PRESIDENT'S CORNER

BY JANET MENDEZ (INGHAM)

PRESIDENT’S CORNER
BY JANET MENDEZ (INGHAM)
 
Hello RAM. Happy fall to you all. We are well into football season, pumpkin season and leaves-changing-color season. I hope you all had a fantastic summer and are settling in and getting ready for our lovely upcoming Michigan winter. I just have a few updates to share.
 
Continuing Judicial Education: We are almost through with the first two-year cycle of our continuing judicial education requirement. Everyone should have received an email from the Michigan Continuing Judicial Education Board (I received mine on September 30), informing you of your status. If you still need credit hours before the end of the year, I encourage you to visit the MJI website. They have plenty of recorded webinars available to view, with a wide-variety of topics. In other CJE news, the applicable rules were modified in July 2025. Two changes to note: 1) while the total hours continue to be 24 every two years, the category distribution was adjusted to consist of four hours in integrity and demeanor (ethics) and twenty hours in judicial practice and related areas (formerly six and eighteen respectively), and 2) at least eight CJE hours must come from MJI courses (formerly at least one-half).
 
Getting Involved: For anyone looking to get more involved, just a reminder that there are many ways and opportunities to make an impact in the legal community and/or get more involved directly with RAM. I want to specifically encourage any members that may be interested in serving on the Family Law Section council. There will likely be an open seat(s) in the near future, and referees are underrepresented on the current council. It is very important that we have a voice at the table when decisions are being made that could impact how we do our jobs, and how we best serve our communities. The council should have adequate representation by all interested groups, including attorneys, the judiciary and quasi-judicial officers. If you have ever considered running for a seat on the council, I strongly encourage you take that next step and help provide a much-needed voice. I know that over the last couple of years, there was a shift in the meeting schedule, with meeting dates at various times, including mid-week evenings. This made joining council difficult for people that had to travel. It is my understanding that moving forward, all meetings will take place on Saturdays and Sundays, which will hopefully alleviate some concerns and make joining a little more feasible for our members. I also want to note that whether you are on the council or not, all Family Law Section members are welcome to attend any and all meetings. If you are ever free on a meeting weekend, and are interested in seeing what the meetings are about and contribute to the discussions, I encourage you to attend.

Holiday Luncheon: Thank you to everyone who attended the RAM Holiday Luncheon at Lucky’s Steakhouse in Okemos, Michigan. For those of your who were unable to attend, please join us in the future.  We had a great turnout and even better camaraderie​! 
 
Board Meeting: Our next board meeting will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom, and all members are welcome to attend. Zoom details can be found on the RAM website.
 
That’s it from me. Have a great fall and winter everyone. And Go Blue!