Time seems to go by faster every year, and that’s especially true of 2023 as we emerge from the pandemic. It’s hard to believe that my term as chair of the Appellate Judges Conference is ending soon. It has been an honor and absolute pleasure to serve with such an incredibly dedicated group of judges, lawyers, and other professionals. I am especially grateful to the officers and members of the AJC Executive Committee and the ABA staff members. They really do all the heavy lifting.
July 14, 2023 Appellate Judges Conference
AJC Chair's Column
By Hon. Jacqueline H. Nguyen, Los Angeles, CA
I must single out one staff person in particular who has kept me sane this year—Tori Jo Wible. Last year, while we were very happy for Amanda Banninga as she moved on from the ABA to another opportunity, it was a devastating blow for AJC. Amanda, with Tori Jo’s help, made sure our train ran on time and kept us in good order. Numerous AJC chairs have leaned heavily on Amanda’s expertise. It took many, many months to find Amanda’s replacement, and in the interim Tori Jo stepped up in a big way. Thank you, Tori Jo, for your commitment and service to AJC despite the extra workload, and for finding such an excellent replacement in Amy Dasgupta! We look forward to working with her and, in just a few short months, we can tell that she’s a keeper. Amy, we’re very fortunate to have you on board.
As for the AJC officers and board members, what an extraordinary group of thoughtful and talented people. I don’t have the allotted word count to fully express how much I have learned from working with each of you, and how grateful I am for your dedication and service. AJC is in excellent hands with our next chair, Montana Supreme Court Justice Laurie McKinnon, whose term begins in August. Laurie has served on Montana’s highest court since 2013 and is widely recognized for her dedication to improving access to justice.
Finally, an important reminder. The 2023 Appellate Judges Education Institute (AJEI) Summit will be held November 2–5, 2023, at the JW Marriott, in Washington D.C. I encourage early registration as the event will surely sell out. Along with the usual array of fantastic sessions, there will be a fireside chat with Elizabeth B. Prelogar, the U.S. Solicitor General, and a program on the Supreme Court and the American constitutional system. I look forward to catching up with many of you there as well as at the ABA annual meeting in Denver in August!