Court and Community News and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion updates

from the Third Judicial Circuit



March 2026

• Chief Judge Letter - Let's tell our Court's story
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Updates
• International Women's Day
• Courtwide retreat coming this fall
• Law Day returns in April
• Cass Tech's Pathways to Law club visits...
• As do students from the area for a Mock Trial competition
• 10 Minutes to Justice Program update
• Criminal Courthouse Kudos - Hope Cannady
• Penobscot Praise - Doreese Howard-Barnes
• Tech Tips: Remote Etiquette
• DEI Calendar

We should all tell our Court's Story!

At the Third Circuit Court of Michigan, important work happens every day — and much of it happens quietly. I believe we can, and should, do a better job of telling our story.

Our judges and referees regularly speak at community events to studens about the legal profession, and at forums and conferences. Our employees earn awards and industry recognition.

Our specialty court programs, including Adult Drug Treatment Court, Mental Health Court and Veterans Treatment Court, continue to make a measurable difference in people’s lives. These are meaningful accomplishments, and they reflect the professionalism and dedication that define this court.

Sharing these stories is not about self-promotion. It is about transparency and trust. The community we serve should understand not only what happens in our courtrooms, but the broader services and programs we provide. Clear communication strengthens public confidence and supports access to justice by helping people better understand how the court works and what resources are available.

I encourage each of you to help us highlight this work. If you or your colleagues are recognized, invited to speak, launching a new initiative or reaching an important milestone, please share that information with your manager and our communications team.



We are entrusted with significant responsibility. By more consistently communicating the positive work taking place across this court, we reinforce our commitment to service, transparency and access to justice for all. Thank you for all you are doing to support Wayne County residents. 

 Judge Edward Ewell, Jr.

Access and Fairness in March

The Third Circuit Court Access and Fairness Committee, formerly the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team, guides, coordinates, and monitors initiatives that promote fairness, accessibility, and inclusion across all divisions of the Court.

The Committee’s mission is:

The Third Circuit Court advances justice through fairness, accessibility, and respect. We are committed to serving the public with integrity and accountability, ensuring that every person, whether staff, judicial officer, or court user, can engage with the Court equitably and with dignity.

The Third Circuit Court recognizes March as Women’s History Month, honoring the contributions of women and the ongoing pursuit of fairness and opportunity in the legal profession.

Women's History Month in March honors women's contributions to history, culture, and society, originating from a 1978 California local celebration. Officially designated by Congress in 1987 it highlights the struggle for equality for women, featuring education, events, and recognition of trailblazers. 

Source: National Women's History Museum

International Women's Day

Each year on March 8, the world observes International Women's Day — a day celebrating women’s achievements and advocating for equality. The observance began in the early 20th century, inspired by activists like Clara Zetkin, and was officially recognized by the United Nations in 1975. From early labor strikes to global advocacy campaigns, the day honors progress while highlighting ongoing challenges.

For women in the legal profession, March 8 carries particular significance. Trailblazers like Belva Lockwood, the first woman admitted to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Hon. Mary Coleman, the first woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court, paved the way for generations of women in law. Today, the day is both a celebration of their achievements and a reminder of the importance of equal opportunity, representation, and justice in every courtroom.

International Women’s Day is not just about reflecting on history—it is about continuing the work of advancing equity, ensuring that every woman, from law clerks to judges, can pursue her profession with dignity and fairness.

Courtesy: InternationalWomensDay.com, USA Today, AI-confirmed research

Courtwide retreat planned for September 18

An internal committee has been formed to plan a proposed court-wide retreat for the Third Circuit Court of Michigan. The committee is led by Sharonda Simmons, Chief Strategy Officer, and Michelle Chiaravalli, Director of Family Assessment Services, and includes judges, referees and all court team members.

The retreat is tentatively planned for Friday, Sept. 18 for all day at an offsite location

Recent feedback from team members indicated the desire for more frequent communication from leadership and a greater understanding of roles across the court. The retreat is intended to strengthen engagement, improve cross-divisional awareness and reinforce our shared mission.

Plans include a keynote speaker, departmental and educational updates and interactive activities. The agenda, budget and success measures are being finalized by the committee, with additional details to be shared as planning progresses.



Stay tuned for additional updates about this inclusive and fun event! 

Law Day returns in April featuring high school students from around Wayne County

Above: Students participated in a mock trial in front of the Hon. Nicole N. Goodson during 2025 Law Day. Below: Students argue in front of the Hon, Qiana Denise Lillard during 2025 Law Day.

Our court is gearing up for one of its most anticipated outreach events of the year, Law Day, set for Wednesday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the courthouse.

Traditionally one of the Court’s largest community-based events, Law Day draws strong participation from high schools across Wayne County. This year is expected to be no different, with high school students from multiple schools planning to send students for a morning of hands-on learning inside our courtrooms, including mock trials and arguments.



Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to recognize the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Today, courts across the country continue that tradition each spring. The 2026 theme from the American Bar Association — “The Rule of Law and the American Dream” — underscores how access to justice and strong legal institutions help shape opportunity in our communities.

