summer 2016 final

Summer 2016

Trial Court Administrator’s Office

Summer 2016

T he 26th Judicial District of North Carolina declared the month of

July as Juror Appreciation Month. This month is set aside each year

to encourage all residents of the 26th Judicial District (Mecklenburg County)

to applaud the efforts of jurors who support the justice system and fulfill this

important civic responsibility on a daily basis, as well as to raise awareness of

the importance of jury service. Juror Appreciation Month included the

Sixteenth Annual Juror Appreciation Week from July 18—22 during which

time several events were held at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse in the

Jury Assembly Room. Funding for Juror Appreciation Week is sponsored

primarily by Justice Initiatives, Inc.

A special recognition ceremony kicked off the event on Monday, July 18 at 9:30am in the Jury Assembly Room.

The Proclamation declaring July 18-22, 2016 as Juror Appreciation Week in the 26th Judicial District signed by

Senior Resident Superior Court Judge W. Robert Bell and Chief District Court Judge Regan A. Miller was read

aloud. Judge Yvonne Mims-Evans and Judge Rickye Mckoy-Mitchell spoke to jurors about the importance of

jury service. Jurors enjoyed live music, movies, light refreshments, and chair massages while in the Jury

Assembly Room. Also, court personnel held question and answer sessions throughout each day in the Jury

Assembly Room to give jurors the opportunity to learn about their roles in the court system.

July is for Thanking Jurors

Mecklenburg County issues between

5,000 and 8,000 jury summons per

month

Summer 2016

E very summer since 2009, the Trial Court Administrator's Office has provided close to

400 teens from Charlotte and the surrounding area the opportunity to participate in a unique week-long summer program called Court Camp. During the camp, students are exposed to the reality of our judicial system, gain insight on what happens in the courthouse on a daily basis, and learn what it is like to be an attorney. Divided into four different sessions with fifteen students each, Court Camp provides experiential learning, as well as hands-on activities and networking opportunities that each student can use should they choose to pursue a career in the legal field. Each day of Court Camp is filled with new experiences designed to give campers a full understanding of the North Carolina Judicial Branch. From touring the Mecklenburg County Courthouse to visiting various court offices to observing real trials, Court Camp exposes teens to numerous aspects of law. Students have the opportunity to tour the Charlotte School of Law where they meet law students and learn about what it is like to study law. At the District Attorney’s Office, they meet Assistant District Attorneys who explain their role and share their experiences as a prosecutor. A favorite field trip is the visit to the law firm of Parker Poe where they learn about corporate law and talk with working attorneys and paralegals. At the end of the week, students experience what is like to be a lawyer by preparing and presenting a mock trial, which is held in an actual courtroom in the courthouse. Since the inception of Court Camp, other law camps have been created by area colleges and universities, but none offer the full range of hands-on, real-world experiences teens are exposed to during Court Camp many of which are often lead by actual practitioners. This program features observing live trials, meeting with judges and other court personnel who work in

court daily, and taking behind the scenes tours of offices and other areas of the courthouse normally off-limits to the public, including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Crime Lab. The newest addition to Court Camp is a session on the role of Probation in our system of justice. Campers meet with Probation Officers who explain their role and demonstrate tools they use including satellite ankle monitoring. This year, Session I met with retired CMPD homicide detective Garry McFadden who talked to them about collecting evidence at crimes scenes. Court Camp also remains very affordable and offers teens scholarships based on financial need so everyone has an opportunity to

participate. “I liked all the activities. It was interesting and fun!” one teen stated on an anonymous survey. Another

COURT CAMP IS MORE THAN JUST KUMBAYA

Court Camp students had fun exploring the law library at

Parker Poe

Continued on next page

Summer 2016

teen commented, “I liked the different tours to different places and when we sat in on the cases in different levels of courtrooms.” Parents also recognize the value of sending their children to Court Camp. “Our son thoroughly enjoyed every day. The range of experiences were exceptional and covered all aspects of court. I do believe his future career will be shaped from this experience. Thank you!!” Court Camp is sponsored and supported by Justice Initiatives and would not be possible without the continued support of our partners in the Charlotte legal community including the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Clerk of Superior Court’s Office, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, the Department of Public Safety [Probation], The Charlotte School of Law, the law firm of Parker Poe, and, of course, our judges. Showmars and The Courtside Café also contribute by providing discounts on lunches and snacks for Court Camp.

