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    About the Judicial Division

    The Judicial Division (JD) is dedicated to improving the American judicial system and to encourage all members of the judiciary, lawyers, and others who share a strong interest in this goal to work toward this common objective.

    JD Chair Judge Heather A. Welch

    The JD serves as the voice of the judiciary, supporting an effective, accessible, fair, and impartial justice system. We seek to improve public trust and understanding of the role of courts in upholding the rule of law, while extending the opportunity for participation to diverse judges throughout America.

    JD Council 2023-2024

    Hon. Heather Welch

    Chair

    Hon. Heather Welch

    Hon. James E. Lockemy

    Chair-Elect

    Hon. James E. Lockemy

    Hon. Frank Bailey

    Vice-Chair

    Hon. Frank Bailey

    Hon. Julian Mann, III

    Immediate Past Chair

    Hon. Julian Mann, III
    • Hon. Chris McFadden

      Appellate Judges Conference, Chair

    • Randi Brent Starrett

      Lawyers Conference, Chair

    • Hon. Mimi Tsankov

      National Conference of the Administrative Law Judiciary, Chair

    • Hon. Elizabeth Stong

      National Conference of Federal Trial Judges, Chair

    • Hon. Juliet Britton

      National Conference of Specialized Court Judges, Chair

    • Hon. Denise Langford-Morris

      National Conference of State Trial Judges, Chair

    • Hon. Anna Blackburne-Rigsby

      Conference of Chief Justices, President

    • Robert Hunter, Esq.

      National Judicial College Board of Trustees, Chair

    • Mr. Richard N. Bien

      Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates

    • Hon. Frank Bailey

      Co-Budget Officer

    • Sarah Warner

      Co-Budget Officer

    • Hon. James Hill

      Liaison from the ABA Board of Governors

    • Hon. Linda Strite Murnane

      Judicial Member-at-Large, ABA Board of Governors

    • Ms. Kris Berliant

      Director, Judicial Division

    Judicial Division Committees

    JD Committees contribute and assist to the initiatives of the Division. Through committee work, members are able to learn, network and engage in problem-solving issues regarding the court and judicial system.

    See All - Committees

    Committee Chairs

    • Amicus

      Ms. Kirsten Castañeda, Ms. M.C. Sungaila

    • Awards

      Hon. Toni E. Clarke, Hon. Ernestine Gray, Hon. Linda Strite Murnane

    • Book Editorial Board

      Hon. Mary-Margaret Anderson, Hon. Robert Edmunds

    • Court Technology

      Hon. Ronald Hedges

    • Diversity in the Judiciary

      Hon. Emily Chafa, Hon. Marcella Holland

    • Ethics & Professionalism

      Hon. Peter Reyes

    • Finance and Non-Dues Revenue

      Hon. Frank Bailey, Hon. Sarah Warner

    • In-House Pro Bono

      Mr. Michael Bergmann, Mr. Michael Scodro

    • JD Record Editorial Board

      Hon. Elizabth Gunn, Hon. Christina Klineman

    • Judges’ Journal Editorial Board

      Hon. Frank Bailey, Hon. Victor Bolden

    • Judicial Clerkship Program

      Hon. James G. Gilbert, Mr. Robert O. Saunooke, Hon. Heather Welch

    • Judicial Outreach Network

      Hon. Emily Chafa, Hon. Thomas Snook

    • Judicial Security

      Hon. John C. Allen, IV, Mr. Jonathan Shirts

    • Law Clerk Code of Conduct

      Ms. Carolyn Dubay

    • Membership

      Hon. Juliet Britton, Hon. Marcella Holland

    • Nominating

      Hon. Julian Mann III

    • Programs

      Hon. Kristin Rosi

    • Resolutions

      Mr. Richard N. Bien

    • Rule of Law & International Courts

      Hon. Elizabeth Snow Stong

    • Strategic Planning

      Hon. Heather Welch

    • Tribal Courts Council

      Mr. Robert O. Saunooke