SPRING 2020, Vol. 34, Issue 1 SPRING 2020 1

MISSION NAWJ’s mission is to promote the judicial role of protecting the rights of individuals under the rule of law through strong, committed, diverse judicial leadership; fairness and equality in the courts; and ON THE COVER 19 Channeling Sugar equal access to justice. Innovative Efforts to Improve Access to Justice through Global Judicial Leadership 21 Learning Lessons from Midyear Meeting in New Orleans addresses Tough Cases BOARD OF DIRECTORS ongoing challenges facing access to justice. Story on page 14 24 Life After the Bench: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Honorable Sharon Mettler PRESIDENT 2 President's Message Hon. Bernadette D'Souza 26 Trial Advocacy Training for Parish of Orleans Civil District Court, Louisiana 2 Interim Executive Director's Women by Women Message PRESIDENT-ELECT 29 District News Hon. Karen Donohue 3 VP of Publications Message King County Superior Court, Seattle, Washington 51 District Directors & Committees 4 Q&A with Judge Ann Breen-Greco VICE PRESIDENT, DISTRICTS Co-Chair Human Trafficking 52 Sponsors Hon. Elizabeth A. White Committee Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County 54 New Members 5 Independent Immigration Courts VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLICATIONS Hon. Heidi Pasichow 7 Resource Board Profile Superior Court of the District of Columbia Cathy Winter-Palmer SECRETARY Hon. Orlinda Naranjo (ret.) 8 Global Judicial Leadership 419th District Court of Texas, Austin Doing the Impossible: NAWJ work with the Pan-American TREASURER Commission of Judges on Social Hon. Elizabeth K. Lee Rights Superior Court of California, San Mateo County IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT 11 Global Judicial Leadership Hon. Tamila E. Ipema To Africa,With Love! Superior Court of California, San Diego County 14 Midyear Meeting FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR Hon. Marcella Holland (ret.) 18 Reaching Out to All Our Constituents Circuit Court for Baltimore City, Baltimore Military & Veterans Committee PROJECTS COMMITTEE CHAIR Hon. Pennie McLaughlin COUNTERBALANCE is published by: Superior Court of California, San Diego County National Association of Women Judges 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 1138 Washington, D.C. 20036 STAFF Phone: 202 393 0222 INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Fax: 202 393 0125 E-mail: [email protected] Laurie Hein Denham, CAE Web: www.nawj.org SENIOR MANAGER, PROGRAMS AND PUBLICATIONS Lavinia Cousin OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Maureen Gelwicks MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Janelle Mihoc SPRING 2020 2 President’s Message

ear NAWJ Members, opportunities, and it was a great honor and pleasure to welcome U.S. District Court Judge Dana Sabraw this year. First, I want to express my sincere hope When we found ourselves in need of a keynote speaker on that each of you are safe and well in these short notice, Judge Sabraw stepped into the role to deliver challenging times. Your leadership and a powerful address to our attendees. My sincere thanks dedication are a credit to your communities, and I to Judge Sabraw for enriching our experience with your take heart in knowing each of you are undoubtedly words, a true highlight of our time together. sharing your knowledge and abilities with those who need it most. I remain in awe of the compassionate and Many of you volunteered your wisdom and expertise talented members of our organization. when scheduled panel participants were unable to join us, and I would like to thank you for your demonstrated While each of us experiences a rapidly changing and unwavering commitment to our mission and values global landscape, I wanted to take the opportunity to in doing so. Several participants throughout the week express my gratitude to you for joining at the NAWJ expressed their gratitude to NAWJ for the opportunity to 2020 Midyear Meeting here in New Orleans: Bringing learn and grow together, and I believe that our gathering I am proud to lead Access Into Harmony with Justice. I was humbled and offered much-needed inspiration and empowerment to all inspired by your presence and participation and am in attendance. our organization, grateful to each and every one of you that contributed and grateful for the to our successful gathering. Now more than ever, I am proud to lead our organization, and grateful for the community we have created. I hope that our experiences community we have community and compassion are of vital importance as we face uncharted territory together. and memories made at the NAWJ 2020 Midyear Meeting created. I hope that our continue to bolster your spirits in the year to come, as they Though current global challenges kept us on our have mine. Take good care, and I am excited to witness experiences and memories toes, the grace and adaptability demonstrated by our what we are all capable of next. made at the NAWJ 2020 facilitators and attendees ensured that our Midyear With warm regards, Midyear Meeting continue Meeting provided education, empowerment, and expansion of our legal community. As I reflect on the to bolster your spirits in experience, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the year to come, spirit and perseverance demonstrated by our attendees Honorable Bernadette G. D’Souza as they have mine. and presenters. Thank you. Judge, Orleans Civil District Court President, NAWJ Our 2020 Midyear Meeting was full of unexpected Interim Executive Director Message ince this message was originally written your courts are operating as well as techniques you are for this issue of Counterbalance, we have using for your own self-care. continued to experience change in the way we live and work. We do not yet know what I am honored to serve you during this uncertain and “normal” will look like for us, but I do know how challenging time. The complexities you face are daunting. hard all the NAWJ members are working to provide The entire staff continues to seek and secure opportunities safe and equitable access to justice. As the “Leading for NAWJ. We are all deeply committed to caring for the Voice of Women in the Judiciary”, NAWJ is quickly health of the organization. I believe NAWJ will emerge yet strategically addressing the issues members have as a stronger and more cohesive community empowering prioritized. The COVID-19 Taskforce is working women at all levels of the judiciary. collaboratively with other NAWJ committees, to Stay safe and be well, provide valuable resources to members and to the greater judicial community. The Taskforce will be providing opportunities on both local and national Laurie Denham, CAE levels for each of you to discuss the innovative ways Interim Executive Director SPRING 2020 3

Vice President of Publications Message hank you to everyone who submitted informed and enlightened when we are most articles and reports for this Spring 2020 separate and disconnected. These challenges must issue of Counterbalance. We are especially not hinder our mission to protect rights, promote grateful this season, as we imagine many fairness, and to provide access to justice for all. of you are predominantly focused on your own well-being and that of your families, friends, and The NAWJ 2019-2024 Strategic Plan recognizes colleagues. We will strive to keep you well informed the importance of internal and external of our Association’s activities and the fine work and communications, with focus specifically on web contributions each of you makes toward the mission site improvements, consistent content, more of NAWJ. stories about members via new technologies, collaboration with outside organizations on We are looking forward to an exciting year for relevant articles, and the like. Counterbalance, Counterbalance. As we continue to work with and other NAWJ “publications,” can have our web design company, I expect that the two significant roles in fulfilling these goals and issues we publish this year will be lively and strategies, all toward keeping us connected and compelling both substantively and visually. In knowledgeable and educated about our activities addition, we hope to work on some new features locally and worldwide. Continue checking the that will make Counterbalance more accessible NAWJ web site and the NAWJ Monthly News and usable on the NAWJ web site, such as Counterbalance updates for announcements about webinars indexing and searching of all issues. scheduled through the summer on the pandemic is one of the NAWJ I am grateful to our NAWJ Staff Program and the courts. I hope you were able to attend resources that assists Manager, Lavinia Cousin, for her continuing the first webinar, Courts on the Front Line: with our staying “plugged excellent work on Counterbalance, and I am Providing Access to Justice While Protecting in” about the work of our enthusiastic by the new and future contributions Public Health During a Pandemic. colleagues in the USA in these efforts by Maureen Gelwicks, our new Operations Manager. I also expressly thank I am enjoying working with NAWJ Leadership, and abroad. This is an Laurie Denham, NAWJ’s Interim Executive Districts, Committees, Resource Board, and extraordinarily important Director for her sharp focus and management of each of you as members. Together we are making Counterbalance and other NAWJ year. There are profound our team effort. communication tools the go-to resources for the issues in the forefront Counterbalance is one of the NAWJ resources greater judiciary community. that assists with our staying “plugged in” about during this election cycle Honorable Heidi M. Pasichow the work of our colleagues in the USA and and the equally if not more Judge Superior Court of the District of Columbia abroad. This is an extraordinarily important Vice President of Publications NAWJ compelling health crisis. year. There are profound issues in the forefront during this election cycle including issues surrounding the compelling health crisis and the continued and the more recent escalation of law enforcement aggression toward minorities. Though the world is changing significantly, our mission remains focused and strong. We each are challenged as never before in the life of NAWJ also to be focused and strong, and to remain SPRING 2020 4 Q&A with Judge Ann Breen-Greco Co-Chair Human Trafficking Committee

AWJ’s The Human Trafficking Bellows appointed you liaison to NAWJ from committee works toward the ABA Taskforce on Human Trafficking. eliminating human trafficking, Here you are in 2020, back to serving as especially women and children District 8 Director and co-chair of NAWJ’s trafficked for sexual and labor exploitation. Human Trafficking Committee. What do you The committee is chaired by the Honorable think about where the committee is now? Ann Breen Greco, and Summer Stephan, San A: The committee is more actively engaged Diego District Attorney. than ever in work on human trafficking. In this In 2011, NAWJ President time of COVID-19 we are Honorable Dana Fabe, also looking for ways to appointed NAWJ Past gear our activities toward President Hon. Carolyn addressing the developing Engel Temin, Chair of and intensifying human a group to explore what trafficking and domestic was being done on human violence resulting from trafficking by other entities, COVID-19. Additionally, and to determine what we reached out to other unique contribution NAWJ could do to entities working on these critical matters confront the terrible problem that results in to bring all of our strengths together. I am enslaving thousands of individuals of both a member of the American Bar Association genders and all ages. After investigating, Judicial Division’s Task Force on Domestic committee members decided NAWJ could and Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking. add to the field by filling a vacuum that I am also a Commissioner on the ABA’s Judge Ann Breen-Greco is an existed with respect to the Judiciary by Commission on Domestic and Sexual Independent Administrative Judiciary developing programs that addressed the role Violence (CDSV). Those two entities are Professional. Previously, she was an the Judiciary should play in ending human also bringing judges and lawyers together to Administrative Law Judge with the City trafficking. To this end, the committee work on the issue. Particularly, CDSV does of Chicago Department of Administrative decided to design a training program that trainings across the country for attorneys, Hearings, an Administrative Law Judge / can be presented throughout the United advocates and judges. We have also been in Hearing Officer with the Illinois State States and promoted by District Directors. touch with United Against Slavery, which Board of Education, presiding over special The committee surveyed NAWJ members is doing a survey among judges across the education hearings, and an Administrative to determine topics trainings should cover, country to determine the need for human Law Judge with the Illinois Department and designed a manual geared to the needs trafficking courts. The specialized courts of Children and Family Services, hearing of judges, Trafficking in Persons - Modern in which the NAWJ human trafficking child abuse cases. She is also a mediator Day Slavery A Program Manual created and committee has worked specialize in matters with the Illinois State Board of Education compiled by committee members Hon. Reneé such as domestic violence and trafficking. for special education cases and is a Forgensi Minarik, Hon. Arline Pacht and Over the years since I first became NAWJ’s labor arbitrator. She has organized a Hon. Elizabeth Lee. liaison to the ABA Task Force on Human number of seminars on human trafficking Trafficking, I have worked to develop a and violence against women and was Q: In 2011, then President of the ABA, Laurel number of programs on human trafficking a presenter on “Human Trafficking in Bellows, designated human trafficking as both here in Chicago where I am located Persons”, to the Mid-East and North Africa one of the most important subjects to be and in Washington D.C. during NAWJ Judges (MENA) for the addressed during her presidency. You were meetings. Judge Virginia Kendall who is International Association of Women Judges. NAWJ District 8 Director, and ABA President on the Northern District bench in Chicago SPRING 2020 5 is a an internationally renowned expert on judges today because of the increase that they meetings. Members may think of committees human trafficking and has spoken at a number have seen in cases across the years. There as a vehicle for planning or development. of our programs. She is also an author of two was a time when we did not have specialized What was it like to bring in a guest speaker texts on the subject. We continue to work courts for this horrific crime. In fact, the of sorts? with her. I also gave a presentation on human victims of human trafficking were being trafficking to the MENA (Middle East North charged with crimes, designating these A: In the course of collaborating with other Africa) judges when we were in D.C. at the victims as prostitutes. It was often judges entities we have invited members of those International Association of Women Judges themselves who began to be alarmed at seeing entities to speak to us just as we are asking conference. women returning to court so often having members of our committee to speak to the

been arrested on prostitution charges. Judges Task Force and to CDSV. We also had the Q: During the Midyear in New Orleans, in various parts of the country began to find representative of United Against Slavery I noticed Summer Stephan’s powerful a connection between the fact that women speak at one of our meetings. Currently I have presentation, HUMAN TRAFFICKING: A Global were being re-arrested, and frequently a man Problem with Local Initiatives/Solutions, would show up to bail a woman out. It was asked one of our members, Judge Bobbie had everyone’s complete attention. New clear that the purpose was to get a woman McCartney, to be our coordinator/liaison judge. Veteran judge. Eyes were peeled, back on the street as quickly as possible so for work on a project discussed at our last “where can I get that presentation?” What that the trafficker, also known as pimp, could human trafficking committee meeting. It has is it about where we are with tackling derive benefit from the use of women in been suggested that we work on developing a the foothold human trafficking claims in trafficking and prostitution. webinar that would not only address human communities across the United States that trafficking but how we can work together holds so much interests for judges today? Q: Last year’s committee work was on trafficking and domestic and sexual A: The presentation by the Human interactive, in the sense that you invited violence, all of which have increased during Trafficking Committee co-chair, San Diego leaders of allied interests and from other COVID-19. District Attorney, Summer Stephan, was organizations to speak and share during outstanding. This holds so much interest for NAWJ’s Human Trafficking Committee

Here is the letter's full text:

The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate separate from the Department of Justice. 224 Dirksen Senate Office Building Led by NAWJ Past President and former Washington, D.C. 20510 After advocating for years, judicial and Immigration Judge Joan Churchill, NAWJ legal groups stepped up their call for joined the movement in asking Congress to Dear Senator Feinstein: America’s immigration courts to become “establish an Article I Immigration Court independent. At present, immigration system independent of the Department The National Association of Women Judges courts operate under the U.S. Department of Justice, or any other prosecutorial [NAWJ], which I have the honor to serve as of Justice, and are vulnerable to political agency, in order to guarantee due process President, writes in support of the creation interests. In February, with over one and a fair hearing with justice for all.” A of an independent Immigration Court. We respectfully call on Congress to establish million unheard cases backlogging the sample of the letter written to members an Article I Immigration Court system that immigration courts across the country, in both houses is below. NAWJ member, is independent of the Department of Justice, Judge Ashley Tabaddor, current President immigration judges are buckling under or any other prosecutorial agency, in order the pressure of high quota numbers and of National Association of Immigration to guarantee due process and a fair hearing what many argue is a highly politicized Judges, appeared on public radio’s WBUR to with justice for all. court process. Some judges are calling make the case, as president of the National for an independent immigration court Association of Immigration Judges. SPRING 2020 6

Currently, the Immigration Courts are housed in judiciary, and equal access to justice. case by case adjudication in which a neutral the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office decision maker, using his/her independent for Immigration Review [EOIR], which manages NAWJ’s support for an independent Immigration judgment, renders a decision based entirely on the Immigration Courts at both the trial and Court outside the Department of Justice is long the record before him/her, the facts of the case, appellate levels. This structure presents an standing. We adopted a resolution in support on the submissions of the parties, and the governing inherent conflict of interest. The Immigration April 16, 2002 stating that: law and regulations, without direction from above Courts are adjudicatory bodies tasked with “The NAWJ supports an independent structure or consideration of outside (ex parte) influences. providing due process hearings to respondents for the Immigration Courts (at both the trial and The current structure of the Immigration Courts, in removal proceedings. It is essential that its appellate levels) outside the Department of Justice, however, presents a systemic problem to neutral judges be neutral adjudicators who are not to assure fairness and equal access to justice, adjudication, as the structure allows: subject to the policy making chain of command of and to assure both the appearance and reality of (1) a supervisory role regarding the content of an executive agency, or to direction by a party to impartiality." the cases before them. Immigration Judges’ rulings and decisions, We followed up with another resolution adopted on as a factor in their performance evaluations, NAWJ has been the leading voice of women jurists October 18, 2008 stating: and across the country for over forty years. Founded (2) participation in the adjudicatory process by in 1979, our non-partisan membership includes “The National Association of Women Judges policy makers who are, in turn, answerable over 1,000 judges, women and men, serving at supports the enactment of federal immigration to one of the parties, an executive agency of all levels of the state and federal judiciary. Our legislation that provides for full and fair the Government. membership includes judges on administrative, administrative adjudication and review of military, tribal, and other specialized courts, in deportation orders.” We respectfully urge Congress to establish an addition to the regular state and federal courts. independent Immigration Court system, under We are pleased to hear that Congress is currently NAWJ has, since our founding, championed Article I of the United States Constitution, considering introduction of legislation on this the advancement of women and minorities in that would assure due process and judicial important topic. independence. the legal profession, the independence of the Due process by adjudicatory tribunals requires Thank you for consideration of our views. Sincerely, The Honorable Bernadette D’Souza President National Association of Women Judges SPRING 2020 7

NAWJ RESOURCE BOARD RESOURCE BOARD PROFILE The Resource Board is committed to Cathy Winter-Palmer firm dedicated to making remote court supporting NAWJ both financially and Chair, Community Engagement Committee, appearances “simple, accessible and programmatically, for the purposes of Western Justice Center affordable for all parties.” The firm’s (a) assuring that NAWJ has sufficient Principal, CWP and technologies allow courts economic and human resources to Associates and judges to carry execute its strategic plan; (b) developing out their roles applying bonds of mutual support and respect Many of us know Cathy the law and overseeing between and among Resource Board Winter-Palmer as the legal processes for all members and NAWJ members; and (c) thoughtful knitter of communities, regardless of promoting the professional advancement NAWJ community. Cathy each constituent’s location. and elevating the standing of women is an observer who, while The service is widely from both the bench and bar. attending NAWJ’s recent used today, servicing 2020 Midyear Meeting hundreds of State, Federal, Chairs: in New Orleans, obtains Bankruptcy, and Provincial a beautiful, desired keepsake of NAWJ’s Courts across the United States and Nicole E. Erb, Esq., White & Case LLP 2013 New Orleans Annual Conference Canada. CourtCall is a Landmark Sponsor Sarah London, Esq., Lieff Cabraser, Heimann & to share with NAWJ co-founding mother, whose multi-year pledge of support Bernstein, LLP Justice Joan Dempsey Klein, upon provides crucial stability, and enables return to California. She is an ingenious NAWJ’s influential voice to be heard Members: organizer of experiences. While part of the throughout the judiciary and the broader Hon. Mary Becnel (Retired) planning team for NAWJ’s 2019 Annual legal and education communities. Elizabeth Cabraser, Esq., Lieff, Cabraser, Conference in Los Angeles, Cathy found Heimann & Bernstein, LLP a way to welcome international judges Cathy, then CourtCall’s Chief Business to Los Angeles, through partnership with Development Officer, joined the Resource Ron DaLessio, CourtCall LLC her fellow Resource Board member, Chris Board in 2012. Since she joined NAWJ, Kelly M. Dermody, Esq., Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann Poole of JAMS. Chris hosted a reception CourtCall has provided NAWJ scholarship & Bernstein, LLP and shared trends and resources funding, teleconferencing services, and Andrea Bear Field, Esq., Hunton Andrews Kurth available internationally. professional expertise. She is not only Patricia P. Hollenbeck, Esq., Duane Morris LLP active on the Resource Board, a vital advisory arm of the NAWJ Board of Jamie Zysk Isani, Esq, Hunton Andrews Kurth Directors, she contributes as a member Dawn Jayma, The Killino Firm of the NAWJ ADA Compliance Committee. Robert M. Kaufman, Esq., Proskauer Rose In addition to conference planning committees, she has been involved in Linda Leali, Esq., Linda Leali, P.A. numerous initiatives all of which have Thomas C. Leighton, Esq., West, A Thomson greatly benefited the organization. Cathy Reuters Business served on the Planning Committee for Heather K. McDevitt, Esq., White & Case LLP NAWJ’s 36th Annual Conference in San Diane L. McGimsey, Esq., Sullivan & Cromwell LLP Diego, was an active member of NAWJ’s developmental Website Committee, and Afsoon McClellan, LexisNexis was instrumental in realizing the 2015 Donna Melby, Esq., Paul Hastings Meeting with the Congressional Women’s Elaine Metlin, Esq., Retired Caucus on Capitol Hill. Her achievements Cathy began her membership in NAWJ for NAWJ were recognized with NAWJ’s Christopher K. Poole, JAMS as its steadfast champion, who served prestigious Mattie Bell Davis Award at Cathy Winter-Palmer, CWP & Associates as the Resource Board representative for CourtCall LLC., a Los Angeles-based Continued on page 23 SPRING 2020 8

Doing the Impossible: NAWJ work with the Pan-American Commission of Judges on Social Rights

he murky, brown river water swirls those who know Judge Ipema, they know she Renee Stackhouse (née Galente) is a around the debris that fills it. On a would never have said “No” to this work serious force in San Diego’s legal community, small island in the middle of the river, anyway, as it is both her passion as well as the recognized equally for her tenacity, diligence, rough strewn buildings sit partially embodiment of her 2019 NAWJ Presidential legal knowledge, and exceptional trial skills. As sunk into the mud. The small, repurposed Theme: Global Judicial Leadership. an advocate, Renee is lauded for her strategic and empathetic approach, and she is known as a leader in the profession and the community. “Start by doing what is necessary; then do what is In her years as a practicing lawyer, Renee has possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” successfully represented clients in civil matters ranging from business disputes to construction – Francis of Assisi defect and personal injury cases, while also growing a significant criminal defense boat filled with judicial officers from across the Doing the necessary. practice. In addition, Renee has a strong Americas slowly makes it way to its destination military defense practice, and is recognized - a remote village where justice is making a When appointed, Judge Ipema joined a group for her understanding of military processes new home. of seven diverse judges (three men and four and protocols, and the nuances involved women, including LGBTQ+, from the United in representing service members in various When Judge Tamila Ipema, Immediate Past States, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Columbia, and matters. Her knowledge and understanding of President of the National Association of Women Brazil) who began to communicate daily via the United States Military stems from her work Judges, was appointed by as a civilian employee working in Marine Corps His Holiness Pope Francis Community Services at Southern California’s to a newly formed standing largest base, Marine Corps Base Camp committee in June (Jodi Pendleton, from 1997-2007. Her substantial Cleesattle, NAWJ Visits volunteer experience also has included Vatican for Pan-America leadership roles with the San Diego County Bar Judges’ Summit on Social Association, serving as the 2020 President- Rights, Counterbalance, Elect on the Board of Directors, and inaugural Fall 2018, Issue 2), she Chair of the Association’s high-profile Law and never imagined that her Technology committee. She is Chair of NAWJ’s journey would lead to this Mothers in Court Committee. small boat deep in rural Peru.

