That question is seldom one of endearment when asked by an exasperated parent – especially when followed by a recitation of every syllable of your full name. But that’s not the case when I speak of the National Conference of Specialized Court Judges (NCSCJ) which I have the privilege to chair.
NCSCJ is the smallest of the conferences in the ABA Judicial Division with, arguably, the most diverse and exhilarating membership.
At one of our meetings you might – literally – sit between a judge hearing small claims cases in Indianapolis and another working with international courts in Europe and across from a municipal court magistrate sitting in between a military judge advocate and one of the nation’s preeminent authorities on juvenile justice who is sitting next to a tribal court judge.
The breadth and diversity of our backgrounds makes for some stimulating conversations. The words “diversity, equity and inclusion” have taken on a life of their own in our political discourse but NCSCJ membership embodies them in an apolitical environment of respect, acceptance and encouragement.
I could name plenty of names to back this up. I’ll stick to three. My Maryland colleague, Judge Pamila Brown, will receive the ABA Margaret Brent Award at the Annual Meeting in Chicago. Another Margaret Brent honoree, the inspirational Col. Linda Strite Murnane, USAF (Ret.), worked with international courts in The Hague after retiring from the Military and now is a jurist in the Marshall Islands. Col. Murnane is a former chair of the ABA Judicial Division as is the Hon. Ernestine S. Gray, whose passion for fair treatment of juveniles and their families in the courts is exemplary and continues even after her retirement from the bench in New Orleans.
NCSCJ members are well represented among the experts organizing and presenting continuing legal education programs at ABA meetings and elsewhere. The division’s podcast, Gavel Talks, is produced and hosted by NCSCJ executive committee member Richard Ginkowski, a judge in Wisconsin.
After the annual meeting in Chicago I will transition from chairing NCSCJ to chair the ABA Criminal Justice Section Council. While the section is much larger than NCSCJ my heart will always remain with the honorable men and women who make the smallest of the Judicial Division’s conferences truly special. Working with them has been and always will be my honor. And if you’re looking for a place in the Judicial Division where you will feel welcome and able to make a difference, come join us.