Court Camp met Clerk of Superior Court Elisa Chinn

-Gary and learned about the role of the Clerk’s

Office Judge Ty Hands presided over the Court Camp graduation ceremony

Court Camp students took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Mecklenburg County

Courthouse and were able to ask questions about the different offices

Summer 2016

T his summer marked the 5th Annual Wellness Fair hosted by the 26th Judicial

District Worksite Wellness Committee. Over 200 court and law enforcement staff visited the fair, which was held in the in the TCA Training Room and areas outside the room on the 4th floor in the courthouse. Participants were able to enjoy samples of healthy foods, receive door prizes, free chair and foot massages, all while gathering information from local vendors on how to live a healthier life.

In addition to sampling food and checking out vendors, attendees were able to participate in a variety of exercise demonstrations that occurred throughout the fair. First was a heart-pumping, foot-stomping “Line Dancing with Monika” followed by another session entitled “Athletic Conditioning.” Next up, participants donned their boxing gloves for an intense workout session by “9Round Fitness & Kickboxing.” “Flex5” concluded the day’s exercise demonstrations.

Vendors included Charlotte B-cycle, Charlotte Radiology, Debbie Lehman Reflexology, dōTERRA , Flex5, Fresh Market, Great Harvest Bread Company, Guided Hands Massage + Skin Care , Jamba Juice Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardeners , 9Round-Dilworth Fitness & Kickboxing , Run For Your Life, Savory Spice Shop, Trader Joe’s, U.S. National Whitewater Center and Whole Foods Market.

Court Employees Get Fit at Wellness Fair

Court staff enjoy Line Dancing with Monika

Court employees learn about athletic conditioning

L aw students across the state and country migrated to the

Mecklenburg County Courthouse this summer to be a part of our judicial intern pool. The schools represented include the Charlotte School of Law, North Carolina Central, Wake Forest, University of South Carolina, and Washington and Lee University School of Law. “This externship gives me the opportunity to network and gain practical experience,” says Dominique Caldwell, a rising third year law student at Wake Forest. Practical experience is exactly what each judicial extern received this summer. From drafting memos to observing trials and shadowing judges, these externs were put to work. A judicial internship affords them an opportunity to use the information they learned in the classroom by applying it to the work they perform for our judges and magistrates.

Learning the Law from the Inside

“The interns have been a

tremendous help and

we’re grateful to have

their assistance.”

Civil Magistrate Thomas L. Avery

A few of the summer 2016 judicial interns

Judicial Interns during their orientation

Summer 2016

SHOWCASING RESOURCES FOR VICTIMS OF

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

T he Mecklenburg County SelfServe Center kicked off their domestic violence lunch and

learn series in June. Those interested were invited to bring their lunch and join the SelfServe Center and guest presenters weekly on Wednesdays from 12:15-1:15pm to learn about various local agencies and their role in domestic violence response across Mecklenburg County. Adonicca McAllister at (704) 686-0216 or [email protected].

Sessions included presentations from the Meckelnburg County District Attorney’s Office Domestic Violence Unit, Cardinal Innovations, and Safe Alliance Victim Assistance Program. The inaugural session was lead by Assistant District Attorney Erik Lindahl, leader of the DA's Domestic Violence Team, who lead the lunch and learn discussion about domestic violence and prosecutors' work to end the cycle of violence.

ADA Lindahl was the inaugural speaker in a lunch and learn series

hosted by The SelfServe Center

Summer 2016

T his spring, the Trial Court Administrator’s Office and International House welcomed a

group of 21 foreign judges and court officials to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. The group consisted of representatives from various countries around the globe and is the largest and most diverse group of international visitors we have ever hosted. Although their job titles and occupations varied, the visitors all held high-ranking positions in the legal, government, or law enforcement fields in their respective countries. They came to the United States several weeks prior to their visit to Charlotte and toured several large cities where they learned about the local governments and how the American judicial system works as a whole. Before Charlotte, the group visited Washington D.C. and were scheduled to travel to Texas after visiting Charlotte. Among many experiences the visitors were exposed to during their visit to Charlotte, they were able to

meet Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts, tour the District Attorney’s office before making their final stop at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.

After a presentation about the NC court system, the group was given an extensive tour of the courthouse. They were very impressed with how beautiful the courthouse is and how well it is maintained. In addition to their fascination with how our system works, many of them were interested in America’s

gun laws and how citizens are able to purchase guns. The international group learned a great deal about the North Carolina judicial branch and, in turn, shared information on how their justice system works in their countries.

