Court and Community News and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion updates

from the Third Judicial Circuit



February 2026

1. Chief Judge Letter - Celebrating the Court's Strong Future
2. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Updates
3. Recognizing Black History Month and Ramadan
4. Court Hosts Mock Trial...
5. And a New Lawyer Bootcamp Session
6. Welcoming FOC Attorney Jessica Pierce
7. Criminal Courthouse Kudos - Dorthia Hollins
8. Penobscot Praise - Kimberly LePourde and Alfreda Moore
9. Tech Tips: Computer Housekeeping
10. DEI Calendar

Celebrating the Court's Strong Future

Jury service is fundamental to the mission of the Third Circuit Court of Michigan and to the fair administration of justice. Trial by jury ensures that the voices of our community are directly involved in the judicial process.

Here at Third Circuit Court we are grateful to every Wayne County resident who answers the call to serve. We know it can be difficult between work and family commitments. Most jurors are only needed for one to three days. But however long they serve, the participation of jurors strengthens public trust and upholds the rule of law.

To make jury service more service-oriented, accessible, and respectful of jurors’ time, the court has implemented several improvements. Jurors reporting to the Criminal Justice Center benefit from free parking, helping ease logistical challenges. We also provide free public Wi-Fi, allowing jurors to stay connected during their service. Additional jury deliberation rooms have been added to improve comfort and efficiency, and enhanced signage throughout our facilities helps jurors navigate the buildings with greater ease and confidence.

It is equally important for us to hear directly from jurors. Their feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve. Listening to their experiences allows us to continue refining jury services and delivering the high level of professionalism our community deserves. I know that Yvette Blackmon and her team in Jury Services works hard to provide our jurors with excellent services and communications.

Thank you for your continued support of Jury Services and in helping our fellow Wayne County residents feel more comfortable with the process!

 Judge Edward Ewell, Jr.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in February

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.

Recognizing Black History Month

Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize the enduring contributions of African Americans whose leadership has advanced justice and strengthened our legal institutions. It also allows us to highlight individuals whose impact may be less widely known but no less significant.

One such figure is Judge Victoria A. Roberts, a Detroiter who built a distinguished career in law and public service. Appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in 1998, Judge Roberts became the first African American woman to serve as Chief Judge of that court. Throughout her career, she was known for her fairness, integrity, and commitment to equal justice under the law. Her leadership helped shape the federal judiciary in Michigan and opened doors for future generations.

Honoring leaders like Judge Roberts during Black History Month reminds us that progress in the legal profession is built through dedication, excellence, and service to community.

Courtesy: Michigan Supreme Court, Detroit Historical Society, Ai-confirmed research

February Marks the Start of Ramadan

Ramadan is a sacred month observed by Muslims around the world and is a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It commemorates the period when the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan begins at sunset on the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts 29 or 30 days.

In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin the evening of February 16 and end the evening of March 18, though exact dates may vary based on lunar observation.

During Ramadan, adult Muslims fast from dawn (suhoor) until sunset (iftar), abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours. Fasting is accompanied by increased prayer, acts of charity, and a focus on patience, compassion, and self-discipline. Evenings are often spent with family and community, breaking the fast together at iftar. The month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a joyful holiday marked by prayer, generosity, and celebration.

Recognizing Ramadan reflects our commitment to respect, inclusion, and understanding within our workplace.

Courts Hosts Wayne State School of Law Mock Trial

The Wayne State University Law School participated in a mock trial at Wayne County Third Circuit Court on Saturday January 31. The law school has a program where it requires students to study and try case for a mock trial where they complete against other students in the program. The students gathered in the jury assembly room and tried their case in courtrooms 1001 and 1019 at CAYMC. This experience allows students to try a case in a real courtroom setting where they are graded on their performance. 

Many thanks to Purchasing and Facilities Director Eric Weems for assisting in the preparation of this mock trial and to Chief Judge Pro Tem Helal Farhat and Judge Eric Cholack for allowing their courtrooms to be used for these educational proceedings.    

New Lawyer Bootcamp with Detroit Bar Association Returns

The Third Circuit Court of Michigan recently partnered with the Detroit Bar Association to host the New Lawyer Bootcamp on January 29, welcoming nearly 30 new attorneys beginning their practice in Wayne County. The program was designed to provide a high-level introduction to practicing law in Michigan’s largest circuit court and to help new lawyers start their careers with confidence and professionalism.