The morning will begin with welcoming remarks from Chief Judge Edward Ewell, Jr., followed by a keynote speaker. Students will then head to assigned courtrooms, where they’ll meet with judges and practicing attorneys to talk about careers in the legal field. They’ll also prepare and argue a legal question before the judge. This experience provides hands-on experience of what an in-court experience is like for practicing attorneys.

“Law Day gives us a chance to open our doors and share what we do,” Chief Judge Ewell said. “For some of these students, this may be the first step toward a career in law. It’s important that we help them understand how the judicial system works and why it matters.”



As always, the program is offered at no cost to participating schools or students, and lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the event. Thank you in advance to the judges and court employees who will help make this day a reality. If you haven’t confirmed your availability to volunteer – whether your courtroom or your time – contact Lynn Wade.

Cass Tech students interested in the legal field visit Third Circuit Court...

Above: Members of the Pathways to Law club at Cass Technical High School are pictured above with the Hon. Chandra Baker-Robinson in her courtroom at the Criminal Justice Center. Below: Judge Baker-Robinson (left) and the Hon. Tracy Green speak to the students during lunch.

Note - this story also appeared in the March 11 edition of Detroit Legal News

In mid-February, more than 20 students from Detroit Cass Technical High School walked through the doors of the Third Circuit Court of Michigan not as spectators, but as possible future legal professionals.

The students are members of Pathways to Law, a new club formed at the start of the 2025 school year. Created as a pilot initiative and currently limited to 25 Cass Tech students, the group was designed to give them hands-on exposure to the legal profession while building skills that will prepare them for college, law school, and careers in the judiciary and broader legal community.

Their visit came at the invitation of the Hon. Chandra Baker-Robinson, a proud Cass Tech graduate and member of the Third Circuit Court Bench. For many of the students, the experience marked their first time inside an active courtroom.

Throughout the day, the group observed multiple proceedings in the court’s Criminal Division, including trials and motion hearings, gaining firsthand insight into courtroom procedure, judicial decision-making, and the daily operations of the most active court in Michigan. Students watched attorneys present arguments, saw litigants navigate complex legal issues, and observed how judges manage their dockets with discipline and deliberation.

Following the courtroom observations, students engaged in a candid question-and-answer session with Judge Baker-Robinson and other members of the Third Circuit Court Bench and fellow Cass Tech alums, including Judge Charise Anderson, Judge Wanda Evans, Judge Tracy Green, Judge Nicholas Hathaway, and Judge Regina Thomas. The discussion ranged from educational pathways and professional challenges to the personal responsibility that comes with serving on the bench. Students asked thoughtful questions about law school preparation, courtroom decorum, and what it takes to build credibility in the legal field.

According to Mr. Donald Hightower, a teacher at Cass Tech and faculty advisor to Pathways to Law, the club was formed to provide students with direct exposure to the legal profession rather than limiting their understanding to textbooks and classroom discussion. He noted that the program launched at the beginning of the 2025 school year and, because it remains in a pilot phase, participation has been capped at 25 students to ensure meaningful engagement and mentorship opportunities.

Pathways to Law’s mission is to facilitate experiential learning through partnerships with judges, attorneys, and law students. In addition to courtroom visits, the club plans to host guest speakers, coordinate mentorship connections, conduct mock trials, and expose students to a broad range of legal careers. Club members also are responsible for raising money to pay for activities. As Mr. Hightower explained, the long-term objective is to transition the club into a school-approved, sustainable program that becomes a permanent staple at Cass Tech.



Early momentum in building the club has been strong. The group recently organized a Double Good popcorn fundraiser to support club expenses and plans additional fundraising efforts to sustain programming. The club also maintains an active presence on Instagram at @ct_pathwaystolaw to share updates and build community interest.



We were happy to have hosted these Cass Tech students and hope to have members of Pathways to Law back in the near future. Congratulations to all club members who are already demonstrating initiative, curiosity, and a clear interest in understanding the rule of law. 

...as did students who participated in mock trials on February 28

Above (left to right): 36th District Court Judge Tenishia Yancy; Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Edward Ewell Jr., retired Third Circuit Court Bill Callahan, Oakland County 6th Circuit Court Judge Kameshia D. Gant, and 36th District Court Judge Shawn Jacque attend the Michigan Supreme Court Mock Trial competition on February 28.

Below: students from Livonia Stevenson hold their certificates of participation for the event.

Our court hosted the Michigan Supreme Court's Mock Trial Competition at CAYMC on February 28. Judges from Third Circuit Court, 36th District Court and Oakland County came to support, judge and score the students competing.

Three high schools will be advancing to state competition: Farmington Hills Mercy, Livonia Stevenson and Trenton. Thank you to all of the volunteers that came out to support!

March is a busy month for our 10 Minutes to Justice Program

Third Circuit Court is visiting multiple Wayne County municipalities this month!