In a thank you letter from International House Program Director Johnelle Causewell wrote, “On behalf of International House and the U.S. Department of State, Office of International Visitors, thank you for meeting with our visitors. Our guests greatly appreciated the opportunity to exchange valuable ideas and enjoy a wonderful professional experience. This program exists thanks to gracious supporters, like you, who are willing to contribute their time, energy, hospitality, and expertise to bridge our communities, foster a better professional and cultural understanding, and further develop our partnerships, economies, and friendships.”

Court Hosts International Visitors

The international group enjoyed an extensive tour of the

courthouse

Representatives from Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Slovenia

were represented in the group among many others

Summer 2016

A DECADE OF FUNDRAISING AND A NIGHT OF

FOOD, FUN, AND ENTERATIANMENT

O n Thursday, April 28, Justice Initiatives, Inc. hosted its 10th Annual Evening at the Courthouse event in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. This event is a wonderful opportunity for members

of the Charlotte community to learn about the important work being conducted by Justice Initiatives on behalf of the court. It is also a great time to mingle with distinguished members of the judiciary, legislature, county commission, city council and leaders of the legal, business and civic communities in a relaxed atmosphere.

This year, veteran WBTV news anchor Paul Cameron was the Master of Ceremonies and kept things lively and engaging. Guests enjoyed sampling of cuisine from some of Charlotte's finest dining establishments along with live music from Jeff Brown, and participation in a silent auction. To help with fundraising, Earnest Perry, owner of Perry’s of Southpark, donated several stunning pieces of jewelry to auction and personally conducted the live auction himself. Thanks to the fundraiser, funds totaling $5,109 [a 103% increase from last year] were raised via the silent auction and an additional $1,069 [a 1,114% increase from last year] in donations was received at the event making a total of $6,178 raised during the event. The total amount raised as a result of the fundraiser was $85,253.00 [a 23% increase over last year]. These funds will be available through grants that can be used to provide much needed services, programs, training, equipment and other needs of the court that would otherwise not be available.

Deputy Clerk of Court Melissa Beio was the winner of this year’s Raising the Bar Award. Each year, this award is presented to honor an employee who has made a significant and notable contribution to the advancement

WBTV News Anchor Paul Cameron Deputy Clerk Melissa Beio [R] holds her award

Poses with Clerk of Court Elisa Chinn-Gary

Photo Credit: Sunshower Photography Photo Credit: Sunshower Photography

Continued on following page

Summer 2016

of the Mecklenburg County court system. Melissa was first hired by the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Court in the summer of2007 after moving from Boston where she had worked as a paralegal. She spent the first year or so archiving old files and performing special assignments. She was promoted to clerk of civil district court, courtroom 6330, in June of 2008 and has worked in that courtroom ever since. An excerpt from her nomination indicates “Melissa Beio knows the inner-workings of civil district court like the back of her hand. The breadth of her knowledge extends well beyond her daily clerical functions. Despite the stresses of her job, she is always upbeat and cheerful; and she points out the humor, in a good-spirited way, of situations that arise in civil district court. Her contributions help court run more smoothly; help the system serve litigants with professionalism and respect; and promote change in procedures that improve the

court's functioning for lawyers and litigants.”

The Evening at the Courthouse continues to be a much anticipated event each year and generates funds to provide much needed resources for the public and legal community when it comes to access to justice.

Photo Credit: Sunshower Photography

V.I. P. guests enjoyed special fare and live music on the 9th Floor

Terrace of the courthouse

Guests had a fun time posing on the red

carpet, which was a new feature this year

2008—Erica Adams (TCA)

2009—Cathy Fletcher (TCA)

2010—Elisa Chinn-Gary (TCA)

2011—Charles Keller (TCA)

2012—Mag. Karen Johnson

2013—Carol Swann (TCA)

2014—Stephanie Adelman (PD)

2015—Bart Menser (DA)

Past Recipients of the Raising the Bar Award

Photo Credit: Sunshower Photography

Summer 2016

BOWLING, ANYONE?

