice reform, CFSR, Title 4E audit committees and in many more roles. She was the first Deputy General Counsel of both Juvenile and Domestic Family division as well as the longest serving Baby Court Jurist in the State of Michigan providing training state wide to other Jurisdictions seeking to develop a Zero to Three program.

Both Jan and Katy are lifelong friends having met at work more than two decades ago and will retire together on January 5, 2026. They will dearly miss their Third Circuit Court family and the daily contact with colleagues but look forward to spending time with their granddaughters, vacations starting in January and volunteering.

Penobscot Praise: Jim Caputo

James (Jim) Caputo, a Senior Domestic Relations Specialist in the Review and Modification department, was the recipient of November’s Penobscot Praise program award. Jim was nominated by four coworkers for this honor. His coworkers said the following about him:

When MiCSES switched over to the new system and new look, Jim figured out the problems and the changes and helped us to make sure we understood the system changes and how to complete our work.
He has encouraged his colleagues to be creative in their own style to best help them complete their cases. He makes you feel comfortable if you make a mistake, by letting you know your mistakes can be fixed and work with you to fix them.
Jim is always happy to help and operates with a "no question is dumb"" mentality. He is an excellent trainer and very patient when in that role. Jim is quick to communicate any updates or procedure changes.
I can honestly say that I've never encountered someone as meticulous as Jim when it comes to solving problems. Jim is a fast thinker and always has a logical and concise solution for any issue that may arise with our work.
Jim has such a great attention to detail, that he combs every case with a fine tooth comb to make sure the litigants are getting the best and fair possible outcome of their Modification Review Cases.
Jim is incredibly patient and kind when the entire RevMod team comes to him for answers he always spends time with them all working one on one to make sure they understand whatever it is they need help with. He always goes above and beyond to go out of his way to ensure things are working as they should and is always one of the first people to find a solution to any problems.

Way to go Jim! The Friend of the Court appreciates the work you do!

Criminal Courthouse Kudos: Jason Sedore

The Criminal Division announced that Jason Sedore was named its November Courthouse Kudos recipient!

According to his colleagues, Jason is a hard-working professional who is a pleasure to work with. He specifically was recognized for being:

Patient in every interaction
Timely in addressing technical concerns and issues
Reliable in offering technical solutions
Dependable and consistently reliable
Exceptionally knowledgeable in his work

These qualities make Jason an outstanding example of the dedication and excellence we value here in the Criminal Division. Thank you, Jason, for your hard work and commitment—you inspire us all.

Court employees can email their Criminal Courthouse Kudos nominees for December by emailing CJCCourthouseKudos@3rdcc.org

Let's Continue to Celebrate One Another.

Small Moments Make a BIG Impact!

FOC Gathers for Food and Fun...

The FOC hosted a lunch for its more than 200 employees in early December to celebrate the department's collective successes in 2025.

FOC/Deputy Court Administrator Erin Lincoln shared these successes with the team, including reduced backlogs and increased imaging of paper files. Most importantly, a highlight of 2025 was the continued hiring of new staff, getting the FOC back to pre-COVID levels of staffing. Goals for 2026 include the implementation of a restructure in the FOC, meant to better enhance service for litigants and the bench.

In addition to Friend of the Court staff, Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard, incoming Chief Judge Edward Ewell, Jr., Presiding Judge and Incoming Chief Judge Pro Tem Helal Farhat, Judge Lawrence Elassal and Executive Court Administrator Frank Hardester were in attendance to celebrate the FOC’s accomplishments.

“I am so grateful and thankful to work with such passionate and caring people, who truly care about the work they do for the families of Wayne County," Lincoln says.

...As Does the Family - Juvenile Division for Treats on Trial

l to r: ToieLynn Smith, the Hon. Sheila Ann Gibson, Referee Edward Hill, Chief Referee James Catchings, the Hon. Adrienne Scruggs, Referee Sean Kerman, and the Hon. Todd Briggs.

