2022 Winter Edition

Courts & Judiciary

Director's Column

By Ms. Tori Jo Wible, Chicago, IL

I grew up in Minnesota. The winters were long, that probably goes without saying. You could always count on a teaser day, the wind would be a little warmer, the snow would melt, the sun would be brighter, but you knew, just knew, that this wasn’t it.

Courts & Judiciary

JD Recommendations for ABA Presidential Appointments

Judicial Division members are encouraged to apply for a 2022-2023 ABA Presidential appointment. Learn more about the process and how to receive a JD recommendation for the desired position.

Technology

Rule 26 and Proportionality in a Remote Work World

By Hon. Bernice B. Donald and Mr. Ronald Hedges

Judge Bernice Donald and Ron Hedges discuss rule 26 and proportionality in the remote work world. Judge Donald is a US Circuit Court Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Mr. Hedges is Chair of the JD's Court Technology Committee.

Courts & Judiciary

AJC Chair's Column

By Hon. Samuel A. Thumma, Phoenix, Arizona

The 17th AJEI Summit is now in the books, and it was fabulous. More than 300 federal and state appellate justices and judges, appellate lawyers and staff attorneys, military justice participants, law professors and others joined us in Austin.

Appellate Practice

Council of Appellate Lawyers Chair's Column

By Mr. Mark A. Kressel, Los Angeles, CA

My theme for the coming Council of Appellate Lawyers year is “the return to the new normal.” Recent improvements in public health mean we can finally begin returning to bench and bar activities much as we knew them before the pandemic

Appellate Practice

Council of Appellate Staff Attorneys Chair's Column

By Mr. Jess D. Mekeel, Denver, CO

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” I’m finally appreciating Ferris Bueller’s wisdom.

Court Administration

LC Chair's Column

By Ms. Shenique A. Moss, Detroit, MI

It’s hard to believe that the 2022 Midyear Meeting is only one month away. If you are feeling anything like me, the past two years have been a blur. I used to plan my year by ABA meetings and conferences.

Administrative Law

NCALJ Chair's Column

By Hon. John C. Allen, IV, Chicago, IL

Happy New Year! By the time you read this, everyone will be several days or weeks into the brand new year of 2022. Normally, I would make a joke that would be something along the lines of, “Who would have thought that we would have made it this far!”

Federal Government

NCFTJ Chair's Column

By Hon. Diana Song Quiroga, Laredo, Texas

As we welcome another year facing ever-changing pandemic-related challenges, we reflect on last year’s victories, big and small, and carry on with hope and determination.

Tribal Law & Courts

NCSCJ Chair's Column

By Hon. Phinia Aten, Conyers, GA

“Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me, and I may not remember. Involve me, and I’ll understand.” This Native American proverb speaks to the power of involution, an instance of transformative engagement leading back to a better self.

Practice Management

IRS Cracking Down on Unreported "Gig Economy Income"

By Hon. Richard Ginkowski, Pleasant Prairie, WI

Are you a “gig worker?” That may seem like an odd question but as the IRS is cracking down on unreported and underreported income, judges will want to stay on top of the duty to report outside income.

Civil Rights & Constitution

A Letter from Kenosha

Hon. Richard Ginkowski, Pleasant Prairie, WI

Throughout the trial of State of Wisconsin vs. Kyle Rittenhouse I received e-mails, calls and text messages relating to a case in which I had no involvement or particular opinion as to the defendant’s guilt or innocence.

Courts & Judiciary

The Finns: Proudly Raising Hell

By Hon. Richard Ginkowski, Pleasant Prairie, WI

Elizabeth Finn, recently retired as presiding judge of the Glendale (Az) Municipal Court after serving almost 43 years on the bench, comes from a family of Arizona lawyers with a stellar work ethic and legendary commitment to public service.

Courts & Judiciary

2022 National Traffic Academy: Promoting Justice & Improving Outcomes

June 13-15, 2022 | Denver, CO | The National Traffic Academy is the ABA's premiere educational conference for issues facing the judges and lawyers who handle traffic cases and traffic courts.

State Government

NCSTJ Chair's Column

By Hon. David M. Connors, Farmington, UT

The ABA’s Midyear Meeting in Seattle is just a few weeks away and I hope some of you will be able to join us. Let me give you a brief outline of the meetings and activities we’ll be participating in while in Seattle.