Hon. Regan A. Miller

Erica Adams [OP]

Maura Chavez [CAO]

Katie Hudson [CM]

Jennifer Kuehn [FC]

Janet Norwood [JS]

Lynette Richter [CM]

Suzanne Cavanaugh [DTC]

Elizabeth Wilhelm [OP]

Melissa Ibarra [OP]

Kenneth Hart [FC]

Salim Uqdah [FC]

T he annual TCA Spring Fling always delivers good food and great fun for TCA team members and

judges and this year was no different. The members of the Rewards, Incentives, and Activities

Committee [RIAC] made arrangements for TCA , DTC staff and judges to enjoy lunch at Nan & Byron's on

South Boulevard. This time allowed for good food and fellowship. Afterwards, many folks took advantage of

the opportunity to go bowling at AMF Lanes. There was great fun and a little friendly competition among

the bowlers! This yearly outing offers those who participate an opportunity to get to know and mingle with

their coworkers who they otherwise may not interact with throughout the course of the business day. It is

also a wonderful occasion to relieve some stress at a fun and entertaining venue. Thanks to the members of

RIAC for planning this event!

Case Coordinator Adrienne White [FC] does a happy dance

after bowling a strike

TCA Todd Nuccio executes his best Fred Flintstone approach as

he prepares to deliver the ball over the foul line

The Members of RIAC

Summer 2016

WELCOME NEW TEAM MEMBERS

Adonicca McAlister

On July 1, 2016, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge W. Robert Bell [R]

administered the oath to Special Superior Court Judge Casey Viser [L]

who was appointed by Governor McCrory. Mrs. Viser held the Bible.

Adonicca McAllister is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with concentrations in Women’s Studies and Sociology. Upon graduation, Adonicca worked in domestic violence crisis intervention the Domestic Violence agency in Wake County. She previously served as the Crisis Line Coordinator and Lead Crisis Counselor for the agency, and spent several years serving as the Civil Court Advocate for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and similar crimes. Adonicca is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University while she serves as our Domestic Violence Resource and Training Coordinator in The SelfServe Center.

Summer 2016

Jessica Sheldon

Jessica Sheldon is our newest Official Court Reporter. Jessica holds a Court Reporting Certificate from Monroe Community College located in Rochester, New York and is certified through the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) as a Registered Professional Reporter.

Jessica brings five years of Court Reporting experience and has worked as a freelance Court Reporter in New York. She joined the team of Court Reporters on Monday, March 14, 2016.

Katie Hudson

Katie Hudson is the newest addition to the Caseflow Management team. Katie took her role as a Criminal Caseflow Coordinator in mid-December, 2015. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and also studied in the UNC Charlotte Certified Paralegal Program. Prior to coming to our office, Katie worked in the service industry for the last five years.

Sheena Smith [not pictured] is now working out of The SelfServe Center. Sheena is an employee of Mecklenburg County Child Support Enforcement, currently under the leadership of Director Joan Kennedy, and has worked there for the past four years. During her first 6 months with the agency, she was a nominee for the Employee of the Year award.

Sheena transitioned from her office at 5800 Executive Center Drive in February, 2016 and is currently located in The SelfServe center. Sheena has earned a host of certifications over the years including customer service, nursing, mediation, and management, to name a few. She manages a non-profit organization that provides support to other non-profits in the surrounding area. Sheena says she loves to participate in community projects and a host of other governmental projects to assist the community. She is currently pursuing a degree in Theology.

Trial Court Administrators are hired by the Senior Resident

Superior Court Judge and the Chief District Court Judge. This is

a state-funded position established to improve the admin-

istration of justice through professional management. Twelve

districts have trial court administrators who are responsible

for carrying out the policies of the Senior Resident Superior

Court Judge and Chief District Court Judge as well as providing

general management for the operations of the court system in

their districts.

The Trial Court Administrator's main function is civil case man-

agement to assure that civil cases move through the court sys-

tem as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. The TCA keeps

track of civil cases filed in both superior and district courts,

determine when cases are ready for trial and assist the judges

in preparing the calendar for terms of civil court.

The TCA also works directly and through staff as a facilitator

for change by initiating and coordinating discussions to identi-

Mecklenburg County Courthouse

832 East Fourth Street

Suite 4420

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

Phone: 704-686-0260

Fax: 704-686-0340

E-mail: [email protected]

Building public trust and

confidence through service,

excellence and leadership

Your feedback is welcome! If you have ideas for articles, news to share,

photographs, events, program news or staff news,

please email [email protected]

About Our Office

TCA = Trial Court Administrator

OP = Operations

FC = Family Court

CAO = Community Access & Outreach

JS = Judicial Support

DTC = Drug Treatment Court

CSC = Clerk of Superior Court

DA = District Attorney

PD = Public Defender

GAL = Guardian Ad Litem

MCSO = Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s

Office

COURT OFFICES ABBREVIATIONS

summer 2016 final

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