The appointment itself, in fact, was a complete surprise. But as she acknowledged, “When the Pope asks you to do work, By Renee N.G. Stackhouse you don’t say ‘No.’” And for SPRING 2020 9

“WhatsApp,” a secure and free messaging Doing the possible. for Judge Ipema. She took the unexpected phone app. The standing committee was opportunity to speak about access to justice named the Pan-American Commission of Next, Judge Ipema was tasked, along with the and the work of their own Supreme Court Judges on Social Rights, but other than that other women members of the standing Justice of Peru, Janet Tello, who formed a the committee members were given wide committee to participate and present at a travelling court that she takes to remote areas latitude to determine the mission, goals, and two-day human trafficking summit organized and how this concept has now been scope of their work. Complicated by language by the Vatican Academy for the women judges implemented in Michigan after Justice Tello’s barriers and differing rules of governing of several African countries. This summit led presentation at NAWJ and IAWJ conferences. ethics, the group knew that their work had to to the creation of another standing committee Judge Ipema noted for the group, “We all have focus on access to justice in the Americas. called the Pan-African Commission on Social much to share and much we can learn from They brainstormed the issues facing their Rights dedicated to helping the destitute and each other.” various countries and began to see where there vulnerable in Africa to get access to justice and was overlap. find their voice. From the Supreme Court, the group traveled to the “Justicia para transformer In November 2019, the committee reunited in In December 2019, Judge Ipema travelled to Vulnerabilidad en Igualdad” (“Justice to person in Brazil to begin work on the formalities Peru. Fresh off the plane from a 10+ hour trip transfer Vulnerability into Equality”) of their standing committee and to formulate a and still in travel clothes, she, along with the conference at Pucallpa, a city on the Ucayali plan of action. The main purpose was other members, were greeted and then asked river in the Amazonian Rainforest. There determined to be to educate and train judges to change immediately into suits as they were gathered more than 200 judges, attorneys, and attorneys in Pan-American countries on the to present to the Supreme Court. After and legislators, as well as the Chiefs of the notions of social rights, access to justice for all, meeting and being greeted by the members of local indigenous tribes to talk about issues particularly the poor, homeless, and vulnerable, the Supreme Court Justice of Peru, Judge facing the tribes. Given the remote nature of and indigenous populations, the environment, Ipema and the group were led to a door, just most of the tribes, they still rely heavily on and judicial independence. The importance of past which were two steps up to a dais set with unregulated tribal justice, usually dispensed an independent judiciary, especially, was a topic tables and chairs. Once on the dais, Judge by an elder. Judge Ipema presented on that resonated across countries and legal Ipema came face-to-face with 200 people collaborative court systems and the need to systems and tied in perfectly with the conference patiently waiting for a presentation! Without a treat and train, versus punish, the accused who in which they participated while visiting Brazil. translator, her colleague from Brazil translated come from a trauma background. After the presentation she was approached by a local NAWJ Past President (center right) with indigenous tribes leaders from Peru attending the who surprised her by saying, “I always thought commission conference of 200 judges, attorneys and legislators. Americans didn’t have any heart. It’s so nice to see you up there. You have a heart. You care. You are taking care of people.” Bolstered by the feedback, when Justice Tello asked if she wanted to come with her on another trip, Judge Ipema was eager.

And that is how she ended up on a small, repurposed boat in the middle of the Amazon river. A boat that a local tribe had found abandoned, put in seats, and called “seaworthy.” The group of judges were its inaugural passengers. Not one to back down, Judge Ipema said, “I prayed, I put on a life jacket, and I got on the boat!” A military escort followed behind.

The rotor of the boat constantly jammed from the flotsam in the river, as they slowly made their way to an Amazonian village in the Masisea District with no running water or SPRING 2020 10

on a spectacular program, of access to justice and collaborative courts. including a ribbon cutting and a The work continues. fashion show/art presentation of costumes made from recycled The standing committee was scheduled to materials. As the delegation of return to the Vatican in June for the next judges slowly made their way back summit on colonialism, decolonization, and to Pucallpa an hour and a half away, neo-colonialism. American linguist, scientist and barely missed being sucked and philosopher Noam Chomsky will attend, into a whirlwind on the river, they along with seven other experts from around truly felt the impact this the world, to talk about the affect of courthouse would make. colonialism, particularly in Africa and South America; how it affects the indigenous people They also realized how important it currently and how it continues to was to turn their gazes inward. psychologically affect generations to come. Each judge on the standing commission agreed to create their Doing the impossible. own social justice commission in their home countries in order to train people to Judge Bernadette D’Souza said in her Fall electricity. That village was opening its first become experts on access to justice, on the 2019 President’s message, “My theme for this courthouse. The small building contained a rights of the poor, the environment, and judicial year is Innovative Efforts to Improve Access couple closet-sized rooms for a judge (they independence in order to create change from to Justice through Global Judicial wear a medal, instead of a robe). Solar panels within. A chapter has already been created in Leadership. Now more than ever we are were installed to provide electricity which work Argentina and Judge Ipema is working to create equipped with the ability to lead by example for four hours a day. a USA chapter on Social Rights, Access to on a global scale.” NAWJ members are doing Justice, and Judicial Independence. In March, exactly that and making Judge D’Souza’s Previously, villagers had to navigate the river to Judge Ipema traveled to Argentina to meet with theme a reality. get justice, a trek which had led to the death of the members of their chapter, as well as speak a few people on the same day as Judge Ipema’s about human trafficking. When asked what Judge Ipema wanted the arrival. Celebrating the new courthouse, and In April, she attended a two-day social justice NAWJ membership to take away from her everything that it represented, the villagers put conference in Columbia, speaking on the topics work, she said, “As the most powerful country in the world, we need to be more engaged in it. We cannot be willfully ignorant. We cannot believe we have nothing to learn. We cannot believe we have nothing to give.” She takes inspiration from Pope Francis, who took his name in honor of Francis of Assisi and is known for his concern for the well- being of the poor, noting that it was when he was willing to step down as a Cardinal, that he was elevated to Pope.

Work, life, family, and trying to find that elusive balance can make the idea of taking on global leadership seem daunting. Judge Ipema’s advice: Start with doing what’s necessary and see where it takes you.

If you are interested in working on these projects, please contact Judge Ipema at [email protected]. SPRING 2020 11

To Africa,With Love! By The Honorable Michael Washington I had been a trial advocacy teacher with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) for 12 years when I shared my desire to teach trial advocacy internationally. While I knew that teaching opportunities in Western Europe and Asia were highly coveted, I wanted to choose a place that called out to my spirit; I chose Africa. I had no idea what it would be like to teach there, I had never visited the continent, but I figured it would be interesting. Never did I imagine that it would change my life.

n 2010, the Honorable Ann Claire Williams in collaboration with Lawyers Without Borders (LWOB), agreed to direct a trial advocacy program in Liberia; and she invited me. The program was to be conducted for lawyers and judges in Liberia. I knew very little about Liberia except, it was founded by repatriated Blacks from the U.S. and the capital was named Monrovia, after our U.S. President, James Monroe. The bad, Liberia had only recently ended a Eleanor Roosevelt once famously said, “If Prior to my trip, scheduled for November 2010, bloody and protracted civil war, and the country you want something said, ask a man. If you I was struck with how little I knew about the was one of the poorest in the world. Liberia is want something done, ask a woman.” She country to where I was headed, so I conducted a located on the Western coast of sub-Saharan clearly had Judge Ann Claire Williams in Google search. The news was good and bad. Africa. Liberia was never under colonial rule, mind. Judge Williams was no stranger to The good, English was the official language (I but that may be because the country has few getting things done, having been President was concerned about communication resources that Europe and the U.S. are of the Federal Judges’ Association and a problems), and they accepted the U.S. dollar as interested in. valued trainer of new federal judges at the legal tender (no need for currency exchange). Federal Judicial Center and lawyers through I got my brand-new passport and international NITA. She had also already conducted shots and headed enthusiastically into the judicial case management and lawyer mostly unknown. I knew how to teach direct advocacy training programs in Africa, and cross examination and opening statements having taught in Liberia, Kenya, Tanzania, and closing arguments, but I knew nothing of and Uganda. Judge Williams is a how the Liberian court system worked. passionate, relentless and inspirational force However, equipped with the knowledge that the of nature; and her experience with working Liberian lawyers and judges had committed to with and training lawyers and judges in the this week’s worth of trial advocacy training, importance of the Rule of Law, makes her an coupled with the sage advice of Judge Williams, unmatched Phenom. Her experience and who said not to worry, I was confident that I had her role as a U.S. Circuit Court judge on the all that I needed. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, SPRING 2020 12

specifically requested that As I felt my perspective changing, my eyes they be included in the trial opening, my horizon broadening, I then had the skills training. conversation that changed my future. During our collective sharing, I learned that judges had During our scheduled taken a significant pay cut from their previous program breaks the faculty earnings as attorneys to serve as judges. I and the judge and lawyer asked, “Why would you do that?” No matter participants shared who I asked, the response was universal, “I do information about each this as a way to serve my country!” I had never other’s systems, cultures, viewed judges quite that way. Servants of their and rules of law. During country? Before this conversation, I viewed these collective and shared judges like referees in a sporting event, not experiences, I learned that really involved in the activity, just more of Liberia, as a country, passive observer checking the boxes to make struggled with issues I had sure the rules were followed in court and never considered. Like forgotten outside the courthouse. I never allowed her and LWOB to recruit fellow federal much of Africa, Liberian courts do not have the looked at judges like someone in the military judges, partners of several Big Law firms in the benefit of court reporters. They also do not have that we thank for their service. It was the last U.S. and U.K. and assorted trial attorneys to the opportunities offered by jury trials. As a response I received, however, that put a lump in join her teaching team. While some members result, all the testimony is taken down by the my throat. A young judge replied, “I am active of our team had taught in Africa previously, judge by hand. Once we learned that, we in my community talking about the value of our most of us had not. assumed that perhaps the notes of the testimony court system. I want when people see me, to see were being transcribed by typists, only to learn Justice.” As I returned home after a week in Because some of the funding of the program was provided by the U.S. Department of State, the program started with a security briefing at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. Due to the crushing national poverty, petty property crimes were common, so State Department employees encouraged the members of Judge Williams’ faculty to stay close to our hotel and to only go out in groups. Violent crimes against foreign visitors were unlikely, but the faculty traveled from our hotel to the that the national power grid was unreliable, so Liberia, I couldn’t stop thinking about what the courthouse with United Nations peacekeepers there was no consistent provision of electricity young judge said. I thought, yeah, I want that armed with AK-47 automatic rifles. (the power went out nearly every day we were too, when people see me, I want them to see there). Subsequently, we were shown a room Justice. Once the trial advocacy training started, I where booklets of trial notes were stacked floor noticed something uncommon, the judges in to ceiling, all handwritten. Despite these In 2011, I traveled with Judge Williams again to the program were going through the trial challenges, those involved in the Liberian Africa, this time to Kenya. Unlike Liberia, advocacy part of the program along with the justice system were universally optimistic. As a Kenya is on the Eastern coast of sub-Saharan lawyers. The judges were training with the faculty member I found myself focused on what Africa. Unlike Liberia, Kenya is one of the most lawyers. I had all but assumed that the judges was lacking, but the Liberians were focused on prosperous countries in Africa. Before were only going to attend the case what they were building. They were excited that liberation, Kenya was a British colony, and management and judgment writing portion of we came, giving our time, to help them. Kenya has plenty of local resources and a tourist the training, but the Liberian judges SPRING 2020 13

Lawyers without Borders, and the National Institute of Trial Advocacy to thank for giving me the opportunity to teach across the seas. I also thank my local court for allowing me to use my vacation time to participate in these trainings. But I also have Africa to thank, for calling to my heart and leading the transformation of my spirit; helping me understand my place, my role, my desire to be seen as a tangible manifestation of justice. I am thankful for the many friends I have made in Africa and for the love they have shown me. economy that helps support their national to show off their new technology, a state-of-the- I first went to Africa because I thought I economy. However, in 2010, Kenya had just art videoconferencing system that allowed could help bring positive change to the concluded a contentious election, wherein they appellate judges in the coastal resort city of continent, but I know that I am the one who adopted a new constitution. As a result, when Mombasa to be seen in the courthouse in has been changed for the better. we arrived in Kenya, we were arriving in a Nairobi; while, inside the Nairobi courts and country that was adjusting to changes that come throughout Kenya, judges still took down I also have a much greater appreciation for with constitutional change. testimony by hand, into booklets. The Kenyan the American justice system. I understand court system had no computerized way to keep and embrace the irreplaceable value of the Sadly, many of the changes that accompanied track of defendants in custody, who they were, rule of law. And I am now more convinced the newly adopted constitution did not include when they came into custody, when they should than ever that communities function better, changes in the administration of the Kenyan leave. Neither did the Kenyan system allow for for the good of all of its members when the court system. The court system was abundant plea bargains or even opening statements. judiciary is respected, respectful and and lacking at the same time, for instance, the intentionally mindful of the heightened sense judges in the capital city of Nairobi were eager Less than three years after my first trip to of responsibility for the role it plays. I am Liberia, Governor Edmund “Jerry” filled with hope as I see that the many Brown appointed me to the San countries of Africa are experiencing these Diego Superior Court. By then, I same revelations. I am even more excited to had already returned to Africa five be a part of the teams of like-minded legal more times. Since being appointed professionals that want to bring justice to the Superior Court Judge, I have world. As Judge Williams always says, “We traveled back to Africa an additional come because of the light that we see in your 14 times, teaching in the African eyes. The light that yearns for justice for all.” countries of Tanzania, Nigeria and As a life member of NAWJ, when people see Namibia, and returning to some me, I want them to see Justice. that I had visited previously. The Honorable Michael D. Washington is a I have Judge Ann Claire Williams, Judge for the San Diego County Superior Court. In 2013, he was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve in the San Diego County Superior Court. Before his appointment, he had served as Deputy Public Defender at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office since 1994. He has been an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law since 2003. He earned a doctorate degree from California Western School of Law, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from San Diego State University. SPRING 2020 14

Near 100 intrepid members, supporters, and friends of NAWJ gathered together in the French Quarter’s historic Hotel Monteleone to explore the meeting’s theme “Bringing SUMMARY Access into Harmony with Justice” in a series of discussions and gatherings that address how the legal community can ensure the basic right of access to justice. Both cognizant OF SESSIONS of the emerging health crises and fearless in a desire to address ongoing challenges some may face in gaining access to justice, meeting participants examined the ongoing crises in opioid use, human trafficking, trauma in the courts, and combating recidivism.

“Bringing Access into Harmony with Justice” he Midyear Meeting opened with enthusiastically shared their stories and HUMAN TRAFFICKING a lively musical procession by career trajectories while offering treasured the Mardi Gras Indians, and a advice. NAWJ’s Human Trafficking’ Presentation of Colors by young Committee Co-Chairs Judge students. NAWJ President, Judge Bernadette The program was a “speed dating” type Ann Breen-Greco and San D’Souza, warmly welcomed the attendees format, with law students from local law Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan opened who filled the beautiful room that was schools spending ten minutes with judges the education portion of the setting for all of our programs, and from all over the country across many court the program with an inspiring presentation. While who had traveled from as far as Alaska types at a table, then moving from table to the country struggles to identify people caught up in and Massachusetts to gather and share table providing them with an opportunity trafficking’s heinous web, the presentation offered information they could use toward better to speak with all of the judge participants. strategies that make a difference. serving their courts. In addition, Judge The program provided the students with D’Souza offered a special tribute to her an opportunity for open dialogue on topics In 2010, NAWJ identified human trafficking as one of mentor and friend Louisiana Supreme Court such as navigating law school, judicial its primary initiatives, and the presentation in New Orleans was a sobering and compelling update on the Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, as clerkships, the practice of law, the pitfalls of trafficking scenarios and issues. Human trafficking she presented Chief Justice Johnson the Lady social media, the path to the bench, career lies in plain sight, but it lies in the intersections Justice Award for her long-committed service paths, the legal profession, and the value in of harm – domestic violence, sexual abuse, child to her community and the legal profession. active participation in bar associations. The abuse, foster care system breakdowns -- all creating program culminated with the law students vulnerabilities and creating challenges for the courts. Also, during this Midyear Meeting, NAWJ joining meeting attendees, bar leaders and Judges are key in bringing together all the elements launched its inaugural Planting the Seed: government officials for a welcome reception and in speeding up the processes and solutions. Pathways to a Legal Career diversity at the top of the Hotel Monteleone, whose outreach program as developed by Judge windowed walls included sweeping views of Noting that the FBI has a report that highlights San Diego as a leading hotspot for child prostitution, the majestic Mississippi River, to honor NAWJ Toni Clarke, with the assistance of Judge Judge Breen-Greco and attorney Stephan described Julie Weatherly and Judge Lorraine Lee. President, Judge Bernadette D’Souza, and several San Diego initiatives and organizations that It is modeled on an ABA Judicial Division her caring spirit within its justice system. are focusing on the trafficking issues, such as the program of a similar name. Judge Marcella Trafficking Prevention Education Collective, the Holland directed the program at the Midyear The students were thrilled for the opportunity Human Trafficking and Commercial Child Sexual Meeting. At the meeting, law students were to have access to our members in an informal, Exploitation Advisory Council, and the Human joined by an equal number of judges who supportive setting. SPRING 2020 15

Trafficking Task Force (comprising State, Federal and The Honorable Elizabeth K. Lee is a Judge for the Southern District of California. Judge Sabraw was born Local Law Enforcement). Superior Court of California in San Mateo County. in San Rafael, California. He received a Bachelor of She was appointed to the bench in July of 2005. She Science degree from San Diego State University in They also highlighted the expanding scope of work is currently Juvenile Supervising Judge assigned to 1980, and a Juris Doctor from the McGeorge School with collaborations between the ABA Commission on the Juvenile Court in San Mateo County handling of Law at University of the Pacific in 1985. He began Domestic and Sexual Violence, ABA Judicial Division both delinquency and dependency matters. She his judicial career as a judge on the North County Taskforce on Domestic and Sexual Violence, and the is the Chair of San Mateo County’s Blue Ribbon Municipal Court in San Diego County, 1995 to 1998. nonprofit United Against Slavery, which is surveying Commission on Foster Care Youth and has worked From 1998 to 2003, he was a judge on the Superior judges to determine their needs in the courtroom with with other stakeholders in the court system to address Court for the State of California, County of San Diego. respect to human trafficking cases. the problem of human trafficking of minors. Prior to In 2003, he was nominated by President George joining the bench, she worked as an Assistant United W. Bush to the United States District Court for the Other discussion points revolving around the States Attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of California, and confirmed in trafficking issues were addressed by the immediate in the Northern District of California assigned to the September, 2003. NAWJ past president the Honorable Tamila Ipema, Organized Crime and Racketeering StrikeForce. She Judge for the San Diego County Superior Court, on served as the Deputy Chief of the Strike Force from international initiatives including discussions with 1999 –2005. AN OVERVIEW OF OPIOIDS Pope Francis. The Honorable Elizabeth Lee, Judge for LITIGATION the San Mateo County Superior Court, emphasized the value and importance of multidisciplinary work, SEPARATING MIGRANT FAMILIES - Issues and cases revolving such as involving child welfare organizations, juvenile RIGHT OF DUE PROCESS around opioid use were justice organizations, and education initiatives. addressed by a three- The current pandemic environment and the related Over lunch US District member panel: economic environment both present difficult Judge Dana Sabraw, United The Honorable Susie Morgan challenges in addressing all the elements of human States District Court for is U.S. District Judge for the trafficking. the Southern District of United States District Court for the Eastern District California, discussed issues of Louisiana; Celeste Brustowicz, Esq., an attorney at Summer Stephan is District Attorney for the County of around separating migrant Cooper Law Firm LLC, New Orleans; Jennifer Fountain San Diego, California. As District Attorney, she leads families and the right of due process. Connolly, Esq. a Shareholder in Baron and Budd, the second-largest DA’s office in California, managing Washington, D.C. a professional staff of 1,000 employees for its more In 2018, Judge Sabraw learned about the allegations than three million residents. DA Stephan rose through that the federal government had embarked upon a In 2017, attorneys filed a petition for an MDL, a multi- the ranks. As a trial prosecutor, she tried more than policy to separate family members. The evidence district litigation. At the time there were 61 cases 100 jury trials. She served as Chief of the DA’s North came through the media, and via a suit by ACLU, pending in 11 federal districts across the country, and County Branch and Chief of the Sex Crimes and in support of an immigrant mother seeking asylum the MDL movement asked the panel to consolidate Human Trafficking Division, a special-victims unit who had been separated from her young daughter. the cases in one federal court. There were common she pioneered. In June 2018, San Diego County voters Judge Sabraw was assigned the case. He eventually issues about who started the opioid epidemic and elected her as District Attorney. She is co-chair of dismissed the government’s motion to dismiss who was responsible for cause. The original motion NAWJ’s Human Trafficking Committee. the case, claiming that existing caselaw, the Fifth was filed by municipalities in West Virginia, heavily Amendment and due process laws applied to all affected by the opioid crisis. This MDL was unique The Honorable Tamila E. Ipema is a Judge for the states, and any person in our country regardless as it was the first time that municipalities asked the Superior Court of California in San Diego County. She of status is entitled to constitutional rights. More court for such consolidation. The tobacco litigation has served as a judicial officer for nearly 15 years. caselaw established under the Fifth Amendment years earlier was led by attorneys general, and the She has experience in family, criminal, and civil the right to family integrity, bonds between parent West Virginia municipalities wanted to bring their own courts. She previously practiced as an immigration and child, unless there is a lack of fitness from the cases because they are the entities responding with defense attorney; as an Assistant District Counsel with parent. Judge Sabraw ordered an end to most family or in need of expanded public services to combat the the U.S. Department of Justice in immigration matters; separations at the southern border and stated that crisis. (Individual cases, with few exceptions, were not as a judicial research attorney; and as a supervising it is the responsibility of the federal government to successful, and people who were addicted were viewed research attorney for the Los Angeles Superior Court. reunite separated families. During the week of March as unsympathetic plaintiffs.) She also served as a California Superior Court 10, 2020, the federal government finally dropped Commissioner in both Los Angeles and San Diego its appeals to Judge Sabraw’s rulings against family The over 2700 cases present very complex issues, and Counties prior to her appointment as a Judge to the separation. were referred to a U.S. District Court for Northern Ohio, San Diego Superior Court. She was President of NAWJ where there was experience in addressing addiction for the 2018-2019 year. She is active in numerous The Honorable Dana Sabraw is a U.S. District Court litigation; such as the use of bellwether plaintiffs for NAWJ Committees. Judge for the United States District Court for the fast tracking cases, to show the strength of the claims SPRING 2020 16 or defenses; separate MDL cases for children who similar roles for Rinos & Martin, LLP in Tustin, their homes never had counsel; demographics of are born opioid dependent; then eventually “strategic California from 2005-2011. At Burglass & Tankersley, members of the bench in many jurisdictions are not remands” back to Chicago, West Virginia, San LLC. she managed medical malpractice litigation for representative of the population served. Francisco, Oklahoma, thus defeating the hope of the hospitals, physicians, and other health care providers The panelists described a variety of needs and bellwether approach. in state and federal court as lead counsel from 2000- services and organizations that are beginning to 2004. At Bienvenu, Foster, Ryan & O’Bannon she address this gap. For example, we need to quantify A separate MDL for children was initiated, as these served as lead counsel for the firm, who specialized in the problem of a frequent mismatch between bench instances present especially troubling challenges. insurance defense, as its first and only female partner and community demographics. We need to find ways Children born with neonatal abstinence syndrome from 1987-2000. to make pro-bono work more attractive. Perhaps some (NAS) will likely have learning disabilities among type of work can be “de-lawyered” by modifying the other health traumas. Hospital bills for babies born Jennifer Fountain Connolly, Esq. is a Shareholder idea of “the unauthorized practice of law” , such as addicted may be $150,000. NIH estimates that every in Baron and Budd, Washington, D.C. She has two with foreclosures. One program described has lawyers 15 minutes a baby is born suffering with opioid decades of experience leading national, complex and law students and law firm secretaries volunteering withdrawal, and yet according to the CDC in January litigation matters including antitrust, pharmaceutical to provide legal assistance in homeless shelters. 2019, no national program exists to collect data on and consumer fraud class actions, qui tam cases, Another program makes it easier for persons who have opioid births. Other legal elements enter into these and cases brought by state attorneys general and served their sentences to have their liberties restored scenarios, such as those around foster care, rights other governmental entities. Ms. Connolly has held where allowed, with the assistance volunteer lawyers, of children and parents in foster care scenarios (both significant roles in many of the largest pharmaceutical law and administrative clerk support, etc. state and federal laws are in play here). class actions and state attorney general cases in the Some opioid cases are being brought to state courts, last ten years. She currently represents the States The Honorable Judith Chirlin retired from the Los there are mini MDLs in some states, and there are of Ohio, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana, as Angeles Superior Court in 2009. In November of 2011, complicated coordination challenges among judges, well as several municipalities in their cases against she became Executive Director of the Western Justice attorneys general, and municipalities, manufacturers manufacturers and distributors of opioids, and leads Center in Pasadena, California. WJC designs and and distributors, and including the idea of a federal the litigation filed by those entities. She is a graduate promulgates programs to foster alternative dispute judge declaring a nationwide class of municipalities. of the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law (J.D. resolution in the courts and peaceful resolution of 1998), and the University of Chicago ( B.A. 1993). conflicts in schools and communities; she retired The Honorable Susie Morgan is U.S. District Judge for from that rile in 2019. She also works part-time in the United States District Court for the Eastern District JUDGES FACING THE THREAT TO private dispute resolution; she has started a non-profit of Louisiana. She graduated from the Louisiana State foundation to support justice system improvement University Law Center where she was a member of THE RULE OF LAW projects that enhance the rule of law. She also the Order of the Coif. After graduation, she clerked continues in her work in the international arena. for Judge Henry Politz who served as Chief Judge of At an afternoon session, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. Judge four panelists addressed Bill Quigley is a law professor and Director of the Law Morgan handled complex civil litigation cases before the difference and the gap Clinic and the Gillis Long Poverty Law Center at Loyola becoming a United States District Court Judge for the between justice and the University New Orleans. He has litigated numerous Eastern District of Louisiana in 2012. During her eight law. Panelists were The cases with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational years on the bench, Judge Morgan has handled class Honorable Judith Chirlin Fund, Inc., the Advancement Project, and with the ACLU actions, mass actions, and other cases with large retired from the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2009 of Louisiana where he was General Counsel for over members of claimants. In that context, she has dealt and currently Executive Director of the Western 15 years. He has been an active lawyer with School of with many of the issues frequently encountered in Justice Center in Pasadena, California. Bill Quigley is the Americas Watch and the Institute for Justice and MDL’s, including detailed case management orders, a law professor and Director of the Law Clinic and the Democracy in Haiti. He served as Legal Director of the complicated discovery disputes, and selection of Gillis Long Poverty Law Center at Loyola University Center for Constitutional Rights in NYC from 2009 to bellwether plaintiffs. New Orleans. The Honorable Jay C. Zainey is Judge 2011 before returning to Loyola. to the United States District Court for the Eastern Celeste Brustowicz, Esq., is an attorney at Cooper Law District of Louisiana. The Honorable Lisa Walsh is a The Honorable Jay C. Zainey was appointed Judge to the Firm LLC, New Orleans. She has managed all aspect of Circuit Court Judge, currently presiding in the criminal United States District Court for the Eastern District of civil litigation, including Mass Tort and Class actions. division of the 11th Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade, Louisiana in 2002 after many years as a busy attorney Prior to joining Cooper Law Firm, she managed Florida, and NAWJ President for 2015-2016 year. and an active member of the community and the all aspect of civil litigation, including medical Louisiana State Bar, of which he served as President in malpractice, commercial litigation, insurance defense, We heard about the following relatively common 1995-96. While pursuing his successful legal career, insurance coverage, construction, government entities scenarios: for civil cases in general, three quarters Judge Zainey has always found both the time and the defense, products liability, premise liability and civil of cases have at least one person not represented, means to help those in need, and to enlist others in rights matters for Burglass & Tankersley, LLC, having for example women asking for protective orders by doing the same. In addition to H.E.L.P., Judge Zainey rejoined the firm in 2011 through 2018. She performed themselves without counsel; most people who lose created SOLACE, and co-founded St. Andrew’s Village, SPRING 2020 17 a long-term residential community for adults with issues, they emphasized that regardless of job and For example, Ms. Brown talked of her efforts, outside developmental disabilities. regardless of the specific issue at hand, we must of her law practice, to visit all 50 states, engaging stay nimble and stay the course. In the full range with a variety of attorneys (public defenders, The Honorable Lisa Walsh is a Circuit Court Judge, of our law and legal endeavors and responsibilities, prosecutors, etc.) and law students AND also with currently presiding in the criminal division of the including our awareness of long-term projects and members of the public such as Boys and Girls Clubs 11th Judicial Circuit of Miami-Dade, Florida, and our immediate more current environment, such as of America, and she asked the attorneys and students has previously served in the civil and dependency pandemic issues in the law, we must do our best not to join her in these meetings. Ms. Martinez noted divisions. From 2008-2011, Judge Walsh was a County only to know the full universe of our court system the importance of attorneys knowing the importance Court Judge assigned to the civil division. Before and both attorney and non-attorney participants, and role of all levels of the courts, with particular becoming a judge, she practiced law for sixteen but also we must know the full universe of our public attention to “entry-level” courts, as typically these years, in both the trial and appellate state and who depend on the judicial process and our ability to are where the public has its first encounters with the federal courts, and also served as a Special Master provide equal justice. judicial system. for the City of Miami Beach. Judge Walsh was NAWJ President for 2015-2016 year. When we are well informed about all the services and Both emphasized giving back. It is imperative that tools and actors in the law, and are both in and of we do something to empower someone younger or CONVERSATIONS WITH THE public we serve, we can then draw the connections newer in our profession, to ensure that ladders are between these two communities. always available for colleagues. LEADING WOMEN OF THE BAR

Added to the New Orleans meeting were two very experienced, committed, and community-focused attorneys who energized the room during a panel discussion facilitated by the Honorable Marcella Holland (ret), Senior Judge on the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and a member of the NAWJ Executive Committee.

Paulette Brown is a Senior Partner, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, and a member of the labor and employment practice group of Locke Lord, LLP, and past president of both the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association. Judy Perry Martinez is Of Counsel and former Partner at Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfern, and current president of the American Bar Association.

From humble backgrounds in Baltimore and New Orleans, respectively, our panelists followed different paths through and to corporate positions while being effective activists and advocates in their chosen area of the law, for both the community of attorneys and the public. Ms. Brown and Ms. Martinez emphasized the importance of their undergraduate and professional educations. During their education years, they sought and accepted opportunities as they arose or were found or created. Being in the right place at the right time also played a role; they recognized that timing is important, and that timing is not only a passive occurrence.

As they described a variety of legal events and SPRING 2020 18 Reaching Out to All Our Constituents Military and Veterans Committee D.C. area. Her responsibilities included service as It is an honor to have been appointed by President Bernadette D’Souza to serve the Legal Advisor to the Field Investigative Unit, as co-chairs of the NAWJ Military and Veterans Committee. We would like to 701st Military Police Group (Criminal Investigation provide a short introduction of ourselves as co-chairs, and outline the focus of Division), Deputy Chief of the Defense Appellate this committee for the current NAWJ this year. We welcome all veterans, military Division, and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for U.S. spouses and military members to our committee, and look forward to hearing Army Special Operations Command before her from you so that we can support you and your current and future success. assignment to the bench. Colonel Brunson and her spouse, Major General Xavier T. Brunson also Colonels Brunson and Murnane want to focus political or personal connections one needs to have three children, Raechel, Rebekah and Joshua. the committee’s work this year on challenges make a successful run for an office, whether as a military women, spouses of military members, judge or in some other office. The Honorable (Colonel, US Air Force, Ret) and veterans face when they transition from Linda Strite Murnane their roles in the military to civilian life. The tide has been turning in this area, but We hope to address the limitations military slowly, as people like Martha McSally and [email protected] members and their families face in fully Tammy Duckworth have led the charge to break The Honorable (Colonel, engaging in the political processes due to free the barrier. It remains a challenge for many US Air Force, Ret) Linda speech limits placed on service members. For veterans, military members and their families, Strite Murnane was example, military members are not permitted however. Additionally, for a young law school born in East Orange, to donate to political campaigns or to wear graduate still serving in the role of a spouse to New Jersey while her buttons or display bumper stickers in support a military member, the military’s assignment father was serving of political candidates. While they may attend rotation system poses additional challenges in the U.S. Air Force, political events, they may not do so in uniform. as a young new lawyer may still have to sit for having been recalled multiple bar exams in order to continue his or to service during the Once the military members or their supporting her practice while supporting a military member Korean War. The family moved to Cincinnati, family members make a permanent home in and their family. Ohio when her father separated at the end of the a community, they find themselves virtual Korean War, and she was raised in Cincinnati outsiders in the critical political processes There is much that the National Association until enlisting in the U.S. Air Force herself in 1974. which could lead to appointments to key of Women Judges and its highly successful She is a graduate of Thomas Nelson Community positions such as appointments to the members can do to support these veterans, College, Hampton, VA, the Christopher Newport bench. Additionally, if the family settles in military members and their families, and we Branch Campus of the College of William and a jurisdiction where the judges are elected, look forward to talking about those steps during Mary in Newport News, VA, and the University of the veteran or family member rarely has the the year. Cincinnati College of Law, Cincinnati, OH. Colonel Murnane served two years as an enlisted member The Honorable (Colonel, US Army, Ret.) she entered active duty in the Army Judge Advocate before earning her commission through Officer Kirsten Brunson General’s (JAG) Corps. She later earned a Master of Training School, and transferred to the Air Force Judge Advocate General Corps in 1981. She [email protected] Laws degree from The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School. served ten years as a military judge or chief circuit The Honorable (Colonel, military judge, and retired in 2004 as a colonel US Army, Ret.) In 2008, Colonel Brunson was selected as the while assigned as the Chief Circuit Military Judge Kirsten Brunson is first African-American female to serve as an for the Eastern Circuit, Washington, D.C. Colonel originally from Prince Army judge. She served as a Circuit Judge at Murnane presided over the first trials in the area George’s County, Fort Hood, TX and Fort Bragg, NC. She served of operations for Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, Maryland. She is our nation in dual capacities by also serving deploying five times to preside at the trials of U.S. a graduate of the as the spouse of a military officer. On her first airmen deployed in support of those operations. University of Maryland assignment to Germany, she met a young Infantry with a B.A. in Criminology. She was commissioned lieutenant and married him in 1993. She spent Colonel Murnane also has a dual service career as through Howard University’s ROTC program but 22 years as both an Army officer and Army she is married to an Air Force Officer, Lt Col (Ret) took an educational delay to attend UCLA School of spouse with assignments at Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Kevin Murnane. They have two daughters, Rachel Law, where she was on the Law Review. In 1992, Campbell, KY, Fort Hood, TX, and the Washington, and Christina. SPRING 2020 19

rom my perch in a family support I was using.” It was the one line too many and courtroom, I mostly see broken people, now it was my turn to redirect this dialogue into angry people, resigned people, and something that would take this couple somewhere those lacking in any hope or trust in else, and anywhere but where it was right a system that has immersed them over many now. I silently sighed, as these challenges are months into years. It is true that the occasional overwhelming sometimes- how to reach someone high functioning “ex” couple comes before with only a few minutes per case, but each one me and can reach agreements on issues that representing a new opportunity to insert even the

ordinarily would take hours of mediation to smallest morsel of wisdom to make a difference. accomplish, but they are rare. Today, I looked at each of the individuals before me on the third Why do I bother, you may be wondering? I bother case called. This calendar held thirty-nine because it is worth it; I bother because I believe in different matters split between a morning and redemption and that people can and do change. an afternoon, so I had my work cut out for me I bother because sometimes there is no one else before even beginning. The reading the night in that person’s life that will ever get the chance before seemed endless and went into hours to say the few words that I do, the ones that may of time seated at my kitchen counter, often sink in at last and cause a person to look at him or hunched over and with a thought that before I herself in the mirror and say “is this it?” I often begin the next case, I will move to a better seat. fail, but the attempts are worth it for the moments when the parties are looking for relief or a way The woman looked down quite a bit, and the around their entrenched unhealthy behavior. man looked anxious. It was no wonder, years under the weight of a heroin addiction now At this moment, I channel “Sugar,” the oracle behind him, he no doubt wondered how he of internet advice for all things troubling, large would be viewed in court. His anger came up and small. For those of you not yet acquainted and out of him in released bits, throwing out with “Sugar,” please find yourselves a copy of lines that included blaming the mother of his the potentially life-changing book entitled “Tiny children for ‘being right there with me while Beautiful Things,” by Cheryl Strayed. You may By Commissioner Pennie McLaughlin SPRING 2020 20 recognize the author as the same one who gave one point my eyes wandered and I noticed no longer poem sits within a cheap frame and has us her harrowing account of tackling the Pacific sheets on the mattresses. I could never change accompanied me to each new chambers of my Crest Trail after losing her mother and years the lack of space for a one-bedroom apartment many assignments. It keeps me grounded and of her own life to heroin. Reese Witherspoon to adequately meet the needs of the six people reminds me to exercise patience and humility played her in the movie “Wild,” and anyone who living there, but I could go into my linen closet each day. It all starts with seeing the people that watched rooted for her out there on the deserted (the luxury of even having this closet gave me come before us and letting them know in some trail. My good friend Jill, now a Magistrate pause) and pull out of few sets of sheets that measure, they count and they will be heard. Judge, selected this title for this month’s book were not truly needed. Dropping them off a few On a good day, it may even include channeling club at our local women’s jail. I keep a running days later, I explained that I was going to give “Sugar.” list of these monthly selections made by a special them to Good Will but thought she may be able group of twenty-four bench officers and lawyers to use them, trying to spare her from feeling through our local NAWJ group. Sometimes, insulted or embarrassed. the intriguing titles cause me to buy the book or download it to fill up my forty-minute daily These moments in our continuum commute. On this occasion, I did, and have as attorneys have the potential to since bought three copies for friends. shape the bench officers we may later become. Every day I still have much to Sugar told this man before me that his anger is learn and will never know the depth of affecting his ability to even speak in a rational another’s suffering or misery. But if I way to the mother of his children, and that if he set the small goal of trying to alleviate could find it within himself to forgive himself even the tiniest part of it, then that for the lost time and move forward, he would is something. This is possible while be much better for it. I gave him permission still remaining impartial, it is the simple without using these words. He looked up exercise of empathy and caring. It may be

surprised, for he too knew the source of his just a comforting smile as you start the morning The Honorable Pennie K. McLaughlinis, vitriolic outbursts. He could no more change or afternoon calendar to acknowledge that Commissioner for the San Diego County Superior his past than he could come up with thousands you see them. It may be the questions you ask Court. She is a member of NAWJ’s Executive of dollars in an instant to help ease the financial during the hearing that reflect a level of detailed Committee, Projects Chair. Prior to her appointment, tensions to just keep a roof over his children’s attention to the writings submitted. in 1987, she was a trial lawyer and public defender heads and the lights on. It would be a long in Los Angeles County and in 1990, supervising climb, but with a solid recent stretch of sobriety, Many years ago, my brother got lost while trying attorney in San Diego County, and in 2000 she one worth moving toward. to figure out the New York subway system on became an Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuting his way to visit me at my college in the Bronx. complex narcotics, alien smuggling and I came to the bench with a heightened sense of He later wrote about his experience of walking fraud cases. awareness of what poverty looks like. I had no along the garbage strewn streets and choice, as anyone who spent thirteen years in being met with vacant stares from the an urban public defender’s office would have people he passed. He summed it up this the same picture. I remember once entering way:“Maybe looking at the wheres, the the apartment of my client’s spouse and noticed whys and the how-longs of someone else’s the beds pushed together in the living room, no life is a good beginning for appreciating couch or easy chairs anywhere in sight. There your own. Maybe seeing a lack of depth were a couple of seats off to the left next to a or width or sincerity in someone else’s folding table that served as a place for just a smile is a good beginning for making few of them to eat. The investigator and I took your own a little wider; or better yet, the offered seats and began our interview. At with time, understanding theirs.” His SPRING 2020 21

very wide discretion to apply a vague legal standard, like “the best interest of the child” in contested child custody proceedings, or finding the “right sentence” in a criminal case, where the statutory range might run from no prison time to life in prison.

Other cases are hard not only because of the subject matter, but also because they capture the attention of the entire community and become highly politicized. These can be especially challenging for elected judges, who know that whatever decision they make may become the fodder for an opposition Judges recount some of campaign when they next stand for election and may ultimately cost them their the hardest decisions judgeship. Such political realities do not lessen the judge’s duty to decide each case they ever made. in accordance with the facts and the law, by reference to neutral principles. But these dynamics can make the exercise of that duty more agonizing, knowing that the decision is likely to be unpopular with at least one large segment of the population.

s our readers who have served on a busy trial court can attest, there are many assignments where the cases come at you so hard and fast that there is barely time to step into the box and take your stance before the next one By The Honorable Michelle M. Ahnn, comes zooming in. That is especially true of Superior Court of California, the “easy” cases. In addition, there are cases Los Angeles County1 where a judge has to wrestle with problems so complex, or so emotionally draining, as to test the fortitude and impartiality of even the most experienced jurists. These might be called “go to the mountain top” cases. Along Comes the Book “Tough Cases” “Mountain top” cases can appear in the garb The case types described above are a of criminal, civil, probate, or family cases. steady diet of work for thousands of trial Often the judge is unable to find any guiding judges across America. After the crack legal precedent and is forced to navigate cocaine epidemic in the late 1980s uncharted waters in search of the “just” result. and the spread of opioid addiction in The Honorable Gregory Mize, Sometimes controlling legal precedent exists current times, the number of criminal, Judicial Fellow, National Center but following it will lead to an unjust result. domestic violence, landlord-tenant, for State Courts2 And then there are cases where the judge has divorce, and child custody cases has SPRING 2020 22 mushroomed. With growing population • Chief Judge Allie Greenleaf Maldonado Michelle Ahnn: The first few years of being and retail commerce, civil disputes have presides over a Native American court in a judge can be tough - isolating, stressful, also multiplied. Consequently, court cases Michigan and tries to balance U.S. law and even depressing. I know because I felt all are common topics in news stories, kitchen with tribal law; those emotions on an almost daily basis for table conversations, and court management • Minnesota Judge Gail Chang Bohr relies the first two years of being a judge. Writing conferences. on her social work background to resolve a in a journal was one technique I used to difficult child custody dispute; survive this period. I then had the privilege In this context, a group of thirteen judges • Texas Judge Mark Davidson remains calm and opportunity to write a chapter about my (including the authors here) have come and focused in sorting out issues in a case transition from attorney to judge in “Tough together to produce a book entitled Tough where a respected member of the bar and Cases: Judges Tell the Stories of Some of the Cases: Judges Tell the Stories of Some of the donor to judicial elections is accused of Hardest Decisions They’ve Ever Made.” I Hardest Decisions They’ve Ever Made. Our raping his client in a divorce case; used the journal entries while writing my goal is to demystify judicial decision making • New York Judge Lizbeth Gonzalez chapter to remember the struggles I faced and make the process of judging more encounters tragedy among the parties in a during the first year. Another way I was able accessible to ordinary people. And just as landlord-tenant case in the Bronx; to make it through the first few years was important, we hope to provide our fellow • Washington, D.C. Judge Russell F. by making friends with other judges who jurists with a platform to reflect and educate Canan, upon receiving a jury note, takes were going through the same experiences. ourselves on how to undertake our awesome risks to avoid an unjust verdict; Very early on, I became a lifetime member responsibilities to administer justice with • Judge Frederick Weisberg, also in D.C., of National Association of Women Judges skill and heart. presides over a burdensome bench trial so that I could meet other judges who could in which the defendant is a mother who relate to what I was experiencing and What follows is an overview of the thirteen rejects her attorney’s advice to claim advise me. Through my membership and in stories that we hope will inspire judicial an insanity defense to the charge of particular through my attendance at NAWJ’s education programming in NAWJ members’ murdering her four young daughters; and 2017 midyear conference and their 2019 home jurisdictions. Some of them received • Minnesota Judge Edward Wilson agrees annual conference, I met amazing women international attention: the Elián González to temporarily serve on a United Nations judges from around the world. Hearing from case in which Florida Judge Jennifer Bailey criminal court in Kosovo and encounters them about their highs and lows on the bench had to decide whether to return a seven- resistance from his European co-jurists has helped me in combating those feelings of year-old boy to his father in Cuba after his with respect to the principle of proof isolation and stress. mother drowned trying to bring the child beyond a reasonable doubt.

to the United States, the Terri Schiavo case We believe these cases tee up opportunities Gregory Mize: While assigned to a child in which Florida Judge George Greer had to have deep dialogues about judicial ethics abuse & neglect calendar in my general to decide whether to withdraw life support (Mark Davidson’s story), the intersection jurisdiction court, I managed the case from a woman in a vegetative state over the of law and mental health (Judge Weisberg), described in the chapter “Brave Jenny.” After objections of her parents, the Scooter Libby managing cases that generate intense a 5-day trial, I determined that Jenny’s prosecution in which US District Judge community attention (the chapters by mother, suffering from Munchausen’s Reggie Walton had to manage a jury trial Judges Bailey and Walton), dealing with Syndrome by Proxy, had repeatedly infected and sentence Vice President Dick Cheney’s the emotional stress of case tragedies six-year old Jenny with lethal bacteria over top aide within a few blocks of the White (Judges Bohr and Gonzales), projecting the course of many weeks. After my verdict, House, and Washington State Judge Robert procedural fairness toward the losing party I ordered Jenny to be in the sole custody of Alsdorf talks about the daunting task of (Judge Alsdorf), and standing up for judicial her father with only supervised visits with overturning a popular ballot initiative independence (Judge Greer). her mother until she engaged in meaningful approved by a million+ voters a short time therapy for Munchhausen’s Syndrome before he faced a retention election. Other Speaking to you in the first-person voice, we and admitted to abusing Jenny. Sadly, cases are less well-known but equally authors here share our motivation and hopes the mother resisted therapy and would not fascinating: in writing our stories. admit to her abuse of Jenny. During one of the first supervised visits with Jenny, the SPRING 2020 23 mother violated a court restriction against has received numerous positive reviews The Honorable Michelle Ahnn was appointed food transfers by attempting to give a candy including in the Washington Post, Law 360, to the Superior Court of Califorina (Los Angeles bar to Jenny. Upon the advice of experts, I the ABA Journal, and elsewhere. It has County) in November, 2015. She had served as halted all supervised visits until the mother been the subject of author talks at dozens as Deputy Alternate Public Defender since 2001. genuinely engaged in therapy and admitted of bookstores and law schools including She also is a former lecturer at the UCLA School wrongdoing. After 3+ years of court review American University, Georgetown, of Law. She clerked for Judge Napoleon A. Jones hearings, the mother not only resisted Harvard, Jagiellonian University School of Jr. at the U.S. District Court for the Southern therapy but, in a moment of fantasy during Law (Krakow Poland), Mitchell Hamline, District of California from 1998 to 1999 and is a courtroom testimony, asserted that Jenny Northwestern, Seattle University School graduate of Brown University and UCLA School infected herself with bacteria. Not long of Law, the University of the District of of Law. thereafter, the mother apparently committed Columbia, and the University of Michigan. The Honorable Gregory E. Mize is a judicial suicide. Her death haunted me for decades. fellow at the National Center for State Courts. As Did she do so because the judge kept her The stories are also proving to be a useful part of NCSC’s Center for Jury Studies, he away from her daughter? It was only after teaching tool for judges and law students. It works to help state courts improve their jury I sought Jenny’s and her father’s permission has been the subject of judicial training in trial systems. He was project director of to publish her case story that I met Jenny Washington State. Later this year, it will be “Jury Trial Management for the 21st Century” and learned she was a happy, thriving, the centerpiece of judicial training programs which features a set of judicial education productive adult in the healthcare field. We in Colorado, Maryland, and Oregon. In curricula focusing on jury selection and jury met in a tearful reunion and I finally felt October, it will be the focal text for a 4-day deliberations. He was appointed to the Superior redemption from my repeated decisions to course sponsored by the National Judicial Court of the District of Columbia in 1990. He keep mother and daughter separated until it College entitled “Lessons from Tough is now a senior judge. From 1997 to 1998, was safe for Jenny. As stated in my chapter, Cases.” Tough Cases is also a core text he co-chaired the D.C. Jury Project, resulting I wrote the story “because it prompts large for teaching law students about the art and in issuance of “Juries for the Year 2000 and questions about our human condition and challenges of judging at the Georgetown and Beyond” containing proposals to improve jury the limits of the judicial office.” George Washington University law schools. In sum, we hope NAWJ members might find practices in the Superior Court and the U.S. The book, now in its fourth printing, Tough Cases a useful educational platform District Court for the District of Columbia. in their home jurisdictions.

1Michelle Ahnn is a lifetime member of NAWJ, a judge on the Los Angeles County Superior Court, and contributing author of Tough Cases: Judges Tell the Stories of Some of the Hardest Decisions They’ve Ever Made. 2Gregory Mize is a senior judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, a judicial fellow at the National Center for State Courts, and co-editor/co-author of Tough Cases. 3Tough Cases: Judges Tell the Stories of Some of the Hardest Decisions They’ve Ever Made, The New Press (2018), ISBN 9781620973868] is widely available at bookstores and online. RESOURCE BOARD PROFILE Continued from page 7

NAWJ’s 2015 Annual Conference in Salt Lake Director, the Honorable Judith Chirlin, another City. Ever thoughtful, Cathy champion of NAWJ. Ever thoughtful, Cathy saw to it that the Center’s saw to it that the Center’s Champion of While no longer an officer with CourtCall, Justice Award was presented to Judge Chirlin Cathy’s stewardship finds a place as Chair Champion of Justice Award was by the Hon. Dorothy W. Nelson, U.S. Ninth of the Community Engagement Committee presented to Judge Chirlin by the Circuit Court of Appeals. of the Los Angeles based Western Justice Hon. Dorothy W. Nelson, U.S. Ninth Center. As a member of its Board of Directors Cathy’s commitment to NAWJ grows with she builds collaborations with organizations Circuit Court of Appeals. each year of her membership, and the who, like the Western Justice Center, seek organization is forever grateful she finds a emotionally while also educating and to strengthen communities by growing the kindred spirit among its members. illuminating them, were made available during conflict resolution skills among our youth, educators, schools and community partners. NAWJ conferences. And, she also co-chaired Cathy ensured the Western Justice Center’s the Center’s 2018 Annual Justice Awards Compassion Plays, which move audiences Gala, which honored the Center’s Executive SPRING 2020 24

Piecing Together a Retirement The Honorable Sharon Mettler, who has been an NAWJ member since 1990 when she was a Judge for the Superior Court of California in Bakersfield, Kern County, crafts her NAWJ experience into a rich material world of NAWJ history. She is an enthusiastic, frequent NAWJ annual conference attendee.

“My first annual conference was D.C. My mentor was Barbara in Washington D.C., the 10th Yannich from Washington State. annual conference. Pauline The whole thing was pretty A self portrait Hansen had been telling me since intimidating to me. Barbara 1981, the year I was appointed said to go to the hospitality suite (when I was appointed I was the because that’s where the action only woman judge in 100 miles was. So, one evening I wandered By Judge Sharon Mettler, Retired, Kern County Superior Court in all directions) that I needed to the hospitality suite, feeling to join NAWJ. I didn’t think I lost and alone. A woman opened uilting entered my life about 2011 when I gave into the urge to buy could afford to attend. Then we the door and said “You look some fabric while on NAWJ’s adopted Chrissy from Korea, lost, come on in. I’m Rosemary Alaskan cruise. I bought bear, train, and some of my colleagues didn’t Barkett”. At the time she was pine needles, and dirt fabric for a quilt for then 2 year old grandson, Conner. I like my taking time off when Chief Justice of the Florida had never quilted in my life. Like many of my she came home. The head line Supreme Court. That’s the kind of generation I had home economics classes in read “It’s not motherhood, it’s organization it is, one in which a junior high while my brother had wood and laziness”. A direct quote from State Court Chief Justice warmly metal shops. I also was blessed with a mother who was interested in many kinds of fiber arts. one of my male colleagues. I welcomes a first-time attendee My momma tried to inspire me to be more decided I could not afford and makes her feel welcome. It’s involved in this form of creation but I was into to not join. So, the next year the most inclusive organization sports and scrapbooks. 1989, I headed to Washington, I’ve ever known.” A year passed without any work on the quilt. I was intimidated. SPRING 2020 25

instead of the mini quilt I had in mind, I decided very painful to work on them, but I think the my first quilt would be for my son, Matt, who process was therapeutic. was nearing the end of his graduate work in chemical engineering. I have made a number of baby quilts, trying mightily to conquer adding ruffles. Other I trekked up the mountains four or five times, quilts include a red, white, and blue one for my completing Matt’s quilt just as he finished his nephew’s law school graduation; a queen sized doctorate. When Conner saw it, he asked why bedspread for Matt and Jenn’s second wedding Matt was getting a quilt. I told him because anniversary; and a quilt each for my co-mother Matt had done well in school. Conner asked if in law and Jenn’s sister for our first Christmas he could have one if he did “good in school”. as a family. The Bear Mountain Train Quilt was his fourth birthday present. Last month I was invited to be a “judicial assistant” for Cotton Patch [Quilters] Guild’s Since then I have made about 30 quilts of quilt show. The judging is done in advance varying sizes, giving most of them away. At of the show without an audience and with the NAWJ New Orleans conference banquet promised silence and confidentiality. One the conference logo was printed on the cloth judge has nine assistants. I was a “fanner”, napkins. Collecting a few unused ones, I helping to hold quilts for the judge to examine, began making mini crazy quilts with the all the while keeping very quiet. The judge logo, giving them as gifts to NAWJ friends. always started with a positive comment and Crazy quilts have NO RULES TO FOLLOW. phrased “criticisms” with terms like “strive for” I love crazy quilts. Using Mardi Gras colors, and “could be enhanced by” and occasionally I embellished each a little differently but all recited a “rule” such as “quilt corners should be have an owl button from my mother’s collection 90 degrees”. Very impressive judging. [Note: representing wisdom, a heart button for The comments are written down and conveyed compassion, and a silver gavel charm for justice. to the creator in writing.]

My daughter died five years ago at the age My fellow quilters have commented on me Returning to Bakersfield from an assignment of 26. Two of Chrissy’s friends, Emily and finding instructions to be suggestions rather in Southern California one holiday weekend, I Blake, helped me sort through her clothes for than set in stone. There is definitely a pattern of decided to go through the Mojave Desert and donation. Her tee shirts reminded them of the noncompliance in my work. I enjoy the process Sierra Nevadas instead of fighting Los Angeles many concerts they had attended with her. I of quilting and for most part find it relaxing. traffic. I decided to have dinner in the mountain asked them to select their favorites for possible There are frustrations, but then I get the joy of community of Tehachapi. I spotted a quilt store tee shirt quilts. Emily received hers at her giving them away, a gift that keeps on giving to across the street and headed there after eating. wedding shower three years later and Blake his people who are important to me. I am humbled The owner made me an offer I could not refuse: a year later at our annual holiday gathering of by how appreciative the recipients are. A side buy the fabric from her, pay $45 and come for Chrissy’s friends. [They call it Chrissymas.] benefit is meeting and learning from wonderful lessons as many times as I wanted. Since I was The joy, tears, and recounted memories those people through the Cotton Patch Guild, buying new fabric and she insisted I start with quilts brought were very moving and are now traveling to quilt shows and shop hops, and a twin size “Quilt in a Day” log cabin quilt treasured memories for me. It was sometimes quilting at a local quilt shop.

The Honorable Sharon Mettle was as appointed to the California bench in 1981, and served in Kern County trial courts for 27 years, presiding in 1983. She graduated from Hastings College of the Law in 1973 as a member of Order of the Coif. Her Judicial service included being a member Judicial Council’s Civil and Small Claims Committee and chair of the Small Claims Subcommittee, as well as numerous teaching positions with Judicial Council’s California Judicial Education and Research. She is immediate past chair and current assistant chair of the CSUB Pre Law Advisory Board, where she has held a recent, popular and successful MentorJet outreach program. She is also past president of the Kern County Women Lawyers, California Women Judges and the Santa Barbara County Barristers, and former NAWJ District 14 Director. SPRING 2020 26

rial Advocacy Consulting & planes, was the inspiration for the 1943 Training, LLC (“TACT”) song “Rosie the Riveter,” written by Redd offers a new and unique three- Evans and John Jacob Loeb and recorded by day ‘Trial Advocacy Training Kay Kyser.4 For Women By Women.’ This training, designed in a learning-by-doing format, Regardless of the true identity of the promises to hone litigation skills in a original “Rosie the Riveter,” the meaning safe environment targeted to female trial behind the cultural icon and the slogan “we attorneys taught by expert female trial can do it” remains the same. The “Rosie the advocacy instructors. Litigation skills Riveter” icon has always and will continue and topics include evidence, objections, to symbolize women’s strength and abilities. direct and cross-examination of witnesses, That inherent meaning behind the powerful laying appropriate foundations for the icon translates to a perfect logo for this new admissibility of exhibits, impeaching As seen in the logo for this specialized Trial Advocacy Training, particularly by witnesses during cross-examination, and program, TACT prominently displays the handing “Rosie” a gavel in her right hand. refreshing a witness’s recollection during cultural icon “Rosie the Riveter” holding direct-examination. The three-day training includes Lunch and Learn topics specifically applicable to being a successful female trial lawyer covering topics like communication skills, dressing for success in the courtroom, and sexual harassment in the workplace. a gavel in her right hand proudly revealing What is Trial Advocacy Training for her muscle. Although “Rosie the Riveter” Women by Women is a cultural icon, the true identity of “Rosie the Riveter” is the subject of considerable In one word, Trial Advocacy Training For debate.1 Some claim the original “Rosie” was Women By Women is groundbreaking. It Geraldine Hoff Doyle, a Navy machine shop is the only training offered specifically to worker during World War II.2 Others claim provide a safe environment for women to “Rosie” was Rose Will Monroe, a riveter at the hone their litigation skills. TACT’s Director Willow Run Bomber Plant.3 No one disputes of Training & Program Development, that Rosalind P. Walter, a Long Island native Brittany Gail Thomas, states “because who worked as riveter on F-4U Corsair fighter TACT was created by a woman, a safe space SPRING 2020 27 was created for women. For Women By Women individuals. During one training in particular, Trial Advocacy Training for Women is led by women of various backgrounds and there were fourteen (14) faculty instructors for by Women Embraces the Realities of experience levels. These women understand the thirty-five (35) participants. As I looked Being a Female Trial Attorney both the complexities of litigation and the around, I noticed I was only one of two female adversities that women face while trying to trainers. During the small breakout sessions, The reality of being a female trial attorney succeed. For Women By Women isn’t like any I immediately realized the female participants is that we face different obstacles and other training. It’s groundbreaking.” were being treated differently than their male challenges than male attorneys. Whether it counterparts. For example, some were told be the disparity in earnings, how females are their cross-examinations were too aggressive, treated inside and outside of the courtroom, Trial Advocacy whereas their male counterparts just gave a or promotions, women historically have Consulting & Training, very similar performance and were praised been treated differently. Instead of hiding for their persistence. During an opening from this reality, TACT embraces it and LLC. (“TACT”) consults statement, a female participant was chastised faces these challenges head on through this and trains attorneys to for using notes, but their male counterpart was training. optimize their litigation told how smart it was to refer to his notes so as to not forget anything important. In 2015, the American Bar Association skills in order to gain prepared a research report, First Chairs winning results. These mixed messages provided to the at Trial: More Women Need Seats at the participants created an awkward learning Table which found 70% of female attorneys For three days, participants hone their environment where I noticed physical surveyed by the Defense Research Institute litigation skills in this safe environment by reactions to the negative critiques. How could reported experiencing gender bias in the 5 learning from expert female TACT trainers. one feel safe in an environment where they feel courtroom. The study found that “among Each skill is taught in a group plenary session; disparately treated? How could a participant lawyers appearing as lead counsel, only 24% 6 then, during smaller breakout groups, the truly “flex their courtroom muscles” and try were women and 76% were men.” For men participants perfect that skill in a learning- new things when they’re hesitant about how and women who entered their appearances by-doing format. TACT finds ways to it would be received? Was this really the right as “trial attorney,” the statistics found that incorporate interesting and unique drills to opportunity for the female participants to “nearly three-quarters are men (73%) and help each participant truly understand the learn-by-doing? slightly more than a quarter are women 7 skill. By way of example, TACT may require (27%).” Women are significantly less likely the participants to conduct a “round robin” All of those questions fostered the creation to appear in courtrooms, and when they do style drill to teach how to impeach a witness. of Trial Advocacy Training For Women appear, “they are significantly less likely than 8 During this drill, participants line up and By Women. By creating a safe space and men to occupy the lead roles.” have to conduct a perfect impeachment before being able to sit down. TACT’s method of Lawyers by Age and Earnings: 2016 The Lunch and Learns incorporating these types of drills ensures are an integral part optimal learning by participants. of this training and Percentage of age group will help empower Trial Advocacy Consulting & Training, LLC. attendees by addressing (“TACT”) consults and trains attorneys to difficult topics such optimize their litigation skills in order to gain as communication winning results. TACT is a unique company differences, sexual insofar as TACT recognizes that attorneys, harassment in the government agencies, law firms, and other workplace, and organizations have individualized litigation professional attire. For skills training needs and should therefore example, Professor Marian Braccia, receive personalized training specifically Visit www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/technical-documentation/> tailored to those needs. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 American Community Survey. Director, LL.M. in Trial Advocacy Why TACT Created Trial Advocacy environment for all attendees and providing Program & Practice Professor of Law at the Training for Women by Women the appropriate mouthpiece for feedback and Temple University James E. Beasley School constructive criticism, female attendees will of Law, hosts a Lunch and Learn entitled As TACT’s Executive Director, I instruct not only hone their litigation skills, but the “Hysterical: ‘Gendered’ Communication and trial advocacy skills nationally for an array of training will empower attendees in all facets of Its Effect on Persuasive Advocacy.” Professor different programs, law schools, agencies, and their career. Braccia chose this title because she has been SPRING 2020 28

higher than the global 9 Lawyers: 1960-2016 average of 27%. Judge Number Men Women Henenberg falls into a small 800,000 percentage of women who 700,000 overcome the stiff challenge 600,000

to become a judge. In 500,000 recent years, women have 400,000 been entering the legal profession at a higher rate 300,000 than men. However, men 200,000 still dominate the legal 100,000

profession and women 0 Percentage of lawyers that are women still have many challenges 50

to overcome. In order to 40 called “hysterical” in a courtroom before. foster the success of women 30 Certainly, an adjective no male counterpart litigators, it is imperative 20 has been called previously. This Lunch and for all women to encourage 10 0 Learn will discuss the discrepancies in how and support others in their 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016 argument is received based on gender and how pursuit of a career in the to challenge how women are initially perceived courtroom. TACT’s Trial in terms of power positions in and out of the Advocacy Training For Women By Women will program date. courtroom. Not only is this presentation teach women litigators how to reach their full eye-opening, but also it is educational and potential and advance their careers. Additionally, TACT’s vast team of trainers are empowering. litigators with extensive trial experience, and, What Makes TACT Special more importantly, experience teaching the Who Should Attend Trial Advocacy art and skill of Trial Advocacy. Every TACT Training for Women by Women TACT doesn’t follow trends, TACT creates instructor has taught or currently teaches a them. TACT is unique, innovative and practical, skills-based course at an accredited “I’ve been a Trial Advocacy law professor for groundbreaking. Trial Advocacy Training For law school throughout the nation. This means several decades. This Trial Skills Training Women By Women is just one small example you can trust that your TACT instructors will Program is the only one taught exclusively by of how TACT’s trainings are innovative and not only know how to litigate cases, but also experienced women trial attorneys and women trailblazing. TACT is unique insofar as we excel in teaching. Trial Advocacy law professors. Whether you individualize trainings and curriculum for are a new litigator to the courtroom, who wants each end user. Our Trial Advocacy training That’s why the Trial Advocacy Training For to hit the ground running, or an experienced programs are not “one size fits all” as TACT Women By Women is just one small example litigator who wants to polish your skills, you understands that each office, firm, or agency’s of how TACT’s offerings are groundbreaking. can benefit from this unique program for practice areas and training needs are unique. Ultimately, Trial Advocacy Training For women and by women.” As such, TACT’s first process when creating Women By Women is an opportunity for Judge Karen A. Henenberg, Retired a training is to fully ascertain the needs of the women to enhance their skills in a safe space Arlington General District Court, Adjunct Professor, Trial client either through conversatiovcxzvns with and be empowered along the way. We know Advocacy, American University Washington College of Law, the client or by visiting a hearing. Once TACT that women are the future. TACT prepares Professorial Lecturer in Law, Trial Advocacy College, George identifies the training needs, TACT creates a Washington University Law School, Faculty, National Trial them to succeed. Learn more at http:// Advocacy College, University of Virginia School of Law. proposed program for client review and input. tactlawyer.com/trial-advocacy-training/ or This is a collaborative process ensuring each inquire at [email protected]. About 33% of state and federal court judges client has sufficient input and is satisfied with in the U.S. are women, which is only slightly the training goals and curriculum prior to the Elizabeth Lippy is the Founder and Director of TACT. She has over 15 years of trial advocacy 1 Rosie the Riveter, History.com (Apr. 23, 2010), https://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/rosie-the-riveter. https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/06/us/rosalind-p-walter-rosie-the-riveter-song-death-trnd/index.html. experience, both inside the courtroom and 2 Id. 3 Id. classroom. She is a nationally recognized trial 4 Leah Asmelash & Alec Snyder, Rosalind P. Walter, Who Inspired the ‘Rosie the Riveter’ Song, Has Died at 95, CNN (Mar. 6, 2020), attorney and one of the nation’s premier trial 5 Kristin Johnson, Sexism in the Courtroom: A Serious Problem Lawyers Need to Discuss, Above the Law (May 8, 2019), https://abovethelaw.com/legal-innovation-center/member-content/sexism-in-the-courtroom-a-serious-problem-lawyers-need-to-discuss/. advocacy instructors. She is Assistant Director 6 Stephanie A. Scharf & Roberta D. Liebenberg, First Chairs at Trial: More Women Need Seats at the Table 10 (2015). 7 Id. of Trial Advocacy Program at American University 8 Id. 9 Sital Kalantry, Women in Robes, Americas Quarterly (2012), https://www.americasquarterly.org/women-in-robes. Washington College of Law. SPRING 2020 29

DISTRICT ONE (MA,ME,NH,PR,RI) Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Mary Dacey White Brookline District Court, Massachusetts Email: [email protected]

Members Share Their Expertise about gender equality and the judicial remedies available for domestic violence District One judges shared their time and cases. The campaign, which was launched expertise with members of the bar by on the International Day for the Elimination serving as faculty and presenters for several of Violence against Women, consists of a educational programs in the past year. video and posts that have been shared in the In addition to speaking at local bar and official social media accounts of the Judicial community events, judges served at programs Branch. It directs people to the website www. sponsored by Massachusetts Continuing violencianoesamor.pr where you can find Legal Education. Programs included judicial information on how to identify domestic forums, trial and mediation skills workshops, violence, about specialized domestic violence as well as seminars on substantive areas and courts, and how to request a protective order, emerging areas of the law. At least 52 judges among other relevant services. who sit on a variety of federal, state and municipal courts, spoke on issues ranging dinner reception with our women judges in from Member Receptions and Program “Trial Advocacy Workshop; Handling the western part of the state at Paul and to bankruptcy law, Outreach Postponed Sexual Abuse Cases” Elizabeth’s, 150 Main Street in Northampton, appellate law, and workers compensation. Massachusetts. As a result of the dinner, new members joined NAWJ, and some lapsed Welcoming Newly Appointed Judges members rejoined. Twenty-three judges The following women judges were appointed attended our gathering. to the Trial Court in Massachusetts from February, 2019 to January, 2020: Hon. News from Puerto Rico - Hon. Jennifer Allen, Middlesex Probate Court; Hon. Germarie Mendez Negron Jacqueline Burchill, Plymouth Probate Court; In January, 2020, Puerto Rico was rocked by a Hon. Terri Klug Cafazzo, Probate Court; Hon. damaging earthquake. Keeping in stride, Hon. District One annually plans and presents Jackie Cowin, Superior Court; Hon. Catherine Maite D. Oronoz-Rodríguez, Chief Justice of outreach to students of all ages. And Ham, Boston Municipal Court – Dorchester; the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, delivered though our winter and spring events have Hon. Karen Hennessy, Essex Juvenile Court; the 2020 Brennan Lecture at New York been postponed due to the COVID-19 global Hon. Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman, Superior University on the topic of “Gender Equality pandemic, we cannot wait to meet and share court; Hon. Jennifer McNulty, Worcester and the Rule of Law.” what we know with legal community’s next Juvenile Court; Hon. Jennifer Queally, District generation of leaders when it is safe and Court; and Hon. Jennifer Roberts, Land Court. Puerto Rico is active and working on a variety healthy for all. In the meantime, get inspired of initiatives. The Puerto Rico Judicial Branch to join us next time by the excited young Winter Dinner in Northampton, developed and disseminated a public service people in a photo from last year’s Third Massachusetts campaign entitled “Violence is Not Love” Annual Color of Justice Program at Lowell On December 5, 2019, Judge Maureen (translated from Spanish “Violencia no es District Court in the Lowell Justice Center Walsh (District Court) organized an NAWJ Amor”), designed to educate the community (MA) above. SPRING 2020 30

Last year’s reception at the Union Oyster for the Executive Office for Administration Mendez-Negron, (Puerto Rico), Hon. Amy House in Boston, where we honored our newly and Finance from 1976 to 1980. In 1980, Nechtem (Juvenile Court), and Hon. Mary appointed judges, our recently retired judges, Jackson was appointed Special Justice of Dacey White (District Court). The District our recently elevated judges and all those the Massachusetts Trial Court in Cambridge, held a Breakfast Meeting on October 17, who contribute to the bench and bar relations making her the first African American woman 2019. Members present discussed and voted each year, was such a rousing success we to be appointed to the Massachusetts District on district dues, which would be held by planned another for May, 2020. And though Court and the second to be appointed to NAWJ’s main office for use when needed for we cannot meet each other in May, we look any state court in Massachusetts. She also district activities. The District voted that the forward to planning an event and seeing each served for five years as the President of the yearly dues would be $50.00. Next on the other once again. Massachusetts Black Judges Association, agenda was how to increase our numbers. The with her final term ending in the fall of 2004. District then had 61 members, and everyone In Memorial- First Justice Marie Judge Jackson-Thompson worked tirelessly envisioned doubling that number. As a result Jackson-Thompson to improve the juvenile justice system in the of our discussions, the group planned to have state of Massachusetts, and was featured for an NAWJ member attend the various court her efforts in a 1990 Boston Magazine article. conferences to share NAWJ’s mission. District She was instrumental in making government Director May White plans to designate a agencies more responsible, and was known liaison for each court to attend the conference for her creative sentencing. with that person giving a brief presentation on NAWJ. We wish all her friends and family our sincere sympathies.

On a sad note, former member of NAWJ and First Justice Diana H. Horan Receives First Justice Marie Jackson-Thompson (right) Judicial Excellence Award of Woburn District court passed away. In the photo, she is with First Justice Phyllis Broker of Woburn Court at their joint portrait unveiling. Born Marie Oliver Jackson in the steel mill town of Rankin, Pennsylvania, left L-R: Chief Justice Amy Nechtem, Judge Stacey Rankin to attend Mount Holyoke College Fortes, Judge Karen Green, Judge Mary Lou in 1965, at the height of the Civil Rights Muirhead, Judge Mary Dacey White, Justice movement and the beginning of the feminist Nan Duffly, Judge Germarie Mendez-Negron movement. Her activism continued after and Justice Fairlie Dalton. graduation, when she studied at Harvard Law The Honorable Diana H. Horan, pictured with School and participated in anti-Apartheid her family above at the 2019 Massachusetts protests. This was a time of historical Judicial Conference Annual Dinner, was transition, when women and African honored with the Judicial Excellence Award on Americans became a presence at the Law November 5, 2019 at the College of the Holy School but were not yet acknowledged as full Cross. She is First Justice for the Worcester members of this community. After receiving Housing Court. her law degree in 1972, she became the first African American to live “across High District Members at the Annual in Street,” on Sagamore Street in the Brooks Los Angeles, Plan Outreach to Court Estate, and eventually became President of Conferences the Board of Directors of the West Medford Community. She became active in the Shiloh The following District members from Baptist Church, working with the first Black Massachusetts attended the Annual youth association and co-founding the Family Conference in Los Angeles, California in Network. October 2019: Chief Justice Paula Carey, Hon. Anne Kenney Chaplin (Housing Court), Following her work at Cambridge-Somerville Hon. Fairlie Dalton (Housing Court), Hon. Legal Services, Judge Jackson served by Nan Duffly (Ret. Supreme Judicial Court), appointment of Governors Dukakis and King Hon. Stacey Fortes (District Court), Hon. as Assistant Secretary and General Counsel Karen Green (Superior Court), Hon. Germarie SPRING 2020 31

DISTRICT TWO (CT, NY, VT) Connecticut, New York, Vermont DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Kathy King Supreme Court of New York, Kings County Email: [email protected]

Judge Laura Taylor Swain Honored with New York Chapter Pre-Holiday Party shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, clear

Edward Weinfeld Award On November 26, 2019, the New York Chapter nail polish, socks, note cards, pens, candy On November 7, 2019, held a pre-holiday party. Chapter President, canes, washcloths, toothbrushes, and socks. Toy Judge Laura Taylor Hon. Marguerite Grays, Deputy Administrative and movie passes were also collected as part Swain of the U.S. Judge, Civil Term, 11th Judicial District, of the Beyond the Bars Project to be given to District Court for the welcomed members of the Bar and Bench for an children and grandchildren of the incarcerated Southern District of evening of collegiality. women. Judge Debra Givens also facilitated the New York, received distribution of gift bags to the incarcerated the New York County women at Albion Correctional Facility for Women Lawyers Association in Albion, New York. Edward Weinfeld Award for distinguished contributions to the Members Adhere to State Correction Rules, administration of justice. U.S. Court of Appeals Remove Maps in Day Planner Donations for the Second Circuit Chief Judge Robert A. The NAWJ-NY Chapter and Judge Betty J. Katzman presented the award to Judge Swain for Williams (Ret.) also donated Day Planners her outstanding public service. In addition to her to this year’s Beyond the Bars Project. In distinguished record of community service, Judge preparation for distribution of the calendar Swain serves concurrently as District Judge for to the incarcerated women at Taconic and the Southern District of New York and for the Albion Correctional facilities, Judges Gonzales, District of Puerto Rico, where she presides over New York Chapter Women in Prison Ruth Shillingford and Williams and Volunteer debt restructuring proceedings for Puerto Rico. Committee Annual Beyond the Bars Holiday Attorney Beverly Hadley, removed maps from one Drive thousand two hundred ten (1210) Day Planners, Justice Lizbeth Gonzalez Appointed to the as required by New York State Department of New York State Supreme Court Corrections. Three hundred ten (310) datebooks Justice Lizbeth were mailed to Taconic and nine hundred (900) Gonzalez was datebooks were mailed to Albion for distribution. appointed to the New York Supreme Court, Beyond the Bar Project Team Appellate Division, 2019 Beyond the Bars Supporters, Contributors First Department on and Volunteers included Judges Robin S. Garson, November 1, 2019, Debra Givens, Joanne Quinones, Marguerite by Governor Andrew The NAWJ-New York Chapter Women in Prison Grays, Sarah Krauss (Ret.), Yvonne Lewis (Ret.), Cuomo. Prior to her Committee held its annual holiday drive on Edwina G. Mendelson, Kathy J. King, Robin appointment, Justice Gonzalez served as a judge December 16, 2019. Judge Cheryl J. Gonzales, Sheares, Ruth Shillingford, Wavny Toussaint, of the Twelfth Judicial District in New York, Co-Chair of NAWJ’s Women in Prison Committee Sally Unger, Attorneys Beverly Hadley, Tamar where she presided as an Associate Justice of and Chair of the NAWJ-New York Women in Kraft-Stolar, Jaya Vasandani, Brooklyn Women's the Appellate Term, First Department, a position Prison Committee, organized the 2019 Beyond Bar Association and the Women & Justice she held since 2016. Justice Gonzalez began her the Bars Holiday Project. The project included Project. judicial career in 1999 as a Housing Court Judge, a luncheon, hosted by Judge Gonzales, at and was elected to the New York City Civil Court which NAWJ members and volunteers, including Members Participate in Live Webcast on in 2005. attorneys, court officers and clerks assembled New York’s Domestic Violence Survivors gift bags for incarcerated women at Taconic Justice Act Correctional Facility for Women in Bedford Hills, New York. Donated gift bags included On January 21, 2020, NAWJ members Justice SPRING 2020 32

Debra James, and Justice Marcy Kahn (Ret.) some cases, community-based alternatives to Karen L. Moroney, Nassau County District participated in a live webcast on New York’s prison terms. The webcast was viewed by over Court, New York; Judge Elizabeth N. Warin, Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA), 100 attorneys throughout the country. Criminal Court of the City of New York; Judge which was enacted in May, 2019. Justice James Lenora B. Foote-Beavers, Buffalo City moderated the webcast and Justice Kahn was You Don’t Stop Being a Parent When You Court; Justice Marsha D. Michael, New a presenter, offered by Lawline, an online CLE Are Incarcerated York State Supreme Court; Judge Jenny provider, in collaboration with Jaya Vasandani Rivera, New York State Court of Appeals; New York Women In Prison Committee members and Tamar Kraft-Stolar, and the Women and Judge Bernadette G. Black, New York State Judges Cheryl Gonzales, Ann Shea and Sallie Justice Project (WJP) whose mission is to Unified Court System; Judge Changyong Krauss, are working to update the brochure “advance the leadership and build the power ("Wendy") Li, New York State Court; Judge “You Don’t Stop Being a Parent When You of women directly impacted by incarceration to Lumarie Maldonado Cruz, New York State Are Incarcerated.” The committee created the transform the criminal legal system.” Justices Judiciary; Administrative Judge Kathie brochure in 2018 in consultation with judges of James and Kahn, together with the NAWJ- E. Davidson, Ninth Judicial District; Justice the Family Court. NY Women in Prison Committee, New York ­ Patricia Ellen Gunning, Grandview-on-the- Correctional Association, WJP, and the Women Welcome New Members Hudson, NY; Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant, Prisoners Coalition, supported passage of DVSJA New York State Supreme Court; Referee Judge Carol R. Sharpe, New York County which gives judges discretionary authority to Elizabeth R. Yablon, New York State Civil Court; Judge Hilary Gingold, Brooklyn grant reduced prison sentences to survivors Supreme Court; Judge Suzanne J. Adams, Criminal Court; Justice Mary Ann Brigantti, of domestic violence, where their crimes were Family Court, Kings County; Immigration Bronx Supreme Court Civil Branch; Judge substantially related to such victimization, or in Judge Paula Donnolo (Retired).

DISTRICT THREE (DE,NJ,PA,VI) Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virgin Islands

DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Vivian Medinilla, Superior Court of the State of Delaware Email: [email protected]

Expanding Delaware’s Membership Making History in the First State: historic achievement in Delaware's history by Delaware’s newest Justice and A New remembering the pivotal events that make Justice NAWJ Member Montgomery-Reeves' investiture at Wilmington's Howard High School that much more iconic. The Honorable Justice Montgomery-Reeves, chose Howard High Tamika R. School of Technology for her investiture ceremony Montgomery-Reeves because of the historical relevance to civil rights has become the first history in Delaware. Howard High School was African-American founded in 1867 as the first secondary school for and the youngest Black students in the state. In 1953, the school justice to serve on the was at the center of the Belton v. Gebhart case, On February 29, 2020, District Three Director, Judge Delaware Supreme one of two cases from Delaware that became Vivian Medinilla spoke to 200 women at the 28th Court. Justice part of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Women and the Law Section Retreat at the Hyatt Montgomery-Reeves joined the Supreme Court of decision in 1954 that ended racial segregation Place in Dewey Beach, Delaware. The two-day Delaware in January 2020. Before her appointment in public schools. The school was designated a seminar focused on issues that are important to to Delaware’s highest court, Justice Montgomery- National Historic Landmark in 2005 and it counts women practitioners as presented by the Women Reeves was Vice Chancellor of the Delaware Court among its alumni feminist writer Alice Dunbar- and the Law Section of the DSBA. Judge Medinilla of Chancery from November 2015 to November Nelson, attorney Louis L. Redding, artist Edward L. challenged the First State’s Bench and Bar to meet 2019.She is the first African-American, and the Loper, Sr. and jazz trumpeter Clifford Brown. a new goal in honor of the 100th anniversary of youngest justice to serve on the Delaware Supreme the 19th Amendment. The mission if they choose to Court. With her joining NAWJ, there is 100% For Judge Medinilla, A Meaningful Event accept it? To enroll 100 of new NAWJ members. Off to membership from the women judiciary of the In 1990, while studying at the Delaware Law a great start, NAWJ welcomes and thanks our newest Delaware Supreme Court. School, District Director, Judge Medinilla members from the First State who said yes first! Let us welcome her into NAWJ and honor this SPRING 2020 33

approached the landmark case Brown v. Board our most recent Justice of the Peace members: litigation firm in of Education like she approached any other: read Hon. Nicole Alston-Jackson, Court 7, Kent County; Wilmington, Delaware. the facts, identified the issue and holding, tried Hon. Peter Burcat, Court 11, New Castle County, On April 25, 2012, to understand my analysis, and finally, prayed Hon. Maria Castro, Court 4, Sussex County Hon. Judge Fallon was to recall it coherently for the exam. When she Leah Chandler, Court 4, Sussex County; Hon. sworn in as a federal finished, she was struck by how close to home Mirta Collazo, Court 4, Sussex County; Hon. magistrate judge for this case had hit. As you know, the landmark 1954 Bracy Dixon, Court 11, New Castle County; Hon. the United States decision addressed the appeals of four states Emily A. Ferrell, Court 11, New Castle County District Court of that reached the United States Supreme Court. Hon. Bethany Fiske, Court 4, Sussex County; Hon. Delaware, making her Since her law school days, she has delved deeper Jamie Hicks, Court 7, Kent County; Hon. Michelle the first Delaware federal judge to join NAWJ. into this case and learned more about the racial Jewell, Court 4, Sussex County; Hon. Deborah J. disparities that existed in our education system. Keenan, Court 4, Deputy Chief, Sussex County; and The Honorable Paul Judge Medinilla also read of the lawyers who Hon. Marie Page, Court 11, New Castle County. R. Wallace was diligently fought for equality and, notably, about appointed to the one Delaware judicial officer who demonstrated More New NAWJ Members Superior Court of tremendous bravery. That judge was the late The Honorable Delaware by Governor Collins H. Seitz, Sr. In 1952, the Honorable C.J. Karen L. Valihura Jack A. Markell and Seitz, Sr., shaped American history forever when he was sworn in for her began serving in ordered the end to segregation within Delaware's first term as Justice January 2013. Judge public schools. Nearly seventy years later, his of the Supreme Wallace received his son would also make history in Wilmington, Court of Delaware on Juris Doctorate from the Columbus School of Law of Delaware: On January 3, 2020, Chief Justice Collins Friday in 2014. Prior the Catholic University of America. His undergraduate J. Seitz, Jr., presided over the inauguration of to her appointment degree in Criminology is from the University of Justice Montgomery-Reeves, and it happened at to the Supreme Maryland. Before coming to the bench, Judge Howard High. Once again, Howard High became Court, Justice Wallace served for more than two decades with a site of historical significance. This time, the Valihura was a partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Delaware’s Department of Justice. He served as school welcomed all ages, genders, and colors, Meagher & Flom, LLP, where she practiced law Delaware’s Chief of Appeals from 2008 until his as hundreds of smiling hope-filled faces packed since 1989. Her practice in complex commercial appointment to the Superior Court. Prior to taking into the auditorium to witness our Chief Justice and corporate issues included federal and state up a full-time appellate practice, Judge Wallace administer the Oath of Office to the first African securities fraud claims, mergers and acquisitions, served as the Chief Prosecutor for New Castle American to serve on the Supreme Court of and fiduciary duties of directors. Justice Valihura County. Judge Wallace is a past member of the Delaware. Congratulations and a warm welcome served as Chair of the Delaware Supreme Court's Delaware Supreme Court’s Permanent Advisory to our newest NAWJ member, Justice Montgomery- Board on Professional Responsibility, and as Committees on the Delaware Lawyers’ Rules of Reeves! Chair of the Delaware Supreme Court’s Permanent Professional Conduct and on the Delaware Uniform Ethics Advisory Committee on Delaware Rules for Rules of Evidence. Judge Wallace was a presiding Member Spotlight-Chief Magistrate Alan Professional Conduct. Additionally, Justice Valihura judge on Superior Court’s Asbestos Litigation Davis Funds New Members served her community as a member of the Board Docket for two years. He joined the judges’ panel of the Court’s Complex Commercial Litigation Division In March, Delaware of Directors for the Delaware Special Olympics in 2015. Chief Magistrate Alan for eighteen years and as a member of the Davis funded 12 NAWJ Delaware Bar Foundation for eight years. Justice Attorney memberships for his Valihura received her undergraduate degree from Shakuntla L. judicial officers on Washington and Jefferson College in 1985, and her Bhaya is a graduate the Justice of the law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law of University of Peace Court. In 2005, School. She served as a law clerk to Judge Robert Delaware where she Chief Magistrate E. Cowen of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third has received her Davis at age 33, was Circuit. Bachelor of Science appointed to his current role as head of the State’s in Political Studies Justice of the Peace Courts, wherein he oversees The Honorable Sherry R. Fallon, United and Philosophy with 286 personnel and 16 magistrate courts within States District Court District of Delaware. a Minor in Women Studies, and a graduate of Delaware’s New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. Magistrate Judge Fallon earned a bachelor’s degree Northeastern University School of Law (1985). We are incredibly thankful to Chief Magistrate from the University of Pennsylvania and completed Ms. Bhaya is a frequent speaker on automobile Davis for his early commitment and generous her legal studies at Delaware Law. Formerly, she insurance issues. She is a Past President of the contribution to NAWJ. Let us collectively welcome was an attorney for Tybout, Redfearn & Pell, a Delaware Trial Lawyers Association and the YWCA. SPRING 2020 34

Her areas of practice are Personal Injury, Worker's Common Pleas. Compensation, and Real Estate. J. Amalfitano represented litigants Attorney Yvonne in the Veteran’s Court Takvorian Saville and Mental Health is a director with Court for Superior the law firm Weiss, Court, and served Saville & Houser P.A., as a Legal Advisor where her practice is in the Insurance focused on plaintiff’s Commissioner’s Office and as an Assistant County Delaware planned to contribute to the event but civil litigation in the Attorney in the New Castle County Department COVID19 had other plans. Not to worry—the PA-DE areas of personal of Law. J. Amalfitano is an active member of the venture will be rescheduled post-COVID19. injury and workers’ compensation. She has been Delaware Army National Guard, and provides Legal appointed as a Special Master for complex civil Assistance to all members of the Delaware Air Delaware Hosts Sixth Annual Sisters in cases in The United States District Court for and Army National Guard covering a wide range of Success the District of Delaware. She is also a frequent matters. Alternative Dispute Resolution practitioner. In recognition of her mediation/ arbitration practice Judge Kelly A. in handling over 10,000 cases, the Superior Court Gaughan earned of the State of Delaware recently honored Ms. her BS in Criminal Saville with the Amicus Curiae or “Friend of the Justice from the Court” Award. She is the first Past President of University of Scranton the Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA) to join in 1994 followed by NAWJ. her JD from Seton Hall School of Law in On Friday, September 6, 2019 Baylor Women’s Judge Meghan 1998. In September Correctional Institution hosted an its 6th Annual Adams received her 1999, Judge Gaughan joined the general practice “Sisters in Success” conference which brought J.D., , in law firm of Levy, Stieh and Blumberg. In 2003, cum laude 120 inmates and 135 guests from the community 2007 from Widener Judge Gaughan became Vice President of the firm together under the theme “Empowered Women, University School of which, by the time she left the practice to take the Empower Women.” The day of inspiring remarks, Law. She received bench, had evolved into Levy, Stieh, Gaughan & performances, breakout sessions and positive her B.S. in Business Baron, P.C. Among her accomplishments, Judge one-on-one engagement to supported “justice- Administration Gaughan was named one of the Top 25 Women involved” women with the tools necessary to make from University in Business by National Association of Women a successful transition back into the community. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kenan Flagler Business Owners in 2016 and one of the Top 10 Business School, in 2003. Judge Adams is a Best Attorneys in Pennsylvania in 2017 by the Participants came from across the legal native Delawarean, graduating from Dover High American Institute of Family Law Attorneys. She community, including the Delaware courts, School in 1999. Prior to joining the bench, Judge served on the Board of Directors for a multitude of attorneys, Delaware State Police, New Castle Adams was an attorney at Morris James LLP and charitable organizations during her time practicing County Police, community advocates, Lt. Governor Proctor Heyman LLP (now Heyman Enerio Gattuso as an attorney. After 20 years of private practice, Bethany Hall-Long, and State legislative leaders & Hirzel) where she practiced corporate and Judge Gaughan was appointed to fill a judicial Rep. Valerie Maglio Longhurst, Senator Nicole Poore commercial litigation. Judge Adams is the Chair of vacancy on the Pike County Court of Common Pleas and Representative Kimberly Williams. the Partnerships and Alternative Business Entities on August 30, 2019, followed by her election to Subcommittee of the Business Law Section of the serve a 10-year term commencing January 2020. Thank you to Commissioner Claire DeMatteis American Bar Association. She is also the President Marquardt, the first female Commissioner of of the Richard S. Rodney Inn of Court and a Fellow Inaugural Color of Justice Program in the Department of Corrections in Delaware and of the American Bar Foundation. Philly Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, the first On March 25, 2020, the Honorable Lisette Black American and the first woman to represent Since 1999, Judge Kathleen K. Amalfitano Shirdan-Harris planned to host the Philadelphia’s Delaware in federal office for offering words of has served as Assistant Supervising Attorney Inaugural Color of Justice event. Expected to be encouragement, to keynote speaker, award-winning in the Office of Defense Services. In addition to held in conjunction with The First Judicial District, film producer, author, entrepreneur and advocate overseeing the Kent County Office of Defense the Administrative Office of State Courts, and the Tonier Cain, who shared a powerful message of Services, she represented clients in criminal Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges, hope from her own journey from addiction and matters before the Superior Court and Court of eight area schools planned to send 40 students. incarceration to empowerment and success and to SPRING 2020 35

the many presenters throughout the day. the University of Rutgers University Newark; Science, Technology, Zimbabwe as a Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM Academy); Fulbright Scholar Teaneck High School; University High School; and Lecturer in 1994. Thurgood Marshall Academy. The mission of the Fulbright Association A star-studded list for the Leaders in Law panel is to advocate for the included Judge Rosemary Gambardella, U.S. Fulbright Program Bankruptcy Court, District of New Jersey; Paulette and promote Brown, Esq., Former President of the American Bar international education. The vision is a world where Association; Honorable Julio Fuentes, United States Thank you to Canaan Baptist Church Delaware and international exchange is widely recognized as a Court of Appeals For the Third Circuit; Assignment the Law Office of Murphy & Landon for sponsoring force for peace. Judge Bonnie Mizdol, Bergen County, New Jersey; the conference breakfast which was prepared by Evelyn Padin, Esq., President, New Jersey State students in the BWCI Culinary Arts Program. Lunch NAWJ New Jersey Hosts Color of Justice Bar Association; and Justice Anne Patterson, New for the participants and volunteers was provided Program at Rutgers Law School Jersey Supreme Court. through a generous donation from long-term On Saturday, October 26, 2019, the New Jersey partner, The Kenny Family Foundation. One of the chapter's most distinguishing Chapter of NAWJ held another inspiring Color of accomplishments was found in obtaining support, Justice Program for young people in New Jersey. in funds and in participation, from leaders of a Collaborations with Our District Neighbor, Chaired by the Hon. Siobhan A. Teare, J.S.C., the wide variety of bars. To the New Jersey Women District Four committee, composed of Hon. Mumtaz Bari-Brown, Lawyers Association, The Law Offices of Barbara District Three is working with District Four Director, A.L.J. (Ret.); Hon. Avis Bishop-Thompson, J.S.C.; B. Comerford, New Jersey State Bar Foundation, Judge Anita Josey-Herring, and the members of Barbara Comerford, Esq.; Elizabeth Davies, Esq.; Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, Asian her district to gather in Southern Delaware for Hon. Estela M. De La Cruz, J.S.C.; Hon. Rosemary Pacific American Lawyers Association of New a reception to welcome new members, thanks Gambardella, U.S.B.J.; Hon. Michelle Hollar-Gregory, Jersey, and Garden State Bar Association - to the generous offer from NAWJ Past President, J.S.C. (Ret.); Hon. Helen E. Hoens, Assoc. Justice Thank you! the Honorable Joan Churchill, who offered to host (Ret.); Hon. Vivian Sanks King, J.M.C.; Mamie M. this joint event. Only time will tell due to these Lau; Jeoyuh Lin, Esq.; Hon. Sandra Ann Robinson, unprecedented times. Date TBD. A.L.J. (Ret.); Hon. Lourdes I. Santiago, J.S.C.; and Hon. L. Grace Spencer, J.S.C., worked diligently and Justice Cynthia Baldwin Elected Vice Chair joyfully for six months to plan the event which took of the Fulbright Association place at Rutgers Law School in Newark. Approximately 94 current and former students The Honorable Cynthia A. Baldwin, retired justice of attended the Color of Justice Program. Attendees the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, was elected Vice drew from the following education institutions: Chair of the Fulbright Association in Washington, Essex County College Paralegal Studies; D.C. for 2020. She served as secretary of the Fairleigh Dickinson University; Hackensack High Fulbright Association Board from 2017 to 2019. School; Rutgers University New Brunswick; Justice Baldwin taught on the Law Faculty of

DISTRICT FOUR (DC,MD, VA) District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Anita Josey-Herring Superior Court of the District of Columbia Email: [email protected]

“Becoming a Judge” - NAWJ District of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, NAWJ DC Nomination Commission, the NAWJ planning Columbia Members Gather Colleagues members presented one of NAWJ’s most valuable committee composed of Judge Anita Josey-Herring to Light a Path for Emerging Leaders to and popular outreach programs, “Becoming A and Magistrate Tanya M. Jones Bosier (Superior Become a Judge Judge.” Court of the District of Columbia), Administrative Law Judge Gwenlynn D’Souza (District of Columbia On March 2, 2020 in the Ceremonial Courtroom at In partnership with the District of Columbia Judicial Department of Employment Services), and SPRING 2020 36

Greater Washington Area Chapter of the Women Courts members attended the ceremony to Lawyers Division of the National Bar Association; congratulate and recognize Judge D’Souza. Hispanic Bar Association of the District of Columbia; The South Asian Bar Association of Washington, Maryland Legal Services Corporation D.C.; Washington Bar Association; Women’s Bar Honors Judge Cathy H. Serrett Association of the District of Columbia/ WBA Foundation; Women’s Bar Association of Maryland; and the Washington Council of Lawyers. Administrative Law Judge Sharon Goodie (District of Columbia Office Of Administrative Hearings) District of Columbia Administrative Law welcomed 65 attorneys, judges and government Judge Gwenlynn D’Souza Gets Robed officials to learn about the application, selection, and appointment process to become a trial or appellate judge for the D.C. Superior Court and D.C. Court of Appeals.

Program speakers included the Hon. Emmet G. Sullivan (U.S. District Judge, United States District The Hon. Cathy Hollenberg Serrett (pictured middle Court for the District of Columbia; Chair, District above) was honored by the Maryland Legal Services of Columbia Judicial Nomination Commission); Corporation (MLSC) on December 6, 2019 with its Hon. Phyllis D. Thompson, Associate Judge (District One of NAWJ DC’s most supportive and active Arthur W. Machen Jr. Award. The award recognizes of Columbia Court of Appeals); Hon. Heidi M. members, the Hon. Gwenlynn D’Souza (center), Judge Serrett’s commitment to increasing access Pasichow, Associate Judge (Superior Court of the Administrative Law Judge in the Office of to justice and improving the civil legal services District of Columbia), and Hon. Darlene M. Soltys, Hearings and Adjudication of the Department delivery system for low-income Marylanders. Judge Associate Judge (Superior Court of the District of Employment Services received a judicial robe Serrett has been an active participant in the Prince of Columbia) shared with attendees aspects of as a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, March 9, George’s County MLSC’s pro bono committee. She serving on the bench as appellate and trial judges. 2020 in the Community Room at Judiciary Square. is a past president of Community Legal Services Having enjoyed deciding some very difficult and of Prince George’s County and Pro Bono Resource Thank you to our “Becoming A Judge” event interesting cases, she was happy to learn that Center, and a member of the Maryland Access to sponsors, whose collaboration made our collective court management recently decided to provide Justice Commission. outreach a success: District of Columbia judicial robes to administrative law judges in her Association of Administrative Law Judiciary; department. Fellow NAWJ District of Columbia

DISTRICT FIVE (FL,GA,NC,SC) Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Anne Elizabeth Barnes Court of Appeals of Georgia Email: [email protected]

NAWJ Hosts Sisters in Law Reception individuals under the rule of law through strong, Superior Court Judge Reuben Green and Retired Bibb On November 19, 2019 Presiding Judge Anne committed, diverse judicial leadership, fairness and County Superior Court Judge Tommy Wilcox. Elizabeth Barnes, former Justice Leah Sears of equality in the courts, and equal access to justice. the Georgia Supreme Court, and attorney Penn Payne hosted over 100 women for the Sisters in Presiding Judge Brenda S. Weaver, Law reception at the law offices of Smith Gambrell Appalachian Judicial Circuit Drug Court & Russell. The cocktail reception provided an Receives State Recognition opportunity to not only socialize with colleagues, Chief Judge Brenda S. Weaver, center, with the but also to learn about NAWJ’s mission to promote plaque recognizing the Adult Drug Court as a State of the judicial role in protecting the rights of Georgia Model Court. Standing with Judge Weaver is the drug court team, along with Cobb County SPRING 2020 37

The Appalachian Judicial Circuit’s Drug Court and Resolution to succeed Council of Georgia’s Strategic Plan Implementation its Presiding Judge, Chief Superior Court Judge the Judge Jane Committee from July 2019 to June 2022. On Brenda S. Weaver was recognized as a Model Barwick of Fulton, February 28, 2020, she was the keynote speaker at Court in Georgia. This recognition was given by GA. The Commission the Athens-Clarke County Drug Court Recognition the Council of Accountability Court Judges at their is working on the Ceremony as a National Academy Court. conference in Athens, Ga. September, 2019. The implementation of the “Model Court” designation recognizes that the new mediation rules Judge Sheryl B. Jolly, court goes above and beyond the standards for for cases involving Augusta Superior Court, an accountability court. The Model Courts will domestic violence. These new rules are the result is currently serving as serve as a mentor to newer courts, and personnel of a collaborative effort between the Georgia President of the Board of from these newer courts will visit the model Commission on Dispute Resolution and the Georgia Directors of the Greater courts for technical assistance and guidance. Commission on Family Violence. In the Conasauga Augusta Arts Council. Judge Weaver established the drug court in 2002. Judicial Circuit, she continues work in their Last year she accepted The idea seemed foreign to many, and was not Domestic Violence Accountability Court. The Court the Best Festival of the year Shining Example popular at the time, during the “Tough on Crime” has over 80 participants who have either felony or Award from the Southeast Tourism Society. era of incarcerating drug offenders. Judge Weaver misdemeanor domestic violence charges. With the became weary of sending people to prison for understanding that domestic violence is a learned Presiding Judge M. Yvette Miller Endows crimes that were fueled by their addiction. With behavior, the Court works to educate defendants Law School Scholarship no money, and only a few supporters, she started to change those attitudes and behaviors. The the drug court. Participants receive treatment, Court also follows a modified version of the frequent drug screening, are visited in their home accountability and treatment court programs in by certified police officers, abide by a curfew, that they also work with offenders to get mental are required to obtain their GED, and must obtain health and substance abuse treatment. full-time employment. Participants come before Judge Weaver every two weeks for court reviews. The Honorable Ashley Wright Continues The program is two years long and, in many cases, Leadership in Local Philanthropy charges are dismissed upon completion of the NAWJ member and program. For more serious charges, sometimes a Superior Court Judge The Honorable M. Yvette Miller of the Georgia participant will come into the drug court as part Ashley Wright of the Court of Appeals has established an endowed of their sentence and the charges may not be Augusta Georgia circuit scholarship at the Mercer University School of dismissed, but prison time can be suspended. was instrumental in Law to promote diversity and inclusion in the supporting the Legal legal profession. The scholarship will assist law The Appalachian Judicial Circuit also now has a Food Frenzy last students with financial need with a preference Family Treatment Court, a Veterans Treatment year. The Augusta for students who are active in the Law School’s Court, and a HELP court (serving those with Judges team, also including NAWJ member Judge Black Law Students Association (BLSA). Presiding mental health disorders). There have been over 500 Sheryl Jolly, won the judicial category award for Judge Miller: “With this endowment, I am creating graduates from all these programs. participation and donations for the second year opportunities for deserving law students to receive in a row. Their initiative supported the local scholarship monies to assist with tuition,” said JNC Posts All-Female Short List for community and the Golden Harvest food bank and Judge Miller. “My life has been so enriched by Georgia Supreme Court brought in in over four thousand dollars as well as my journey as a student at Mercer University. For Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s Judicial Nominating many pounds of donated food. this reason, I have always given back to Mercer Commission recommended four women to replace not only financially but also through my time and retired Justice Robert Benham on the Supreme The Honorable Sara Doyle talents. Subscribing to the ultimate philosophy that to whom much is given much is expected, I Court of Georgia. Assuming Governor Kemp Presiding Judge Sara Doyle, Court of Appeals of want my legacy to include empowering the next chooses from the short list, his choice will join Georgia, was awarded generation of Mercer lawyers who are prepared to Justice Sarah Warren to bring the court to two the Girl Talk, Inc. impact the state of Georgia and our country.” Judge women and seven men. Leadership Award in Miller broke numerous barriers for minorities and October 2019. She women in the legal profession, including being one The Honorable Cindy Morris Leads Georgia has also joined the of the first African-American females to serve as Mercer University in Domestic Violence Reforms assistant district attorney in Fulton County, GA and Walter F. George On January 29, 2020, Superior Court Judge Cindy to practice law throughout the Brunswick Judicial Foundation, and will Morris, Conasauga Judicial Circuit, was sworn in as Circuit. Additionally, she was the first woman, first chair the Judicial chair-elect for the Georgia Commission on Dispute African-American and the youngest person to serve SPRING 2020 38 as director/judge of the Appellate Division on the practiced with Shadyac, Berg & Nolan. She became Honorable Laurel Myerson Isicoff Becomes State Board of Worker’s Compensation, the first Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia, National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges African-American woman to serve on the Georgia representing the State in a number of cases President Court of Appeals, and the first African-American before the U.S. Supreme Court, and thereafter an On November 1, 2019 woman to serve as chief judge on the Georgia Court Assistant U.S. Attorney, Criminal Division. In 1977 the Honorable Laurel of Appeals. she was appointed by Governor George D. Busbee as Judge for the State Court of Fulton County. She Myerson Isicoff, Chief was elected in 1978 and, while running unopposed Judge of the U.S. Judge Dorothy Toth Beasley Receives Bankruptcy Court for Lifetime Achievement Award for re-election in 1984, was appointed to the Court of Appeals by Governor Joe Frank Harris. Full terms, the Southern District Retired Georgia following election, began January 1987 and January of Florida, became Court of Appeals 1993. She retired in 1999. Judge Beasley served President of the Judge Dorothy Toth on the board of directors of the National Center for National Conference of Bankruptcy, she will serve Beasley was honored State Courts and the American Judicature Society. until the end of its 2020 National Conference on for her lifetime of She is a member of the American Law Institute, the October 17, 2020. She has been sworn in for her public service by Georgia Bar Foundation, of which she is a Charter second fourteen-year term as a United States the Emory Public Member of the Fellows. She was appointed to the Bankruptcy Judge. Chief Judge Isicoff co-chaired Interest Committee Georgia Commission on the Bicentennial of the U.S. the Education Committee of NAWJ’s 2012 Annual (EPIC) of the Emory Constitution, the Georgia Commission on Children Conference in Miami. School of Law on February 4, 2020 with its Lifetime and Youth, and the Georgia Commission on Gender Achievement Award. Judge Beasley worked for the Bias in the Judicial System. Judge Beasley, who U.S. Department of State, attended law school defended her state’s use of capital punishment in and worked part-time for a congressman, a law the 1972 Furman v Georgia case before the Supreme firm, and the Urban Land Institute. Her first job Court, later came to view capital punishment as a as a lawyer was as law clerk to the three circuit violation of equal justice. judges in Arlington County, Virginia, where she then

DISTRICT SIX (AL, LA, MS, TN) Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Lynda Jones Davidson County Court, Tennessee Email: [email protected]

Serving Women In Prison in Louisiana reentry programs for incarcerated women at Alexander received Louisiana Supreme the Louisiana Transitional Center for Women in the A. Leon Court Chief Justice Tallulah and the Caddo Correctional Center (CCC) Higginbotham, Jr. Bernette Joshua in Shreveport. Judge Sims has inspired other Award at the National Johnson selected community organizations and businesses to assist Bar Association former NAWJ District with the collection of books, toiletries and dental Judicial Council Director Judge Sheva hygiene products in support of the Women in Luncheon. Over 100 Sims to spearhead Prison Initiative. To date, over sixty (60) boxes of judges, attorneys the Women in books, toiletries and dental hygiene products have and business Prison Initiative been donated to the women incarcerated at the professionals from all over the United States in north Louisiana. Judge Sims is responsible Louisiana Transitional Center for Women. and South Africa were present to celebrate Chief for implementing the historic cosmetology Judge Alexander on this momentous occasion. program at the Louisiana Transitional Center Chief Judge Yvette Mansfield Alexander Chief Judge Alexander, a judge on the Baton for Women in Tallulah (LTCW), LA. She is Honored by National Bar Association with Rouge City Court and NAWJ member, was former collaborating with the Southern University of A. Leon Higginbotham Award chair of the National Bar Association’s Judicial Council and is incoming chair of the American Shreveport and Bossier Parish Community On Wednesday, February 5, 2020, the Judges Association. She is a graduate of the College to initiate skills and educational incomparable Chief Judge Yvette Mansfield SPRING 2020 39

Louisiana State University Law Center, and Remembering Orleans Parish Judge understands the population before them, and a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Angelique Reed working to clear those off with dedicated time Incorporated. Upon receiving the award, a from public defenders and the district attorney. The Honorable tearful Chief Judge Alexander quoted Judge Angélique Aristell Higginbotham, “We can either preserve or Nashville would join Los Angeles, New Orleans, Reed was elected dilute the gains we have made in justice and Chicago, Boston and Houston, and a number judge on Oct. 3, equality.” Chief Judge Alexander also credited of other cities in having a homeless court. The 1998 as the first Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice, the Nashville court is looking at best practices for a African American Honorable Bernette Joshua Johnson, for teaching homeless court in New Orleans, where the HELP Judge to serve in us to love the National Bar Association. The A. program also began. First City Court Leon Higginbotham Award is presented by the for the Parish of Orleans. She was a graduate National Bar Association in recognition of judicial Katie Dysart, coordinator for the homeless of Ursuline Academy, Xavier University and excellence and an outstanding commitment to the court in New Orleans, says a best practice is to Loyola University Law school. After graduating achievement of justice and equality. organize a community of contacts, from local from Loyola, she received the Gillis Long Public housing and employment resources, to the local Service Award recognizing her talents and bar — it is about adding value to the homeless Passing the Bar at Southern University contributions to the community. She also was community. She adds that the homeless court Law Center the national winner of the Frederick Douglas has lightened the general sessions court docket Moot Court Competition where she won an and gotten fines and fees traded for things like award for best written brief. Judge Reed passed community service or maintaining employment away in November 2019 after a brief illness, she for a certain period of time for people was 59 years old. experiencing homelessness. Nashville Moves Towards a Nashville Judge Allegra Walker Homelessness Court, Modeled After Marries 15 Couples in Her New Orleans Domestic Violence Courtroom The city of Nashville is in the beginning stages Congratulations to NAWJ District Six Law Student of offering alternatives to the criminal justice Members and past scholarship recipients, Monette system, to solve homelessness, but that doesn’t M. Davis (left) and Errin Green (right), graduates stop people calling the police, which leads to a of the Southern University Law Center, Baton lot of people being asked to move out of sight. Rouge, LA for passing the Louisiana Bar exam In Nashville, from January to October 2019, on their first try. Judge Sheva Sims, former NAWJ 464 people experiencing homelessness were District 6 Director, is very proud of these two arrested for criminal trespassing, according to graduates and their performance on the bar exam. data from Metro Nashville Police Department. Many are arrested more than once. The NAWJ Member Law Student Interns with Nashville office of Baker Donelson law firm is Caddo Parish District Attorney in the planning stages for a homeless court. Southern University Law Center student Jasmine The firm will draw from its work at the monthly Cooper is working with the prosecution team of Homeless Experience Legal Protection (HELP) the Caddo Parrish District Attorney’s Office to pro bono hours with people at Room In The The Honorable Allegra Montgomery Walker gain first-hand experience through several high Inn, an organization that organizes shelter was elected to General Sessions Court, Div. IV profile cases and trials. for and offers educational services to those August 2014. Before being elected, she served living on the streets. This new homeless court an Assistant District Attorney for the Davidson Judge Ree Casey-Jones was Honored with will have a specific docket and meeting time County District Attorneys General’s Office. that only deals with charges like criminal Angels in Adoption Award While serving in that capacity, she focused trespassing, possession, public urination and This Congressional her practice on Domestic Violence. Upon her public intoxication, says Christopher Douse, award recognizes departure from the District Attorney’s Office, chair of the Nashville Pro Bono Committee her outstanding Judge Walker was recognized by her peers for and coordinator of HELP for three years. The work in the child her work in domestic violence. In addition to goal is to provide an avenue for minor criminal welfare system, was serving as a prosecutor, Judge Walker served as issues that disproportionately affect the presented to her in an Assistant Public Defender for the Davidson homeless population to come forward and Washington, D.C in County Public Defender’s Office. In 2013, November. be on a streamlined docket with a court that SPRING 2020 40

Judge Walker was recognized as Outstanding ratification of the 19th Amendment. It was the receptionist ask me if I’m the court reporter. So, State Official by the Nashville Coalition to End first time all of the female justices appeared we’ve made great strides, but I also think that Domestic Violence. In 2015, she, along with her together on stage, and the events were filled there are things that we still have to do and still colleagues, was recognized by the Nashville with inspiration, historical lessons, and humor. be aware of to raise the level of consciousness Coalition to End Domestic Violence with the about diversity and inclusivity, and we just have Outstanding Domestic Violence Program Award. The justices also shared their thoughts on to continue to do it. We can’t rest on our laurels navigating the male-dominated field of law in and believe that everything has been taken NAWJ Members, Tennessee Supreme the past as well as today. While they all agreed care of.” Court Justices, Share the Stage great progress has been made, the justices said The three current female justices of the there is more work to be done. “On one hand, Tennessee Supreme Court —Justice Cornelia I’m surprised when I walk into a room for a Clark, Justice Sharon G. Lee, and Justice mediation and the plaintiff and the defendant Holly Kirby—were joined on stage with the are female, the attorney for the plaintiff is three former female justices—Judge Martha female, the attorney for the defendant is female, Craig Daughtrey, Former Justice Penny White, and I’m female,” Former Chief Justice, and NAWJ and Former Chief Justice Janice Holder— for member, Janice Holder said. “And to me, that’s back-to-back events at Lipscomb University great progress because just the sheer numbers recognizing the 100th anniversary of the are staggering. On the other hand, I can walk into a room, as I did last week, and have a

DISTRICT SEVEN (MI, OH, WV) Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Michelle Rick 29th Circuit Court, St. Johns, Michigan Email: [email protected]

Last year, NAWJ member Michelle M. Rick (29th Judge Michelle M. Rick Sponsors 12 Michigan Expands Face of Justice Circuit Court) spoke at a Michigan Hall of Michigan Women Lawyers for SCOTUS Outreach Program Justice press conference about the development Twelve years ago, Len Niehoff and John Wernet The Face of Justice program is a unique of Project Access (michiganlegalhelp.org), a sponsored former NAWJ District Director, opportunity for students to learn about legal traveling service of expungement clinics. Chief Judge Michelle M. Rick, admission to the professions and to pique their interest to consider Justice Bridget McCormack, Judge Rick, Detroit United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS). On a career in law. The program includes tours of Mercy Law School and other organizations – 11/13/2019, she visited Washington, D.C. and the Hall of Justice Learning Center and the Court Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan State Bar sponsored 12 Michigan women Lawyers. She of Appeals, and mentoring from professionals in and Legal Services Corporation - partnered wore her NAWJ and Girls Scouts leader pins. the justice system. It is a collaboration between to host traveling expungement clinics this the Michigan State Bar Association and NAWJ. summer. Over the course of the summer, Project Students from Golightly Career and Technical Access brought resources and assistance to Center, a Detroit public high school, offering community members of eight counties in rural students opportunities to work in real-life Michigan. Judge Rick recounts the experience for all involved was extraordinary, and that Detroit Mercy Law School received inquiries about bringing Project Access to additional communities. Project Access held another clinic at the Hall of Justice on October 22, 2019, partnering with Clinton, Ingham, and Eaton counties, Michigan Supreme Court, and the Lansing Mayor’s Office. Judge Rick expects to host a community fair that includes service providers. SPRING 2020 41 situations in the field of their choosing, were the The Honorable Laura Mack, No beneficiaries of the day’s mentorship. Such Thing as Retirement, and No Humiliation MentorJet Continues Flights into Judge Laura Mack, Michigan State University Law School who was appointed by former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm in 2004, served three elected terms as the 29th New Members District Court’s only Attorney Ina R. judge. Though her O’Briant, East current term expires in 2024, following over Lansing, MI 15 years of service, she retired March 1, 2020. The February 20, 2020 program, chaired by “It really was important to me that people get Judge Michelle Rick, included Ernscie Augustin a favorable impression of the court and that (Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices PLLC); Kristina they come away with the feeling that the court Bilowus (Kizy Law); Amanda Dernovshek is fair,” Judge Mack said. “Even if the ruling (Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith P.C.); Hon. didn’t go their way, (I hope) they understood Carmen Fahie (Department of Licensing why it happened.” Judge Mack said she and Regulatory Affairs, Michigan Office of Shannon L.W. Schlegel, Shannon L.W. originally applied to the job with the hope Administrative Hearings and Rules, Benefit Schlegel, PLLC of getting more involved in the community, Services); Bobby A. Ficklin Jr. (Myler Disability, Shannon Schlegel and that’s part of the reason she’s stepping The Ficklin Law Firm, PLLC); Joel Finnell has been down. She’s a Director for Families Against (Sinas Dramis Law Firm); Emily Jefferson representing Narcotics, the Wayne 100 Club and will step (Department of Attorney General, State of clients as the in as the President of the Wayne Rotary Club Michigan); Kelly Kane (Clark Hill PLC); Katherine owner of Shannon this summer along with a plethora of other Nepton (The Nepton law Firm, PLLC); Jared L.W. Schlegel, volunteer commitments. A. Roberts (Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap PLLC since 2001. P.C.); Alexander S. Rusek (White Law PLLC); Shannon received On a volunteer basis with her husband Hon. and Hilary Stafford (Foster, Swift, Collins & her Bachelor of Arts Milt Mack (Judge Milton L. Mack, Jr. gave the Smith P.C.). The annual program took place at degree from the University of California, San compelling presentation on mental health Michigan State University College of Law in Diego, in 1994 and her Juris Doctorate from at NAWJ’s 2018 Annual Conference in San East Lansing, MI. Thomas Cooley Law School in 2000. Prior Antonio), Judge Mack hopes to continue to founding Shannon L. W. Schlegel, PLLC, working with people struggling with substance Detroit to Host NAWJ’s 2021 Annual Shannon Schlegel clerked for local Family abuse and folks with mental illness. While Conference Law Attorneys and Insurance Defense she’s been a judge, she was comfortable telling people when they have a problem and Judge Michelle M. Rick Attorneys as well as the Office of the Attorney General. Her practice areas have included encouraging them to seek help. “You can and Ms. Zenell B. Brown see addiction, which is a huge part of the (photo left, Executive Appellate, Business, Child Welfare, Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, criminal justice system, as a mental illness,” vCourt Administrator she said. “When you see that over and over for the Third Judicial and Family Law. Shannon currently serves as a Case Evaluator for Civil Litigation again every day it does kind of change your Circuit of Michigan) co- perspective.” chairs of NAWJ’s 2021 Cases and since 2009 has served as Special Prosecutor for the Michigan Department of Annual Conference, are building a planning Though she plans to stay involved with committee to present yet another memorable, Health and Human Services in Child Welfare Cases. Active in both local government the 29th District Court in some ways, thought provoking and inspiring rendition of Mack said she’ll especially miss the small, the organization’s premier educational and and her community, Shannon served on the DeWitt Township Zoning Board of Appeals, accessible feel the court enjoys. “I really enjoy community building and outreach event of the working with the community,” she said, “I year. Mark your calendars for October 27-31, the Clinton County Agriculture Preservation Board and is currently on the Clinton County had a group of homeschooled kids come here 2021 in the Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit. yesterday and the moms in the group said Contact them at [email protected] and Planning Commission where she has served as Chair since 2009. they called like four different courts before [email protected] anyone called them back. We pride ourselves SPRING 2020 42 on being a very open court, a very easy to She obtained her law degree from The The Honorable Susan Kasley deal with court.” University of Akron School of Law in 1991. She Sniegowski was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1991. Before she became And to whoever is appointed in her place, she Michigan’s 51st has a word of advice: The Honorable Colleen Mary O’Toole Circuit Court first “Be pleasant: Be nice to people. Be present, Judge Colleen Mary local woman judge, meaning be there on time, and be predictable. O’Toole was first she was Mason Don’t do wacky things, I guess. Don’t do elected to Ohio’s County, Michigan’s things out of the ordinary... Don’t do things Eleventh District first female like have somebody stand outside with a sign Court of Appeals in prosecutor, serving saying, ‘i stole a candy bar from the CVS,’ you 2004. Judge O’Toole in that position for 4 years. She had practiced know? Don’t humiliate people.” Hometown Life left the Eleventh law locally since 1999. She owns a private District at the end of practice and also is contracted with the City The Honorable Ann Marie O’Brien, Akron her term in February of Ludington as its Freedom of Information Municipal Court 2011. Judge O’Toole then founded On Demand Coordinator. She grew up in Ludington and Judge Ann Marie Interpretation Services, LLC, an entrepreneurial attended Ludington Area Schools through her O’Brien has over start up that provides certified interpretation junior year in high school. She received her 24 years of legal in 170 languages and American sign-language Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State experience, including to public entities and their support networks. University where she majored in journalism. complex trial In 2012 Judge O’Toole was again elected to the She earned her law degree from University experience. She Eleventh District Court of Appeals. The Eleventh of Denver. She served as the chairperson of began her career District Court of Appeals serves the counties of the Mason County Bar Association, volunteer as a bailiff and law Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula, Portage and Trumbull. attorney for the COVE Legal Clinic, annual clerk in the Wayne County Court of Common She is a member of the Ohio Judicial Conference support committee for Spectrum Health Pleas while attending law school. Upon and the Courts of Appeals Judges Association. Ludington Hospital, Franklin Elementary PTC, graduating, she began her legal practice as She established a case management system and is on the board of directors of West Shore an associate with a law firm in Akron, then which reduced backlog by 60% in the court Youth for Christ. She lives in Ludington with as a partner with another law firm prior of appeals. She advocated for efficiency and her husband Tom and their son. to establishing her own practice. She also increased access to pro se litigants. She worked as a Judicial Attorney in the Summit is dedicated to making sure that the courts County Court of Common Pleas. During her remain a level playing-field for all parties. She legal career, Judge O’Brien earned an “AV” is concerned about special interest groups that rating from Martindale Hubbell peer review, try to influence access to justice, often at the has been rated as an Ohio Super Lawyer expense of the litigants or the public. through 2016, and recognized by the Bar Registry of Preeminent Women Lawyers During her tenure on the bench, Judge O’Toole through 2016. Judge O’Brien was appointed to has served as a member of the Ohio Judicial the Akron Municipal Court Bench in December Conference, the Community Corrections, Court of 2018. She is very active in the Akron Bar Administration, Court Technology and Criminal Association, having served as Past President, Law & Procedure committees. In addition, she a member of the Board of Trustees and as served as a member of the subcommittee for a Fellow of the Akron Bar Foundation. Her Court Reporting and Transcripts. Admitted to efforts with Akron Bar Association have been the Ohio Bar in 1991, Judge O’Toole initially focused on promoting access to justice, practiced law and interned in the Cuyahoga development of young attorneys, and ethical County Public Defender’s Office in the major and efficient representation of the public by appellate and trial division. She then worked attorneys. She is also an active volunteer with the National Interstate Company in serving on the Collaborative Against Human Cleveland as a Litigation Manager. From 1996 Trafficking in Summit County, serving at St. to 1998, she was associated with the Housing Sebastian’s Parish and the Junior League of Advocates Inc. In 1998 she opened her own Akron. She graduated from Hiram College in law firm, focusing in criminal, civil and family 1987, with a Bachelors of Arts in Political law litigation in state and federal courts. Science with minors in French and biology. Judge O’Toole has extensive experience in civil, criminal, family law litigation, and appeals. SPRING 2020 43