Following a visit from the Hon. Nicole Castka (right) to Grosse Pointe Farms on March 9, members of our Bench will be providing a high-level presentation about the court and jury services to four more communities in March: Ecorse, Garden City, Grosse Ile and Grosse Pointe Woods. We are scheduling additional presentations for later this spring and summer.

Our 10 Minutes to Justice program is designed to increase the court’s direct outreach with the communities we serve. Members of the Bar graciously give their time to present in front of city council and township board meetings on a variety of high-level topics including Third Circuit Court’s role in the state judiciary, the types of matters in front of the Bench, number of employees, judges and referees, and most of all the importance of jury services.



Special thanks to Judge Castka along with Judge Mary Beth Kelly (above in Grosse Ile Township) and Judge Lawrence Elassal (in Ecorse and Garden City) for presenting in communities throughout the month of March. We’ll continue to hold these meetings throughout 2026!

Criminal Courthouse Kudos - Hope Cannady

We are thrilled to announce that Hope Cannady has been selected as our February 2026 Courthouse Kudos winner!

The grateful colleague that nominated her stated:

Hope embodies everything Courthouse Kudos stands for in the Criminal Division. She consistently brings a positive presence to our workplace, always wearing a warm smile that brightens the hallways and taking the time to greet everyone with a friendly hello, no matter how busy the day may be.

Beyond her uplifting attitude, she regularly goes out of her way to share with others, often offering food when she has extras without hesitation — a small but meaningful gesture that reflects her generosity and genuine care for her colleagues. Hope’s kindness, consistency, and team-first mindset demonstrate exceptional service and a positive attitude, strengthening morale and reminding us how powerful simple acts of thoughtfulness can be.

These qualities make Hope an outstanding example of the dedication and excellence we value here in the Criminal Division. Congratulations to Hope on this well‑deserved recognition, and for your hard work and commitment—you inspire us all.



Let’s continue to celebrate one another…. small moments make a BIG IMPACT!!

Please don’t forget to email your nominees for March. You can send your nominations to CJCCourthouseKudos@3rdcc.org

Penobscot Praise - Doreese Howard-Barnes

Congratulations to February’s Penobscot Praise winner, Doreese Howard-Barnes. Doreese is a Domestic Relations Specialist in the Review and Modification department of the Friend of the Court. Doreese was nominated by a fellow employee who had this to say about her:

Doreese is the heart and soul of the entire 12th floor and the FOC team. She ensures that everyone feels included and as part of the team. Doreese is always smiling and in the best mood. She comes in early and stays late and is always available for questions or even a chat if you need a good conversation. Doreese is incredibly kind to everyone she encounters and is an absolute joy to work with. She truly deserves more recognition than she gets.

She's always the first one to ensure that others' hard work gets noticed and never expects anything in return. She started a library in the office to create a sense of community, she put up decorations for the holidays to brighten everyone's holidays, she plans things for birthdays, she truly makes the office feel more enjoyable for everyone that sees or interacts with her. She truly cares about when she asks coworkers about their lives and actively listens and engages with everyone.

Congratulations Doreese! Thanks for helping to make the Friend of the Court welcoming to everyone! 

Remote work court etiquette

If you want to thrive inside of your remote work for Court environment, ITSB has a few rules that should be your go-to guide for remote work done right:

1. Do create a comfortable, clutter-free workspace for remote work.
2. Be sure to log into your Court issued Surface device using the local username and “password.”
3. Next, in addition to logging in to your Court issued Surface device, always log into the Zoom and WebEx applications outside of your VPN account.
4. Lastly, be sure to log into your Court issued VPN account using your Court issued username and password. This will also require the Google Authenticator application to proceed with a successful login.
5. In closing, check for proper workings on all the above and rinse and repeat; if necessary.

If you require assistance with any of the following to get you well on your way to a positive and productive remote work for Court environment, be sure to contact the Helpdesk at 313-224-0157 or helpdesk@3rdcc.org coupled with providing the best contact number to reach you and we’ll be more than happy to assist.

March 2026

Access and Fairness Calendar

February 17 - March 19 – Ramadan continues

March 8 – International Women's Day

March 17 – St. Patrick's Day

March 19 – Hindu New Year

Hindu New Year is a nine-day celebration in which the Goddess Durga's nine incarnations are worshipped. The Hindu New Year begins on the first day of Chaitra Navratri.

March 20-21 – Eid-al-Fitr

This three-day Islamic holiday marks the end of Ramadan’s dawn-to-sunset fasting.

March 21 – World Down Syndrome Day

Down syndrome affects roughly 1 in 700 babies in the U.S. It is the most common chromosomal condition.

March 21 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Recognizes the ongoing global effort to end racism and discrimination while promoting equality, dignity, and justice for people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

March 26 – Purple Day

Purple Day is a global grassroots movement committed to raising awareness about epilepsy. 

March 30 – World Bipolar Day

Raises global awareness about bipolar disorder and promotes understanding, early diagnosis, and compassionate support for those living with the condition.