Local Courts: Their Complex Issues And How Are They Solving Them?

Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast: January 2021 Episode When we talk about the challenges confronting America’s judicial branch, we often focus on the concerns and accomplishments of large metropolitan courts. After all, they are often the ones that have more money and more resources to throw at a problem.  However, a survey conducted several years ago, revealed that almost 65% of all courts in the United States had benches of fewer than four judges. In a large portion of our country, these local suburban and often rural jurisdictions, these local courts are the representative of the judicial branch.  How are these local courts solving their problems? How are they coping with the issues of the day with less staff, less money, often shared facilities, and frequently government entities that are somewhat less respectful of the court as being a separate branch of government? This month we have invited clerks of court and court administrators of one and two judge courts around the country to chat about their current issues, about how they are managing those issues, and what advice they have for the rest of us. About Our Speaker Panelists Angie Van Schoick is the Court Administrator for the Municipal Court in the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado.  It is a position she has held since 2013.  Angie is a licensed macro level social worker in the State of Colorado and Michigan, receiving her MSW from the University of Michigan in 2007. Saundra Berry is the Clerk of Court for the Municipal Court in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.  Saundra earned a master’s degree in business administration from Atlanta University and a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Central State University. Kelly S. Elliott is the Court Administrator for the Municipal Court in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.  Kelly has more than 39 years of experience in the court and legal field.  Kelly completed her Certified Court Administrator certificate in 2015 and received her Advanced Certified Court Administrator in 2019 through the Missouri Association for Court Administration. Lindsey Forshee is the Superior Court Administrator for the Tifton Judicial Circuit in Georgia.  Lindsey graduated from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management in May 2018. Danielle Trujillo is the Court Administrator for the Municipal Court in Littleton, Colorado.  Danielle is an innovative public safety professional with an exceptional ability to research and analyze complex issues and provide actionable conclusions.  Through problem solving and critical thinking she utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to bridge gaps in information and processes.   DanielIe started her career in restorative justice and love the ability to directly serve my community through local government.