Participants received practical information on courtroom procedures, local court rules, judicial expectations, and best practices for appearing before the court. The bootcamp also highlighted the structure of the Third Circuit Court, available court resources, and the importance of professionalism, preparation, and civility in all legal proceedings.

By hosting this program, the Third Circuit Court reinforces its commitment to education, collaboration, and supporting the next generation of legal professionals serving the Wayne County community.

Jessica Pierce joins FOC as Staff Attorney

Jessica Pierce joined the FOC Legal Department earlier this month as a Staff Attorney. Jessica is originally from North Carolina and relocated to Michigan this past summer. Before joining the FOC, she practiced as in-house counsel in the pharmaceutical and data analytics industries.

Outside of work, she enjoys camping, reading, music and gardening. Jessica is excited to be here at FOC and looks forward to contributing to the important work being done here. 

Criminal Courthouse Kudos - Dorthia Hollins

We are excited to recognize Dorthia Hollins as our January Courthouse Kudos recipient!

Dorthia was nominated by a colleague who states, “Dorthia exemplifies what it means to be a supportive and collaborative member of the Criminal Division. She always has a smile on her face and brings a great attitude to the job. Dorthia always makes an effort to make a connection with her co-workers and people she comes into contact with. As well as being kind, she is always willing to answer questions and look into problems if someone is having trouble. She is a positive leader in the criminal division and exemplifies what it means to be a part of the CJC community.”

Join us in recognizing Dorthia for serving as an example of what the division strives to be!

Lets continue to celebrate one another…… small moments make a BIG IMPACT!!

Don’t forget to email February’s nominees cjccourthousekudos@3rdcc.org.

Penobscot Praise winners for December and January

Lots of things happening at the Friend of the Court led to some delays in naming Penobscot Praise winners for December 2025 and January 2026. However, winners have been chosen.

December 2025’s winner is Kimberly LePoudre, Information Specialist II in Case Establishment.

Kim’s nominator had this to say about her: no matter how many times someone comes to her for help she's willing to assist. Always reliable, she's a team player and very professional. Kim goes above and beyond for others and has a positive attitude. If there's a problem to solve, Kim has the solution virtually every time.

The January 2026 winner is Alfreda Moore, Domestic Relations Specialist in Case Establishment.

Alfreda was chosen as the winner for January as she faced a tough security issue and came out with flying colors. She challenged Director of Court Security and Special Projects Kevin Gardner and Commander Gabriel Hardwick from the Wayne County Sheriff's Department by asking who they were and if their security badge granted them access to the secured elevators at Penobscot. Despite Commander Hardwick being in full uniform, Alfreda politely told them that she could not let them in unless their badges allowed them entry.

This is EXACTLY the response all staff should give! Kevin and Commander Hardwick were incredibly impressed with how well Alfreda handled this security situation.

Well done! The Friend of the Court is lucky to have Kimberly and Alfreda on the team.

Computer Housekeeping  is a Must This Time of the Year

February is national clean out your computer month, so it is a good time to be reminded of performing digital declutter of your Court computers by:

• Wiping down your physical computer, devices, and office spaces.
• Organizing your Outlook Inbox email, and folders.
• Rearranging and\or organizing your computer desktop, and devices.
• Backing up important data.
• Updating software/passwords.
• Rebooting your workstations.



If you require assistance with any of the following digital declutter and\or housekeeping task for your Court computer, be sure to contact the Helpdesk at 313-224-0157 or Helpdesk@3rdcc.org

Let’s continue to kick off the year with your court computer and space feeling organized, focused, and ready for what’s ahead, and let’s make 2026 your most productive year yet at the Court!

February 2026

DEI Calendar



February is also Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month and Ethnic Equality Month.

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February 4 – World Cancer Day

Raises awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

February 15 – Hindu: Maha Shivaratri

Major Hindu festival honoring Lord Shiva with night-long prayers and fasting.

February 17 – Lunar: New Year Begins

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year because it is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, changes with the moon’s orbit around the Earth.

February 18 – Islamic: Ramadan begins

In many countries, Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin around this date, marking a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection; the exact start varies by local moon sighting.

February 20 – World Day of Social Justice

Recognizes the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections.