Court and Community News from the Third Judicial Circuit

July 2024

Reunification Day celebrated in Detroit

June is National Reunification Month and was officially recognized in 2009 after celebrations in the states of Iowa and Pennsylvania inspired respected organizations such as the American Bar Association and the National Council for Juvenile and Family Court Judges to nationally endorse the idea. Over the past few years, several Michigan counties have had events.

The Michigan Supreme Court and State Court Administrative Office encouraged state courts to participate in National Reunification Month this June by holding an event recognizing the families and professionals who are successful in having children returned home from foster care. Michigan’s 7th Reunification Day celebration was be held at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in Detroit on Thursday, June 27.

The Michigan Supreme Court, Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Federation for Children and Families, SCAO Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Services, and Michigan Court Improvement Program sponsored the event, including a brunch, child friendly activities and a program honoring Wayne County families who have been successfully reunified.

The program featured remarks by State Supreme Court Justice Megan K. Cavanagh and Justice Kyra H. Bolden, Third Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard, and Third Judicial Circuit Family Juvenile Interim Presiding Judge Shelia Gibson, among others.

The program also highlighted the stories of inspiring parents who worked hard to be reunified with their children. Michigan Reunification Day is also an opportunity to recognize the vital role that community partners play in helping to strengthen, support, and reunify families. As such, the event honored three outstanding child welfare leaders with Guy Thompson Family Preservation Awards- Brittney Barros, Nancy Pfeifer and Leila Sanders.

2024 Spring Admissions Ceremony

The Court, along with the Detroit Bar Association, celebrated the admission of nearly 20 new attorneys into the State Bar as part of the Spring Admissions Ceremony held on May 29 at CAYMC 13th Floor Erma Henderson Auditorium. Chief Judge Patricia Fresard and several members of the Court bench spoke to the new attorneys and other attendees about the important obligations they have in their profession, and shared a few stories of their careers as lawyers and judges.

We wish the best for all of our new attorneys and look forward to the Fall Admissions Ceremony later this year.

Judge Chandra W. Baker-Robinson has joined the Board of Directors of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry (WCJOM). The WCJOM is an interfaith 501(c)3 nonprofit, supporting religious services for inmates while housed at the Wayne County Jail, regardless of denomination. The organization also helps returning citizens rejoin society with clothing, food, job placement, and mentoring.

Elected to the Third Judicial Circuit in 2020, Judge Baker-Robinson is a trial judge in the Criminal Division and has presided in the court’s Adult Drug Treatment Program. 

The following was published in the Detroit Legal News on May 16, 2024:

“With her extensive experience as a prosecutor and judge, Judge Baker-Robinson understands how important it is to prepare incarcerated persons for successful re-entry into society,” said Stephen J. Murphy III, judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, who chairs the WCJOM board. “Judge Baker-Robinson has worked with both defendants and crime victims, and has great insight into the issues faced by returning citizens.”

Congratulations to Judge Baker-Robinson!

Third Judicial Circuit welcomes new referees

Pictured left to right: Referee Christina McPhail-Stockdale, Chief Judge Patricia P. Fresard, Referee Erika Morgan, and Referee Eric Ratkowski.

Erika D. Morgan, Christina McPhail-Stockdale, and Eric T. Ratkowski were sworn in as Domestic Relations Referees for the Third Circuit Court – Family Division on June 18th by Chief Judge Patricia P. Fresard.

Referee Erika Morgan earned her Bachelors from the University of Detroit Mercy, having majored in Criminal Justice Studies. She earned her Master’s degree in Intelligence Analysis, and earned her law degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. Erika was a solo practicing attorney for over six years and was also a part-time Magistrate at the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park, Michigan. She has over 25 years of investigative experience in the criminal justice field. Erika worked at 36th District Court as a Probation Officer and at the felony level as a Probation Officer in Oakland County and at the Office of Inspector General as a Regulation Agent that focused on welfare fraud. Before her legal career, she interned with the Michigan Attorney General Office in the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Department.

Referee Christina McPhail-Stockdale earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan and her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. A native Detroiter, Christina’s background includes extensive work as trial counsel in both criminal and civil matters. For over 17 years, she represented several small businesses as in-house (general) counsel and practiced in various areas such as commercial real estate, probate, personal injury, non-profit advocacy, cannabis law, and family law. She is active with various bar associations and has received past recognition as a Michigan top lawyer in the areas of business law and family law.

Referee Eric Ratkowski earned his Bachelors in Journalism and Political Science from Oakland University where he was the Sports Producer at the Campus Radio Station WXOU. He later earned his law degree from Wayne State University. At Wayne State, Eric interned at the Asylum and Immigration Clinic, the Third Circuit Court Personal Protection Order Docket, and the Free Legal Aid Clinic, as well as private practice.  He was the Judicial Attorney to the Hon. Adel A. Harb for the past six years in both the Civil and Domestic Divisions.

Welcome to our new referees!

Third Judicial Circuit is well represented at state referee conference

Referees LaChelle Logan and Dawn Hoffman at the Referees Association of Michigan Annual Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

Juvenile Referees LaChelle Logan and Dawn Hoffmann had the opportunity to attend and represent Wayne County Circuit Court – Juvenile Division, at the Referees Association of Michigan’s 40^th Annual Conference on Mackinac Island. The conference took place from May 15-17, 2024, and provided CLE credit.

The conference was an excellent opportunity to network with other referees from around the state in a beautiful setting while learning invaluable information on multiple topics. Some of topics included the implementation of Michigan Justice for Kids and Communities in the courts, an overview of the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act, 2023 PA 38, a practical guide to evidence, and how to make a good record.

While there, several of our referees not in attendance were recognized by RAM and Referee Hoffmann accepted the certificates on behalf of the following: Welcome Aboard to Referee Lisa Winer and Referee Brian Johnson, Recognition of Service Awards for Five years for Referee Laura Kellett and Sean Kerman, a Recognition of 20 years of Service award for Referee Leslie Graves, and a Recognition of 25 years of Service Award for Referee Kathleen Allen.

Thank you to the administration for the privilege of attending the conference and thank you to our colleagues for covering so we could attend!

Friend of the Court welcomes new employees

Pictured left to right: Chantele Kelley, Doris Thomas, Tiffany Gildon, Emalee Engelhard, Lynette Clark, Zareia Price, Cheryl Hughes, and Tealia Woodfox 

We're proud to welcome several new Friend of the Court employees.

Chantele Kelley joins the Information Services Department as an Information Specialist I. Chantele was born and raised in Detroit. She has one daughter, Jurnee, who will be nine in July. She enjoys taking trips, bowling, movies, and just being around family and friends. Sadly, Chantele’s mother passed away two months ago but she says she has a wonderful grandmother and aunt who are making sure she continues to thrive and does not get discouraged. Chantele says she is very hard working, ready and willing to accept new challenges, and looks forward to learning her job duties and seeking promotional opportunities.

Doris Thomas returns to the Friend of the Court in the Case Establishment Department as an Information Specialist I after leaving in 2019. Doris has been a licensed cosmetologist for 21 years. Her greatest passion has always been helping others. She says that “returning to the FOC felt like a warm hug and seeing all of my old colleagues was amazing! These individuals were instrumental in my learning and growth as an Information and Customer Service Specialist for Third Judicial Court.” Doris’s greatest accomplishment of all is raising three children ages 16,13, and 11 with her husband, whom she will be married to 19 years on September 17^th. In her spare time, she loves to craft, bake, and bike ride.

Tiffany Gildon joins the Information Services Department as an Information Specialist I. She has over 10 years of experience in Data Entry/Administration. Tiffany previously, worked in communications for the Detroit Police Department. She says she has a strong work ethic and prides herself in going above and beyond to complete a task. To better improve job security, career advancement and personal development, Tiffany went back to school in 2005 to receive a college degree. In her spare time, she enjoys concerts, plays, and traveling.  

Emalee Engelhard joins the Case Establishment Department as an Information Specialist I and says she feels very honored to receive this opportunity to be part of the Third Circuit Court. Emalee has a graphic design background and free lances when the opportunity arises. She has worked in customer service and education (as a substitute teacher and an educational aid) in the past. Emalee is a dog mom to 2 small dogs and enjoys drawing, painting, photography, and digital collage.

Lynette Clark joins the Case Establishment Department as an Information Specialist I and is excited to start her journey at the Third Circuit Court. All of Lynette’s prior experience has been working in customer service in some type of fashion. She is excited to bring that experience to the FOC and is open to the wealth of knowledge she will be receiving. Lynette says that everyone here has been super welcoming and she’s as excited to get to know them. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures.

Cheryl Ann Hughes joins the Information Services Department as an Information Specialist I. Cheryl worked for 22 years in the automotive industry. She is a long-time resident of Detroit. She loves reading, writing, dancing, and advocating for a cause. In her spare time, she enjoys reading legal cases, learning Python (programming language), and doing medical research. She holds several degrees: Associate of Science, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, and Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering.

Zareia Price joins the Information Services Department as an Information Specialist I. Zareia was born and raised in Detroit. She has a 4-year-old son that she loves and adores very much. She has 9 years of customer service experience, including three and half years at the FOC Call Center. Zareia enjoys singing, listening to music, dancing, cooking, yoga/exercising, nature, and new adventures.

Tealia Woodfox joins the Information Services Department as an Information Specialist I. Tealia is a mother of three. She enjoys working with others and meeting new people. Tealia also enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She has a passion for crafts and being there for others. She says she looks forward to this new journey.

Welcome and good luck to all new FOC team members!

Celebrating Lyn Roberts' Retirement as CFO...

After nearly eight years working for the Court, Lyn Roberts worked her last day in early June. As Lyn moves into the next phase of her career, we anticipate we will still be seeing her around the Court here and there, but thank her for her professionalism and dedication to the Court, and the level of experience and knowledge she brought to the Budget and Finance department.

Good luck in your new role Lyn, where we are sure you will continue to solve problems with your amazing expertise and a smile!

...And Welcoming Thomas Harrell as our new CFO

Thomas J. Harrell joined the Court in late May as CFO. Thomas previously served as Director of Fiscal Services for Southfield Public Schools where he managed district-allocated finance, handled financial compliance, ran all internal controls and financial audits, and was in charge of budgetary processes and investment strategies.

Before his time in Southfield Thomas was the Director of Business and Finance at Clintondale Community Schools and a Senior Accountant in Grant Accounting for the City of Detroit.

“Thomas has a proven track record of financial management success and compliance, which is critical in this role for the Court,” said Executive Court Administrator Frank Hardester. “His experience working in the public sector for both the city of Detroit and local school districts provides a tremendous base for leading our financial department.”

Welcome to the Court team, Thomas!

New Lawyer Bootcamp

Thanks to General Counsel Margaret Flanagan and Judicial Attorney Fran Yturri for presenting information about the Court that is helpful to new attorneys as part of the New Lawyer Bootcamp, hosted by the Detroit bar Association on June 18. There, Margaret and Fran shared details about the court’s history and divisions, and provided attendees with useful information when dealing with the third Judicial Circuit in the future, from jury services to transcript requests. 

July is Juror Appreciation Month

July has been designated “Juror Appreciation Month” by the Michigan Supreme Court to celebrate the many Michigan citizens who serve as jurors each year and to encourage others to answer the call to jury service. Jury service is a duty of American citizenship. It is a high privilege and an opportunity to observe and participate in democracy in action.