DISTRICT EIGHT (IL, IN, KY) Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Ann Breen-Greco Independent Administrative Judiciary Professional Email: [email protected]

NAWJ Co-Sponsors “Protecting the the Law Standing Committee participant, she Commercial Court established by the Indiana Elusive Right to Vote” Seminar was sworn in as a newly elected Cook County Supreme Court on June 1, 2016. Judge Welch Associate Judge on September 26, 2008. Her serves the legal community in the following District 8 co-sponsored the “Protecting the organizations and committees: American Bar Elusive Right to Vote” seminar with the Illinois road to judgeship started once the order for judicial vacancies was issued. Two weeks Association: Chair of the National Conference State Bar Association Administrative Law of State Trial Judges in the Judicial Division, Section. Additional co-sponsors included later, her name was on the ballot, and Judge Ball-Reed was relieved and thankful to receive Former Business Court Representative for the the ISBA Standing Committee on Racial and ABA Business Law Section, and member of the Ethnic Minorities on the Law, Black Women her call on September 15 advising her that she had been elected. Judge Ball-Reed is the ABA Commission on the American Jury Project; Lawyers Association, Cook County Bar Improvements in the Judiciary Committee, Association, the ISBA Standing Committee first generation in her family to attend college, and she is the first lawyer and first judge in Indiana State Bar Association; Indianapolis on Disability Law, ISBA Standing Committee Bar Association, Chair of the Indiana Judicial on Human Rights, ISBA Standing Committee her family. A graduate of The John Marshall Law School and past president of the John Center Professionalism and Ethics Committee on Women and the Law, Haitian American to name a few. She was the 2019 recipient Lawyers Association, Decalogue Society of Marshall Law School Alumni organization. After graduating from law school, Judge Ball- of the Indianapolis Bar Women and the Law Lawyers, Illinois Association of Administrative Division’s Antoinette Dakin Leach Award, which Law Judges, National Association of the Reed accepted a position with the law firm of Washington, Kennon, Hunter & Samuels, recognizes the accomplishments of a female Blind, Northwestern Election Law Association, attorney in central Indiana. The award is Jewish Judges Association, and the Seventh where she practiced for four years before becoming Deputy Supervisor at the Office of named in honor of Antoinette Dakin Leach, one Circuit Bar Association. There were 75 of the first women admitted to the Indiana Bar. registered attendees. The seminar covered the Cook County State’s Attorney. While an the following topics: Historical Background of assistant Cook County state’s attorney, Judge the Right to Vote, Felons Disenfranchisement, Ball-Reed was President of the Black Women District 8 Co-Sponsors Webinar Disability Voting Rights: Recent Litigation Lawyers Association of Greater Chicago. on Legal, Medical Issues in the and Barriers to Voting for Blind People and Judge Ball-Reed worked with the Cook County Transgender Community, Moderated by Recent Trends after HAVA, Protecting Elections State’s Attorney for fourteen years and, District Director Judge Ann Breen-Greco from Outside Interference / Disrupting Bad in 2003, transitioned to her job as Deputy Actors, Deepfakes and the Potential Impact Attorney General at the Office of the Illinois District 8 is co-sponsoring with the Illinois on the Right to Vote, Access to the Polls: Attorney General. State Bar Association’s Women and the Law Making Every Vote Count, Gerrymandering and Committee webinar on legal and medical Redistricting. Meet Judge Heather Welch, NAWJ issues in the transgender community. Judge Indiana State Chair Breen-Greco will moderate the webinar. Program speakers include: Aisha N. Davis, Meet Judge Patrice Munzel Ball-Reed, Marion County Attorney, Chicago Aids; Professor Randi Ettner, Superior Presiding NAWJ Illinois State Chair World Professional Association of Transgender Judge Heather Welch Circuit Court for Cook Health, East Dundee; Dr. Loren Schechter, The stepped forward to County Municipal University of Illinois Hospital, Chicago; Carolyn serve as NAWJ State Judge Patrice Munzel M. Wald, Attorney, Roger Baldwin Foundation Chair for Indiana. Ball-Reed stepped of ACLU Inc. Chicago.” forward to serve as She is one of a four- NAWJ State Chair for member executive Illinois. Long-time committee that oversees the Court. She is Illinois State Bar a judge in the Civil Division. Judge Welch Association member was elected in 2006 and began serving as and active Racial and Ethnic Minorities and a Judge in January 1, 2007. Judge Welch is one of the six judges serving the Indiana SPRING 2020 44

DISTRICT NINE (IA, MO, WI) Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Emily Gould Chafa Iowa Workforce Development, UI Appeals Bureau (Retired), Johnston Email: [email protected]

This is the Honorable Emily Chafa’s second year 2000-2018. She is a member of the Iowa State distinction, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University serving as District Nine Director. Judge Chafa Bar Association, Polk County Bar Association, of Iowa in 1972. She earned her law degree with manages the Iowa Workforce Development UI Polk County Women Attorneys, Iowa Judges honors, Order of the Coif, from Drake University Appeals Bureau. She began these duties in July Association, and the Iowa Organization of Women Law School in 1977. While at Drake, she served as of 2015. She worked as an ALJ (Administrative Attorneys. Editor-in-Chief of the Drake Law Review. Before Law Judge) with Iowa Workforce Development joining the supreme court, Chief Justice Ternus (IWD) conducting hearings and issuing decisions The Honorable worked in the private practice of law in the Des in unemployment appeals from April - July Elisabeth S. Moines law firm of Bradshaw, Fowler, Proctor 2015. For several years, she was an ALJ with Reynoldson is a District and Fairgrave, with a primary emphasis on civil the Administrative Hearings Division (AHD) of Court Judge in the Fifth litigation and insurance law. the State of Iowa’s Department of Inspections District in Osceola. and Appeals (DIA), hearing a variety of appeals Judge Reynoldson was Notable Non-Member Elevation, from IDOT, DHS and IWD. She was also an appointed to the bench Judge Jill Karofsky attorney for the Misclassification Unit of Iowa in July 2019. She received her undergraduate The Honorable Jill Workforce Development, at Iowa Legal Aid, as degree from Iowa State University in 1989, Karofsky recently an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Des graduating with honors, and her JD with won election to the Moines for seventeen years, as a prosecutor Distinction from the University of Iowa College Wisconsin Supreme for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, of Law. Her past experience includes a private Court, while a sitting and as an associate attorney at a law firm in practice in Osceola from 1992-2002 and 2013- judge in Dane County. Chicago, Illinois. Judge Chafa attended Wartburg 2019. She was the Clarke County Magistrate She was executive College and received her B.A. degree from Drake from 2001-2002, Clarke County Attorney from director of the Wisconsin University. She received her J.D. degree from 2002-2006, and Assistant Attorney General, Office of Crime Victim Services. She was also an Loyola School of Law in Chicago. She is licensed Criminal Appeals Division, from 2007-2012. Assistant Attorney General, serving as the state’s to practice law in Iowa and Illinois. Judge Reynoldson is a member of the Iowa State Violence Against Women resource prosecutor, Bar Association, Iowa Organization of Women and as deputy district attorney in Dane County, District Nine is home to 28 NAWJ members: 13 in Attorneys, Blackstone Inn of Court, District 5B prosecuting felonies and misdemeanors. She was Iowa, 13 in Missouri, one in Wisconsin. Four (4) Bar Association. She received the Iowa State Bar members are Lifetime Members. Association President’s Award in 2018 and the general counsel for the National Conference of Bar Iowa State Bar Association YLD Award of Merit Examiners, and adjunct professor at the University Welcome our Most Recent Judges over in 2004. of Wisconsin Law School, teaching about victims the Last Year in the criminal justice system and trial advocacy. The Honorable Marsha Judge Karofsky received the WI Coalition Against The Honorable Celene Ternus (Retired) Sexual Assault’s “Voices of Courage Award,” Gogerty is a District was appointed to the was named the WI Victim/Witness Professional Court Judge in the Fifth Iowa Supreme Court Association’s “Professional of the Year,” and District in Des Moines. in 1993 by Governor earned a “Significant Impact” Award from a She was appointed to Terry Branstad. The local organization dedicated to ending domestic the bench in November members of the court violence. She currently serves on the Wisconsin 2018. She received selected her as Chief Judicial Education Committee and chairs the her bachelor’s degree Justice in 2006. She was the first woman to serve Violence Against Women STOP Grant committee. from Drake University in 1992, and her J.D. from as chief justice of Iowa’s highest court. Chief She previously co-chaired the Attorney General’s the University of Iowa in 1995 with Distinction. Justice Ternus is a native of Iowa, growing up on Sexual Assault Response Team, and served on the Her past experience includes working as the a farm in northern Benton County and graduating Governor’s Council on Domestic Abuse, and the WI Assistant Linn County Attorney from 1995-2000, from Vinton High School in 1969. She received Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board. Judge and the Assistant Polk County Attorney from her bachelor’s degree with honors and high Karofsky will be sworn in August 1, 2020. SPRING 2020 45

DISTRICT TEN (KS, MN, NE, ND, SD) Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Cheryl Ann Rios Shawnee County District Court, Kansas Email: [email protected]

Justice Marla Luckert Becomes for the past 15 years; the last six years she On December 20, 2019, Governor Ricketts Kansas Supreme Court’s Second served as Chief Judge for that district. With appointed another Elkorn attorney, Amy Women Chief Justice the addition of Justice Wilson to the Supreme Schuchman, to the Separate Juvenile Court Court, Kansas now has three women who of Douglas County. Ms. Schuchman had serve as Justices on their Supreme Court. served as Deputy County Attorney for Douglas Justice Wilson is a native of Smith Center, County since 2004 with more than 12 years Kansas. She received an undergraduate of experience in the Juvenile Division. Most degree in business/economics from Bethany recently, she served on the Child Victim/ College in Lindsborg, Kansas, and a law Sexual Assault Unit of the Attorney’s Office and degree from Washburn University School of acted as its Board of Mental Health Coverage Law. Before her appointment to the court, attorney. She is a member of the Nebraska she was a district judge and then chief judge Bar Association and Omaha Bar Association. of the 3rd Judicial District, which is Shawnee Judge Schuchman is active in the community, On December 17, 2019 Justice Marla Luckert County. She was a private practice lawyer for volunteering with Teammates Mentorship became the Chief Justice of the Kansas 19 years. Program, Junior Achievement, CASA for Douglas Supreme Court upon the retirement of Chief County, and CASA Sarpy County. Justice Lawton Nuss. Chief Justice Luckert is only the second woman to sit as Chief Justice Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts on the Kansas Supreme Court. History was Appoints Women to High-Profile also made upon her being sworn in as Chief Benches Justice because women now not only hold In Nebraska, the seats of Chief Judges on the two highest Governor Pete courts in Kansas, but the highest offices in Ricketts appointed Kansas are all currently held by women. Both Mary “Peg” the position of Governor and the President of Stevens of Elkhorn the Senate are both held by women (Governor to the Separate Laura Kelly and Senate President Susan Juvenile Court of Wagle). Justice Luckert is a fourth generation Douglas County native of Sherman County, Kansas. After on December 10, growing up on the western Kansas border and 2019. Judge Stevens had been a partner at graduating from Goodland High School, she Carlson & Burnett LLP in Omaha since 2008, moved to Topeka for college and law school where she specialized in juvenile and family and has spent her professional career in the law. Previously, she served as Deputy County Capitol City. Justice Luckert has served the Attorney in Sarpy County and as Special public as a judge and justice for nearly 30 Prosecutor for Douglas County. Stevens holds years, handling thousands of cases. a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, with an emphasis in Juvenile Delinquency, from the Justice Evelyn Wilson Takes Oath as University of Nebraska-Kearney and a Juris Justice on the Kansas Supreme Court Doctor from the Creighton University School of Law. She is a member of the Nebraska Bar On January 24, 2020, The Honorable Evelyn Association, Omaha Bar Association, and the Wilson took the oath as Justice on the Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association. Judge Kansas Supreme Court. Justice Wilson had Stevens is active in her community, serving on previously served on the bench as a District the boards of Release Inc., Rejuvenating Women, Court Judge in the Third Judicial District and The Omaha Home for Boys, among others. SPRING 2020 46

DISTRICT ELEVEN (AR, OK, TX) Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Brandy Mueller County Court at Law #6, Austin, Texas Email: [email protected]

NAWJ Partner for 14th Annual Color of the presenting lawyers and judges to share Bar Association’s Commission on Racial and Justice Event in Austin information about their individual career paths Ethnic Diversity in the Profession as a 2020 and backgrounds, as well information about their Spirit Honoree on February 15, 2020, as part positions and workday. Presenters also posed of the ABA’s 2020 Midyear Meeting events held questions to students, focusing on current events at the JW Marriott in Austin, TX. The State Bar and criminal justice reform. Three different of Texas lauded Judge Livingston as “a role Bar Associations were sponsors of the event, model for many lawyers,” long active in local, donating money to buy boxed lunches. After the state, and national bar association activities, panel, additional mentoring judges shared lunch, leading initiatives improving access to justice informally, with students. Part of the program and increasing diversity in the practice of law. included the presentation of a $1,000 scholarship Judge Livingston was a Reginald Heber Smith Judge Brandy Mueller; Noorulanne Jan; Judge to a University of Texas law school student, Community Lawyer Fellow with the Legal Aid Orlinda Naranjo. second year law student, Noorulanne Jan, who Society of Central Texas, and later a partner in proudly accepted her award as well as an award Livingston & Parr, before being appointed an NAWJ was proud to partner with our local women’s certificate. She also spoke before the students. associate judge in 1995. She was elected to the lawyer association and The William Wayne Justice 261st Court in 1998, and was the first African Center for Public Interest Law at the University of American woman District Court Judge in Travis Texas, again this year for the 14th annual Color Presiding Judge Lora J. Livingston, ABA County. Judge Livingston was instrumental in of Justice Event, in Austin, Texas. The Honorable 2020 Spirit of Excellence Honoree the creation and development of the Austin Judge Orlinda Naranjo (NAWJ Secretary) chaired NAWJ Lifetime Bar Association’s Diversity Fellowship Program, the event and gave a welcome presentation member, Hon. Lora J. which provides first-year law students of diverse to attendees. The event took place February Livingston, Presiding backgrounds internship opportunities with law 5, 2020 at the University of Texas Law School Judge of the 261st firms, government agencies, and judicial offices. courtroom. Students from two high schools Civil District Court Judge Livingston served as a member of the 2018 and a middle school, assembled to hear from a in Travis County, Annual Conference Planning Committee. panel of lawyers and judges. Moderators asked TX, was honored by the American

DISTRICT TWELVE (AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY) Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Colleen Clark 18th Judicial District, Division 405, Colorado Email: [email protected]

NAWJ welcomes Judge Colleen Clark who joins District 12 is home to 43 NAWJ members: 15 in Chief Judge Yvette Anita Ayala, Fort NAWJ’s core of District Directors following Arizona, 16 in Colorado, one in New Mexico, 10 Mojave Indian Tribe, Mohave Valley, the service of the Honorable Emily Anderson in Utah, and one in Wyoming. Nine (9) members Arizona who was appointed Chief Judge of Colorado’s are Lifetime Members. The Fort Mojave Tribal Court was established 17 Judicial District Adams and Broomfield in 1977, upon the enactment of the Fort Mojave counties in 2019. Welcome our Most Recent Judges over Law and Order Code. The Fort Mojave Indian the Last Year Reservation resides within the tri state area of SPRING 2020 47

California, Arizona Judge Flora Gallegos, Fourth Judicial where she directed the Byron R. White Center and Nevada along District Court, Las Vegas, New Mexico for the Study of American Constitutional the Colorado River. The Honorable Law. Throughout her years as a professor, She joined NAWJ on Flora Gallegos was Justice Hart maintained an active pro bono March 4, 2020. elevated to the practice, writing amicus briefs in appellate bench on October courts and representing clients through 27, 2018. She is Metro Volunteer Lawyers. Her teaching and a District Court scholarship focused on access to justice, Judge for the Fourth constitutional law, judicial decision making, Judge Jaclyn Kay Casey Brown, 17th Judicial District legal ethics, employment discrimination, and Judicial District, Adams Colorado Court in Las Vegas, New Mexico. She joined civil procedure. The Honorable Jaclyn NAWJ in November 2019. Justice Hart grew up in Denver, where she Brown was appointed graduated from East High School. She earned to the Colorado Judge Catherine Mitchell Helton, Fourth her bachelor’s degree from Harvard-Radcliffe Court of Appeals in Judicial District, Colorado Springs, College and then spent a year teaching at a June 2019. From Colorado high school in Athens, Greece. She returned 2016-2019, Judge Governor Jared to study at Harvard Law School, where she Brown served as a Polis appointed the was the Articles Editor for the Harvard Law District Court Judge Honorable Catherine Review and Book Review Editor on the Harvard in the 17th Judicial Mitchell Helton as a Women’s Law Journal. After graduating from District (Adams and Broomfield Counties) District Court Judge law school in 1995, she clerked for Judge where she presided over domestic relations and in the 4th Judicial Guido Calabresi of the Second Circuit Court civil matters. Before being appointed to the District on March 4, of Appeals and for Justice John Paul Stevens bench, Judge Brown was a litigation partner 2020. Judge Helton on the United States Supreme Court. She in the Denver office of Lewis Roca Rothgerber is a Magistrate practiced law for several years in Washington, Christie LLP, where she litigated complex for the Fourth Judicial District in El Paso D.C., including as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. matters in several states. Her areas of practice County, a position she has held since January Department of Justice. Justice Hart and her included complex commercial litigation, real 2019. She currently presides over a domestic husband, Kevin Traskos, have two children. estate, construction, and eminent domain relations docket. Previously, she was a sole matters, as well as appeals in both state and practitioner and private attorney at Catherine Justice Hart is a member of the Colorado federal courts. Judge Brown obtained her law D. Mitchell, P.C. (2003-2019) and a Deputy and Denver Bar Associations, the Colorado degree from Washington University School District Attorney for the Fourth Judicial District Women’s Bar Association, the Colorado of Law in St. Louis, Order of the Coif. Among (2000-2003). Judge Helton earned her B.A. Hispanic Bar Association, the Asian Pacific other activities, she was part of nationally from Mount St. Vincent University in 1994, and American Bar Association, the Sam Cary recognized trial and moot court teams and her J.D. from the University of Tulsa College Bar Association, and the Colorado LGBT Bar served as an editor for the Washington of Law in 2000. Judge Helton is also chair of Association. She is a founding member of the University Journal of Law and Policy. Judge the board of directors for the Colorado Springs Sonia Sotomayor Inn of Court, a 2017 graduate Brown earned her bachelor’s degree from the Teen Court. Her appointment was effective on of the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership University of Colorado at Boulder, Summa Cum May 2, 2020. Foundation’s Leadership Denver program, a Laude. In addition to NAWJ, Judge Brown is 2016 graduate of the Colorado Bar Association an active member of the Colorado Women’s Justice Melissa Hart, Colorado Supreme Leadership Training (COBALT) program, and Bar Associations. She is a graduate of the Court, Denver a Commissioner on the Colorado Access to Colorado Bar Association Leadership Training Justice Commission. Program and a fellow of the Colorado Bar The Honorable Foundation. She was part of a team of pro- Melissa Hart bono lawyers that was named Lawyer of the was appointed Year by Law Week Colorado and which received by Governor John the American Bar Association Death Penalty Hickenlooper Representation Project Exceptional Service to serve on the Award. Colorado Supreme Court on December 14, 2017. Prior to joining the Court, Justice Hart was a professor at the University of Colorado Law School, SPRING 2020 48

DISTRICT THIRTEEN (AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA) Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana Oregon, Washington DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Pamela Washington Anchorage District Court, Alaska Email: [email protected]

