PRESIDENT'S CORNER

BY JANET MENDEZ (iNGHAM)

I want to start my first President’s Corner by telling you all what an honor it is to be President of this organization, and also by thanking Kate Weaver for all that she did during her time as President. I joined the RAM board in 2017, two years after becoming a referee, and have had nothing but increasing admiration for all of the dedication and hard work that our members put into keeping our group at the forefront of the legal community. We have members participating in countless legal associations, organizations, workgroups, and committees so that our profession has a presence, as well as a voice, in legal issues being addressed that affect the families with whom we work. As President, one of the things I hope to continue is helping our members find ways to become and stay active, not only within our organization, but in other legal capacities across the state. Over time, there will be various opportunities that come up, and I urge everyone that has any interest to volunteer for those opportunities. By doing so, it will not only provide valuable experience to you as individuals, but also continue to ensure that our roles as referees in the juvenile and domestic arenas continue to have an impact.
 
Now, just a little bit about me…I have been a domestic referee in Ingham County since 2015. Prior to that I was an investigator/conciliator, also in Ingham County, for just over two years. Before entering the public sector, I worked as a private attorney for almost nine years at a well-respected law firm in Lansing, Michigan, doing almost exclusively domestic relations work. I am originally from Ann Arbor, and yes….my blood runs blue!!  I graduated from the University of Michigan for both undergrad and law school. I am the immensely proud mom of a 24-year old son, Colin. He also graduated from the University of Michigan, and is now living in Chicago doing amazing things.
 
I am very excited to serve as President of RAM. I want to maintain very open communication with all members. If you ever have concerns, questions, comments…anything at all…please do not hesitate to reach out. If I can’t answer any particular question, I will do my best to seek out the resource that can.
 
Finally, I want to thank Kate Weaver and Sahara Housey for all of the work they did for our 2024 annual conference on Mackinac Island this past May.  It was truly spectacular.  I hope ALL members will consider joining us next year for the annual conference, which will be held in Midland, Michigan. RAM has been named an approved provider for the new continuing judicial education requirement. By attending the annual conference, you will not only be networking with your fellow referees from across the state, but you will be earning credits towards your CJE obligation.  And I assure you, a great time will be had by all!
 
Have a great fall, everyone!