10/2/09

The State Bar of Michigan has named 28 prominent lawyers and judges as members of the newly created Judicial Crossroads Task Force.

Led by the immediate past president of the State Bar, Edward H. Pappas, and the former chief judge of the Oakland County Circuit Court, Barry L. Howard, the task force will hold its first meeting on Friday, Oct. 23 in Lansing.

"We have assembled an excellent group of professionals who will identify how Michigan's justice system can meet the needs of the public in the face of major changes that are underway in the state's economy," Pappas said. "It's essential that we seize this opportunity to accomplish what needs to be done."

Howard noted that the groups' work will be supported by four committees: Court Structure and Resources, Access to Justice, Technology, and Business Impact. "We expect to complete our work within one year," Howard said.

Members of the Judicial Crossroads Task Force are: (updated January 25, 2010)

Diane L. Akers—Bodman LLP
Hon. James Alexander—Oakland County Circuit Court
Hon. Marilyn E. Atkins—36th District Court
James S. Brady—Miller Johnson
Thomas W. Cranmer—Miller Canfield
Hon. Alton T. Davis—Michigan Court of Appeals
Nancy J. Diehl—former Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney
Hon. Susan L. Dobrich—Cass County Circuit Court Family Div.
Andrew Doctoroff—Honigman Miller
Hon. Pat M. Donofrio—Michigan Court of Appeals 2nd District
George A. Googasian—Googasian Firm PC
Michael J. Hodge—Miller Canfield
Dirk Hoffius—Varnum LLP
Barry L. Howard—Lipson Neilson Cole Seltzer & Garin PC
E. Christopher Johnson Jr.—Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Hon. Marilyn J. Kelly—Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court
Hon. James C. Kingsley—37th Circuit Court
Hon. Milton L. Mack Jr.—Wayne County Probate Court
Richard D. McLellan—Dykema Gossett PLLC
Hon. Susan M. Moiseev—46th District Court
Hon. Denise Langford Morris—6th Circuit Court
Margaret J. Nichols—Nichols Sacks
Hon. Maria Oxholm—3rd Circuit Court
Edward H. Pappas—Dickinson Wright PLLC
Hon. Victoria A. Roberts—U.S. District Court
Hon. Kirk W. Tabbey—14A District Court
Hon. Kenneth L. Tacoma—Wexford County Probate Court
Reginald M. Turner Jr.—Clark Hill PLC
Valdemar L. Washington—MI Dep't of Treasury