Hon. Debra Stephens Selected Chief the Court, took place at a reception held at the Justice Dana Fabe (Retired) moderated the panel Justice for the Washington State Washington State Temple of Justice on December 18, discussion, and NAWJ Member Kari McCrea was Supreme Court 2019. Justice Fairhurst retired after serving 17 years a member of the panel. The lunch program is an on the State Supreme Court, the last three as Chief annual program of the Anchorage Association of On January 6, Justice, to focus on her health and spend time with Lawyers, Alaska Supreme Court’s Fairness Diversity 2020, Justice Debra family and friends. & Equality Commission, Alaska Bar Association and Stephens was the Anchorage Bar Association. sworn-in as the NAWJ Raises Awareness of Criminalization 57th Chief Justice of Black Girls NAWJ Holds 12th Annual Success Inside & of the Washington On November 22, 2019, NAWJ co-sponsored the Out Conference in Anchorage at the Hiland State Supreme screening of PUSHOUT, a film that addresses Mountain Correctional Center Court. In 2019, she the criminalization of black girls in school. The The 12th Annual Success Inside & Out Conference was unanimously elected by her colleagues Washington State Gender and Justice Commission in Anchorage at the Hiland Mountain Correctional as Chief Justice. As Chief Justice, she is the joined in partnership. Center was held October 26, 2019. NAWJ Members state’s Board for Judicial Administration. Justice Judge JoAnn Chung, Success Chair, Kari McCrea, and Stephens, who currently serves as co-chair of 8th Annual Judicial Officer & Law Student Pamela Washington were on the planning committee NAWJ’s Judicial Independence Committee. Reception held at Gonzaga University in and participated in the one-day event. The program Seattle included Passport to Success, the favorite Fashion Show, and breakout sessions on Child Custody, NAWJ Member Bride Seifert Appointed The 8th Annual Judicial Officer & Law Student Homer Superior Court’s First Judge Probation, Resume writing, and a keynote address Reception was held at Gonzaga University School of by Theresa Lyons, CEO of the Alaska YWCA on On December 6, 2019, Law on November 15, 2019. Gonzaga Law Student Emotional Intelligence. Alaska State Chair Josie Alaska Governor Mike Leah Wilborn Neese (2L) was the recipient of the Garton opened the program on behalf of the Alaska Dunleavy appointed Washington State NAWJ Scholarship. NAWJ members Court System and NAWJ. It was another exciting NAWJ Member Bride Judge Marilyn Paja, Judge Lisa Paglisotti, Chief program thanks to the participation and support of Seifert to the Homer Justice Debra Stevens, Justice Sheryl Gordon- over 30 community volunteers and judicial officers. Superior Court. Judge McCloud and Judge Karen Donohue were present Seifert has lived in with many judicial friends of NAWJ from across Washington Holds 11th Annual Women’s Alaska for 8 1/2 years and has practiced law for Washington State. A second scholarship was Conference at Mission Creek Corrections 10 years. She graduated in 2010 from William presented by the Washington State Association for Center for Women Justice to Gonzaga Law student Tracy Cresta (photo, Mitchell College of Law in Minnesota. Judge The 11th Annual Women’s Conference at Mission center.) Seifert began her NAWJ membership when she Creek Corrections Center for Women was held served an Administrative Law Judge. Prior to her October 10-11, 2019. Judge Lisa Paglisotti and Alaska Members Speak to Diversity in appointment, Judge Seifert was an Assistant Judge Karen Donohue planned the two-day District Attorney in Kotzebue, Alaska. Our Community at Annual Luncheon in event in conjunction with the Washington State Anchorage Department of Corrections, The Gender and Justice Washington State The “Diversity in Our Commission and veteran Success Inside and Out participant, Joyce Oswald. Ms. Oswald, an education Supreme Court Community: Stories Affecting Our Lives” professional in the State prison system, first worked Chief Justice Mary with Justice Dana Fabe to present Success Inside Fairhurst Retires program was held on November 5, 2019 at & Out in Alaska. District 13 is fortunate to have her Celebration of Chief the Hotel Captain Cook, experience! Judge Laurel Gibson and Judge Janet Justice Mary Fairhurst, Anchorage, Alaska. Garrow moderated a panel of formerly incarcerated who retired form NAWJ Past President individuals. Judge Cathy Moore, Judge Marilyn SPRING 2020 49

Paja and Judge Lisa Paglisotti, along with several professions. Nearly 80 high school students from Alaska Supreme Court Justice Susan Carney, judicial friends of NAWJ participated in round table Anchorage area high schools attended the two days and Anchorage District Court Judges Pamela discussions with the offenders. Topics discussed of workshops and other activities presented by law Washington, Kari McCrea and Jo-Ann Chung. at the round tables included Family Law Domestic professors from Gonzaga University School of Law, “Constitutional Cranium,” a quiz show on Violence Protection Orders, Bench Warrant Quashes, Seattle University School of Law, and University constitutional knowledge hosted by Professor Vacating Convictions and Restoring Civil Rights and of Washington School of Law. The program is Christian Halliburton with Seattle University School Legal Financial Obligations. also supported by the Alaska Bar Association and of Law, and Mock Trial took advantage of the the Anchorage School District. Anchorage area many volunteer mock trial coaches from the legal Anchorage Color of Justice at Boney students are coming from Bartlett, East, and West community. “Increasing diversity on the bench is Courthouse high schools. important to fostering public trust and confidence in our justice system”, according to Judge Pamela On October 3-4, 2019, the Alaska Court System Color of Justice sessions included “MentorJet: A Washington, chair of the Anchorage program. “Color presented the Color of Justice program to encourage Speed Mentoring Experience,” where students of Justice serves this goal, she says, by affirming youth to pursue legal and judicial careers, and bring got the chance to meet with diverse lawyers, for our young women and youth of color that the about a representative diversity across the legal judges and justices, including NAWJ members, judiciary is a career path that is open to them.”

DISTRICT FOURTEEN (CA, NV) California, Nevada DISTRICT DIRECTOR: Hon. Wendy McGuire Coats Superior Court of California, Contra Costa County Email: [email protected]

Hello and Thank You From Your New a criminal misdemeanor jury trial assignment (jury AWJ-USC Law School MentorJet in the USC District 14 Director trial #47 deliberating as I write). Hotel Ballroom “I was born on a dairy farm in upstate New York Then-NAWJ President Hon. Diana Becton introduced and grew up in Columbia, Missouri. In 1996, me to NAWJ in 2017, when she was serving on our I graduated from the University of Missouri – Contra Costa County bench. I had the enormous Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Education. privilege of presenting on the #MeToo Movement I taught tenth grade English and then helped start panel at NAWJ’s 2018 Annual Conference. My an independent school, teaching speech, debate, JNE interview took place just a few days before I and acting. Dan and I moved to California for me flew to San Antonio for the conference. I cannot to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts fully thank the many of you, who supported and in Los Angeles. From there I went on to graduate encouraged me during and after the conference from Pepperdine University School of Law in 2005 Success at CSUB’s Pre-Law Speed and then celebrated me with cards, calls, and texts and clerk for the Honorable Ronald S.W. Lew, United Mentoring Event when the December 7, 2018 press release changed States District Court Judge for the Central District of everything.” At their 4th Annual CSUB Pre-Law Speed Mentoring California. event, over 80 students from California State University, Bakersfield and the local community I joined the Los Angeles office of Howrey LLP and college, Bakersfield College, gathered along with in 2010 founded McGuire Coats LLP, dedicating my 50 attorneys and judicial officers. Several students practice to appellate litigation. With a mix of civil, obtained internships. criminal, juvenile, amicus, and pro bono cases, I became a certified specialist in Appellate Law by the California Board of Legal Specialization.

In 2015, I joined Fisher & Phillips LLP, leading the firm’s California Appellate Practice. I just completed Judge Wendy McGuire Coats speaking at a my first (learning curve not arching yet) year as a #WeToo panel in San Antonio, NAWJ 2018 Annual Superior Court Judge in Contra Costa County with Conference. SPRING 2020 50

Third Annual Success Inside and Out and Gubernatorial Appointments, Welcome deputy district attorney Resource Fair to the Bench at the San Diego County District Attorney’s On October 25, 2019, California Governor Gavin Office from 2001 to Newsom appointed 11 Superior Court judges. We 2008 and was a sole are especially thrilled with Governor Newsom’s practitioner from 1996 appointees to the San Diego County Superior to 2001.Roberts was Court. All three are devout members of the an associate at the Law Offices of Beatrice National Association of Women Judges. W. Kemp from 1995 to 1996 and served as a Hon. Olga Álvarez of deputy public defender at the San Diego Public San Diego, has been Defender’s Office from 1992 to 1995. Roberts appointed to a judgeship earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Arizona NAWJ VP of Programs Commissioner McLaughlin in the San Diego County State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College and member Judge Nadia J. Keilani; Child Support Superior Court. Álvarez of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the Outreach Representatives has been a shareholder retirement of Judge Gerald C. Jessop. and attorney at Heisner Álvarez since 2013 and is a certified specialist Asian Pacific American Lawyers of the in estate planning, trust, and probate law. She Inland Empire Honors Judge Holly Fujie served as an adjunct professor at the University with its Stephen K. Tamara Trailblazer of San Diego School of Law from 2016 to 2018 Award and was of counsel at Sullivan Hill Rez & Engel The Asian Pacific from 2010 to 2013. Álvarez was an associate American Lawyers of at Achtel Law Firm from 2006 to 2010 and at the Inland Empire will Atkins & Davidson, APC from 2005 to 2006. honor Judge Holly Fujie She was an associate at Larrabee Albi Coker (Los Angeles Superior LLP from 2003 to 2004 and at the Law Offices Court) with its Stephen of Jan Joseph Bejar from 2002 to 2003. Álvarez K. Tamara Trailblazer earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University Award. She was appointed to the Superior Court of San Diego School of Law and a Master of on December 27, 2011. She is currently sitting Public Affairs degree from the University of in a Civil assignment at the Mosk Courthouse. Texas at Austin, LBJ School of Public Affairs. She Prior to her appointment, Judge Fujie was a was president of the Lawyers Club of San Diego shareholder in the Los Angeles-based law firm from 2017 to 2018. She fills the vacancy created of BuchalterNemer, APC, where she practiced by the retirement of Judge Leo Valentine. corporate civil litigation. She received A.B. and J.D. degrees from the University of California, Hon. Judy S. Bae of Berkeley, where she was an editor of the San Diego, has been California Law Review, and in 2008-2009 appointed to a judgeship she was the third woman and the 1st Asian in the San Diego County American to serve as the President of the Superior Court. Bae has State Bar of California. Since 1991, she has been an associate at served on Senator Feinstein’s Judicial Advisory Miller, Monson, Peshel, Committee, advising the Senator and the White Polacek & Hoshaw since 2005. She was an House on federal judicial nominations and associate at Horton, Oberrecht, Kirkpatrick & Learning About Child Support Services on the nomination of United States Attorneys Martha from 2002 to 2005. Bae earned a Juris for the Central District of California. She is a Doctor degree from the University of San Diego member of the Women Lawyers Association of School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by Los Angeles Board of Directors. In 2019, she the retirement of Judge Charles R. Gill. was recognized by NAWJ as the Justice Joan Dempsey Klein Honoree of the Year. Hon. Terrie E. Roberts of Chula Vista, has been appointed to a judgeship in the San Diego County Superior Court. Roberts has served as a commissioner at the San Diego County Superior Court since 2008. She served as a SPRING 2020 51

NAWJ DIRECTORS

DISTRICT DIRECTORS

District One (ME,MA,NH,PR,RI) Court, Third Judicial District, Kansas Hon. Mary Dacey White, Brookline District District Six (AL, LA, MS, TN) District Eleven (AR, OK, TX) Court, Massachusetts Hon. Lynda Jones, Metropolitan Nashville- Davidson County General Sessions Court, Hon. Brandy Mueller, County Court at Law #6, District Two (CT, NY,VT) Tennessee Austin, Texas Hon. Kathy King Supreme Court of New District Seven (MI, OH, WV) District Twelve (AZ, CO, NM, UT, WY) York, Kings County Hon. Colleen Clark, Arapahoe County Court, Hon. Michelle Rick Colorado District Three (DE, NJ, PA, VI) 29th Circuit Court, St. Johns, Michigan Hon. Vivian Medinilla, Superior Court of the State of Delaware, Wilmington District Eight (IL, IN, KY) District Thirteen (AK, HI, ID, MT, OR, WA) Hon. Ann Breen-Greco, Chicago Administrative Hon. Pamela Washington, Anchorage District District Four (DC, MD, VA) Hearing Department, Illinois Court, Alaska Hon. Anita Josey-Herring, Superior Court of the District of Columbia District Nine (IA, MO, WI) District Fourteen (CA, NV) Hon. Emily Gould Chafa, Iowa Workforce Hon. Wendy Coats, Superior Court of District Five (FL, GA, NC, SC) Development, UI Appeals Bureau (Retired), California, Contra Costa County Hon. Anne Barnes, Court of Appeals of Johnston Georgia, Atlanta District Ten (KS, MN, NE, ND, SD) Hon. Cheryl Rios, Shawnee County District SPECIAL DIRECTORS

Committee Liaison International Director ABA Delegate Hon. Karen Sage, 299th District Court of Hon. Lisette Shirdan-Harris, Philadelphia Hon. Vivian Medinilla, Superior Court of the Texas, Travis County Court of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania State of Delaware, Wilmington

NAWJ COMMITTEES AND GROUPS

Committees are the backbone of NAWJ. They enable us to utilize the impressive talents and knowledge of our members to support the work of the organization. Committee chairs and members are appointed each year by the current president. Members’ willingness to participate is greatly appreciated. Committees highlighted in bold are open for participation. Contact Janelle Mihoc at [email protected].

ADA Compliance Policy: Audit and Compliance: Domestic Violence: Hon. Marilyn G. Paja Hon. Susan Owens and Hon. Sandra Robinson Hon. Tracey Flemings-Davillier Administrative Judiciary: Awards: Ethics: Hon. Emily Gould Chafa and Hon. Susan Lois Hon. Ariane Vuono and Hon. Cindy Davis Hon. Tam Nomoto Schumann Formaker Bylaws: Fairness and Access: Annual Conference Planning (2020): Hon. Fernande (Nan) Duffly and Hon. Julie Frantz Hon. Tamila Ipema Hon. Barbara Holmes Congressional Women’s Caucus: Federal Judges: Annual Conference Site Selection: Hon. Toni Clarke and Hon. Anita Josey-Herring Hon. Mary M. Schroeder Hon. Marjorie Laird Carter and Hon. Marcella COVID-19 Taskforce: Finance: Holland Hon. Elizabeth K. Lee and Hon. Elizabeth White Hon. Marcella Holland SPRING 2020 52

History: Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare: Projects (Programs): Hon. Anna Blackburne-Rigsby Hon. Joy Cossich Lobrano and Commissioner Pennie McLaughlin Hon. Ernestine S. Gray Human Trafficking: Resolutions: Hon. Ann Breen-Greco and Summer Stephan Law School Outreach: Hon. Lisa Walsh Hon. Marylou Muirhead Immigration: Retired/Senior Judges: Hon. Joan Churchill and Hon. Mimi Tsankov Membership Outreach and Retention: Hon. Joan Churchill Hon. Kathy King-Districts 1-8, Hon. Holly Fujie Informed Voters-Fair Judges: Rural Courts: Linda Leali and Annette Boyd-Pitts Districts 9-14 Hon. Beverly Winslow Cutler and Hon. Lora Ann Dyer International Outreach: Military and Veterans: Hon. Linda Murnane Hon. Kirsten Brunson and Hon. Linda Murnane Strategic and Sustainable Planning: Hon. Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and International Parental Abduction Liaison: Mothers In Court: Lynn Hecht Schafran Renee Stackhouse and Hon. Elizabeth R Yablon Hon. Amy Nechtem Judicial Education/Judicial Academic New Judges: Technology: Hon. Holly Fujie and Hon. Rachael Johnson Hon. Lisa S. Walsh Network: Hon. Karen Donohue, Dean Madeleine M. Nominating: Women in Prison: Landrieu Hon. Tamila Ipema Hon. Betty Williams, Hon. Brenda Murray, Hon. Cheryl Gonzales Judicial Independence: Personnel: Hon. Robin Hudson and Hon. Debra Stephens Hon. Orlinda Naranjo

NAWJ SPONSORS

LANDMARK SPONSORS The Honorable Mary Becnel Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP Thomson Reuters CourtCall Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP United Automobile Insurance Company JAMS Sullivan & Cromwell LLP White & Case Robert Kaufman, Esq.

CONTRIBUTORS BENCH Emily Chafa District of Columbia Association of Rosemary Barkett Judith Chirlin Administrative Law Judiciary Anne Barnes Beverly Cutler Mary Donelan Nancy Becker Charlotte Davidson Karen Donohue Bobbe Bridge Linda Davis Bernadette D’Souza Ann Butchart Mary Davis Fernande (Nan) Duffly M. Claudia Caputi Linda Davis Dana Fabe SPRING 2020 53

Susan Gauvey Elizabeth Lee Nicole Richardson Jennifer Gee Barbara Levenson Rosalyn Richter Victoria Ghartey Andrea Marceca Strong Jenny Rivera Greater Washington Area Chapter Judith McConnell Jill Robbins of the Women Lawyers Division of Vivian Medinilla Vivian Sanks King the National Bar Association Rachel Miriam Nan Shuker Donna Groman Stefanie Moon The South Asian Bar Association Donna Heller Ann Moorman of Washington, D.C. Mary Henry Cindy Morris Nancy Stock Marcia Hirsch Brandy Mueller Siobhan Teare Hispanic Bar Association of the Wenda Travers District of Columbia Linda Murnane Martha Walters Marcella Holland Orlinda Naranjo Washington Bar Association Lesley Hostetter Amy Nechtem Julia Weatherly Margaret Houghton Network for Good Judith Wheat J.P. Howard Lisa O’Toole Bonnie Wheaton Tamila Ipema Lisa Paglisotti Elizabeth White Christina Jackson Marilyn Paja Devika Persaud Women’s Bar Association of the Debra A. James District of Columbia/ WBA Foundation Peggy Quince Barbara Jones Women’s Bar Association of Maryland Ruben Reyna Judith Kline Washington Council of Lawyers

NAWJ annually holds midyear and annual conference to conduct association business, present education programs, recognize accomplishments, and strengthen our social bonds. The following list includes donations made to the National Association of Women Judges by individual, companies and organizations for midyear activities and annual conferences held since November 1, 2019.

2020 ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2020 MIDYEAR MEETING SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS CHAMBERS - $5,000 The Lambert Firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP Becnel Law Firm, LLC Louisiana Association for Justice through its sister Sherrard, Roe, Voigt & Harbison, PLC Kara Hadican Samuels & Associates, L.L.C. non-profit entity Bayou Research Institute Louisiana State Bar Association BENCH SPONSORS BENCH - $2,500 Louisiana State Bar Association - Bench and Asurion Barrasso Usdin Kupperman Freeman & Bar Section First Horizon Bank Sarver, L.L.C. Louisiana State Bar Association - Section of Civil Law and Litigation Frost Brown Todd Dechert LLP Martzell, Bickford & Centola Nashville Airport Authority Herman, Herman & Katz LLC Irwin Fritchie Urquhart & Moore LLC Nashville Electric Service Power LAW SCHOOL Thomson Reuters Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert YELLOW ROSE Law Center SECOND LINE - $1,000 The Honorable Lynda Jones Loyola University New Orleans College of Law Beasley Allen Law Firm Southern University Law Center Bruno & Bruno Law Tulane University School of Law Chaffe McCall L.L.P. Gainsburgh Benjamin David, Meunier & FRIENDS OF NAWJ Warshauer, LLC Joel T. Chaisson, II Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith Jones Walker LLP Carmen Rodriguez, Esq. SPRING 2020 54

NAWJ NEW MEMBERS SINCE JANUARY 1, 2020

We welcome the following new members of NAWJ:

Hon. Rachel Ahrens, Alaska Court System, Alaska Hon. Lenora Foote-Beavers, Buffalo City Court, Hon. Courtney Mikesic, 29th Judicial District New York Wyandotte County, Kansas Hon. Kimberly Alexander, DeKalb County State Court, Traffic Division, Georgia Hon. Lori Galbraith, Chesapeake Juvenile and Hon. Tamika Montgomery-Reeves, Delaware Supreme Domestic Relations Court, Virginia Court, Delaware Hon. Nicole Alston-Jackson, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware Hon. Leslie Gerbracht, Colorado Judicial Branch, Las Hon. Karen Moroney, Nassau County District Court, Animas County, Colorado New York Hon. Connie Aucoin, 29th Judicial District Court, Louisiana Mikhak Ghorban, Esq., California Hon. Marie Page, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware Hon. Yvette Ayala, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Arizona Hon. Hilary Gingold, Brooklyn Criminal Court, New York Hon. Tracy Perzel, First Judicial District Court, Minnesota Betsy Barnes, Esq., Morris Bart LLC, Louisiana Hon. Tomika Harris-Irving, 22nd Circuit of the State of Mississippi Hon. Kathleen Proctor, Washington County Circuit Shakuntla Bhaya, Esq., The Law Offices of Doroshow, Court, Oregon Pasquale, Krawitz and Bhaya, Delaware Hon. Karen Herman, Orleans Parish Criminal District Court, Louisiana Hon. Laura Ripken, Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, Hon. Bernadette Black, New York State Unified Court Maryland System, New York Hon. Jamie Hicks, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware Hon. Jenny Rivera, New York State Court of Appeals, Hon. Frances Bourliot, 14th Court of Appeals, Texas Hon. Dierdra Howard, U.S. Social Security New York Administration, Virginia Hon. Mary Ann Brigantti, Bronx Supreme Court Civil Michele Rodney, Esq., New York Branch, New York Hon. Sharon Jacobs, 14th Judicial District, Henrico County, Virginia Yvonne Saville, Esq., Weiss, Saville & Houser, PA, Hon. Peter Burcat, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware Delaware , Justice of the Peace Court, Hon. Maria Castro, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware Hon. Michelle Jewell Delaware Hon. Carol Sharpe, New York County Civil Court,

Hon. Leah Chandler, Justice of the Peace Court, th New York Delaware Hon. Tamara Johnson, 10 Judicial Circuit Court, Alabama Hon. Gail Sheridan-Lucht, Department of Corrections, Hon. Jeanne Cleveland Bernstein, Circuit Court of Cook Iowa County, Illinois Hon. Deborah Keenan, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware Kara Siegel, Esq., Shustak, Reynolds & Partners, P.C., Hon. Mirta Collazo, Justice of the Peace Court, California Delaware Hon. Megan King, Superior Court of Pennsylvania Hon. Meghan Spring, Massachusetts Trial Court, Hon. Diana Kruze, Superior Court of California Hon. Laura Cruz, 11th Judicial Court, Florida Massachusetts Hon. Sarah Beth Landau, First Court of Appeals, Texas Hon. Dr. Bracy Dixon, Justice of the Peace Court, Hon. Stephannie Stiel, East Central Judicial District Hon. Diana Leyden, U.S. Tax Court, Washington, D.C. Delaware Court, North Dakota Hon. Changyong Li, New York State Court, New York Hon. Dana Douglas, United States District Court, Hon. Ari Tobi-Aiyemo, Retired Judge, New York Louisiana Hon. Julian Mann, Office of Administrative Hearings, Hon. Susan Ufberg, Justice of the Peace Court, North Carolina Hon. Belinda Edwards, Superior Court of Fulton County, Delaware Georgia Hon. Rhonda Mason, Johnson County District Court, Hon. Karen Valihura, Delaware Supreme Court, Kansas Hon. Sherry Fallon, United States District Court, Delaware Delaware Hon. Lisa McEvers, North Dakota Supreme Court, Hon. Paul Wallace, Superior Court of Delaware North Dakota Hon. Anita Farris, Snohomish County Superior Court, Hon. Latrice Westbrooks, Court of Appeals, Washington State Hon. Hilleri Merritt, Los Angeles Superior Court, Mississippi California Hon. Emily Ferrell, Justice of the Peace Court, Delaware Hon. Judith Wheat, Arlington Circuit Court, Virginia Hon. Marsha Michael, New York State Supreme Court, Hon. Bethany Fiske, Justice of the Peace Court, Hon. LaShawn Williams, Harris County Civil Court at New York Delaware Law No. 3, Texas