Nothing brings together court employees like a Treats on Trial Cookie Exchange Contest, including the one hosted by the Family - Juvenile Judges and Administration - along with a pizza lunch - for their colleagues in December.

While the more than 20 cookies and desserts submitted for the contest were all amazing, prizes were awarded to the top four vote getters by a group of contest judges more than willing to try every dessert entered. The grand prize went to Referee Sean Kerman. Other prize winners included Edna Clark, Sonja Ristic, and Natalie Williams.

Congratulations to the contest winners and thank you to all who helped plan, bring desserts and attend Treats on Trial!

Judge Baker-Robinson Leads a Conference Panel on Black Men's Mental Health

Left to right: Demetrius Scott, Darnell Bartone, Detroit City Councilman James Tate, Program Director Dr. Camilla Harris, the Hon. Chandra Baker-Robinson, Curtis Jackson and Keynote Speaker Dr. Chris Allen Shreve at the Black Men's Mental Health Conference in November.

Third Circuit Court Judge Chandra Baker-Robinson moderated a panel of experts at the Black Men's Mental Health Conference in Detroit last month. Panel members provided resources, and aimed to break the stigma surrounding mental health among African American men in the community. Other topics covered included the intersection between the criminal justice system and mental health and providing resources to defendants in the legal system with mental health problems.

This event was created to bring awareness to the current state of mental health for men within the African-American community. The conference was featured on WDIV Channel 4 in Detroit, the Detroit News, and other media outlets.

Only 43.8 percent of Black adults aged 18 or older who experienced “any mental illness” in the past year received mental health treatment, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This conference recognizes the need for our society to more effectively support mental health for African American men.

Spreading Holiday Cheer and Supporting Families in Need

Lynn Wade, executive assistant to Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard, has long served as a volunteer to Ring the Bell for the Salvation Army during the holiday season.

“I am so excited to help fill the Red Kettles and support The Salvation Army as they provide Metro Detroiters in need with warm meals, a safe place to sleep, and so much more,” Lynn said. “Each year I challenge myself to collect more than the previous year. It’s so much fun to meet so many people and to know that in a small but meaningful way I’m helping people in need.”

Thank you to all court team members who volunteer for one or more charities over the holiday season. We want to hear your holiday stories of volunteerism this year as well! Please send to communications@3rdcc.org and your story, or one of a co-worker, could appear in a future Court Clips newsletter!

FOC's Child Support Help Event was a Rousing Success

l to r: Friend of the Court staff: Erin Lincoln, Ieisha Moore, Derrick Ford, Dayna Crenshaw, Saundra Poe-Wheeler, Dyamone Smith, LaShan Bradley, Dominique Peacock, Heather Lutz, Shani Sanders, Donald Hall III, Myeshia Cole, Lori Kaczmarek and Jillian Fitzgerald.

The Free Child Support Help Event hosted by Friend of the Court in collaboration with the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic on Saturday, November 8 was extremely well attended! Held at the Wayne County Community College Northwest Campus, the event allowed those with child support issues to obtain advice from volunteer attorneys.

A total of 92 individuals came out and were able to benefit from this event. FOC thanks the volunteer attorneys, community partners who provided resource tables, and the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic court employees who volunteered to make this event possible!

FOC Leaders Attend 2025 Urban Jurisdictions Conference

Pictured with other child support leaders from around the country are Legal Director/Assistant Friend of the Court Jillian Fitzgerald, fourth from left and Friend of the Court/Deputy Court Administrator Erin Lincoln, sixth from left.

Friend of the Court/Deputy Court Administrator Erin Lincoln and Legal Director/Assistant Friend of the Court Jillian Fitzgerald attended the 2025 Urban Jurisdictions Conference in early November in Chicago. This conference brings together leaders from child support offices in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Kentucky who are situated in similar urban jurisdictions.

The conference allows the managers an opportunity to network and talk about what is working and not working in their offices. Wayne County Friend of the Court continues to be a leader among child support offices who attend the conference, having the biggest caseload with the least amount of staff, but still helping to assist the families of Wayne County.