Court Leader's Advantage

April 15, 2025, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode

Employee hiring is at a crossroads. With artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizing the way resumes and applications are screened, employers—including courts—are rethinking how they identify top talent. At the same time, the push for greater diversity means evaluating candidates from vastly different backgrounds using a common set of standards.

Courts are grappling with severe staffing shortages, struggling to find candidates who not only have technical expertise but also the interpersonal skills to navigate high-stakes legal and personal matters with litigants and families. With these challenges converging, one question looms large: How do you hire the right candidate in this volatile environment?

This month we will explore the dynamic tension between the quest for increased diversity and keeping evaluations unbiased. We will discuss the quest to find a balance at a time when artificial intelligence is potentially changing the very rules for selecting new talent.

Today’s Panel

Creadell Webb Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Philadelphia Courts

T.J. BeMent Court Administrator, 10th Judicial Administrative District, Athens, Georgia

Elizabeth Moss Human Resources Director, Alaska Court System, Anchorage.

Sara Kujawski Manager, HR Talent Strategy & Management, State Court System, St. Paul, Minnesota

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Leave a question or comment about the episode at [email protected]

Question of Ethics Conversation: January 23, 2025

Artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape the judicial system. AI-powered tools, from legal research assistants to sentencing algorithms and customer service chatbots, offer efficiency but also introduce risks, particularly bias.

Additionally, the confidentiality of court records and legal proceedings becomes a pressing concern, as AI systems require vast sums of data for training—potentially exposing sensitive information to breaches or misuse.

While AI chatbots improve accessibility by guiding litigants through procedural questions, the possibility of providing incorrect information and the prohibition against providing legal advice highlights the need for careful human oversight.

As courts integrate AI into their operations, how do we ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness? What ethical and legal questions arise?

Today's Moderator

Creadell Webb, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the 1st Judicial District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Today's ModeratorCreadell Webb Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the 1st Judicial District in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaToday’s PanelCourtney Whiteside Director, Municipal Court St. Louis, MissouriAlison Braaton Clerk of District Court, Grand Forks County, North DakotaAndrea Powers Human Resources Director, Idaho Court System, Boise, IdahoAmy Emig Business Development Manager, Enterprise Technology Services Division, Oregon Judicial Department, Salem, OregonKelly Hutton Court Administrator, North Dakota Court System, Grand Forks, North DakotaPeter Kiefer host of the Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast SeriesNickolas Brackley Technology and Solutions Specialist, Enterprise Technology Services Division, Oregon Judicial Department, Salem, OregonNorman Meyer, Retired Clerk of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New MexicoRoger Rand IT Manager, Multnomah Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon

Question of Ethics Conversation January 23, 2025 Episode

Artificial intelligence has the potential to reshape the judicial system. AI-powered tools, from legal research assistants to sentencing algorithms and customer service chatbots, offer efficiency but also introduce risks, particularly bias.

Additionally, the confidentiality of court records and legal proceedings becomes a pressing concern, as AI systems require vast sums of data for training—potentially exposing sensitive information to breaches or misuse.

While AI chatbots improve accessibility by guiding litigants through procedural questions, the possibility of providing incorrect information and the prohibition against providing legal advice highlights the need for careful human oversight.

As courts integrate AI into their operations, how do we ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness? What ethical and legal questions arise?

Today's Moderator

Creadell Webb Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the 1st Judicial District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Today's Panel

Courtney Whiteside Director of the Municipal Court in St. Louis, Missouri

Alison Braaton Clerk of District Court in Grand Forks County, North Dakota

Andrea Powers Human Resources Director of the Idaho Court System, Boise

Amy Emig Business Development Manager, Multnomah Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon

Kelly Hutton Court Administrator, North Dakota Court System, Grand Forks

Peter Kiefer Host, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Series

Nickolas Brackley IT Specialist for the Oregon Judicial Department Circuit Court, Salem

Norman Meyer Retired Clerk of the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of New Mexico and

Roger Rand IT Manager for the Multnomah Circuit Court, in Portland, Oregon

March 18, 2025, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode

The relationship between cities and their municipal courts is often marked by underlying tension. While courts must function independently, their close ties to city governments can create friction over revenue, resources, and oversight.

Underfunded municipal courts frequently struggle with case backlogs, understaffing, and limited access to justice. Judicial independence and the autonomy of other elected officials, such as the Clerk of Court, can also be at risk when city governments exert influence over judicial appointments, salaries, or case outcomes. This interference undermines the courts' ability to serve as impartial arbiters of the law.

This month we will explore the tension between cities and municipal courts. We will also discuss how municipal courts can navigate these challenges.

Today’s Panelists

• Lizzie Alipaz, Court Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Timnath, Colorado

• Lori Tyack, elected Clerk of Court for the Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, Ohio and

• MiHa Kapaki, Court Administrator for the Grays Harbor County District Court in Montesano, Washington

Leave a question or comment about the episode at [email protected]

February 18, 2025 , Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast EpisodeUnderstanding trauma-informed engagement is increasingly essential for court employees and judges. Many—if not most—individuals who interact with the court system have experienced significant trauma. Whether they are litigants, witnesses, or defendants, they often carry the invisible weight of past or ongoing adversity.

A trauma-informed approach helps court professionals recognize signs of trauma and respond in ways that foster trust, reduce stress, and minimize the risk of re-traumatization. Additionally, this approach supports the well-being of court employees by equipping them with strategies to navigate difficult interactions while mitigating the impact of secondary traumatic stress on themselves.

This month, we are exploring the role of trauma-informed engagement in court interactions. How can courts further integrate this critical practice to enhance fairness, empathy, and effectiveness in the justice system?

Today's Panel:

Carrie Summer-Namura, Program Coordinator for the Clackamas County Circuit Court, in Oregon City, Oregon

Jill Houck, Trial Court Administration for the Superior Court in Cape May and Atlantic Counties New Jersey

Trent Baker, Program Coordinator for Early Childhood Court, Dependency Drug Court & Juvenile Drug Court, 17th Judicial District, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Leave a question or comment about the episode at [email protected]

November 21st, 2024, Question of Ethics Conversation

 Copilot describes data literacy as understanding, interpreting, and using data effectively. It involves knowing how to read charts and graphs, understanding statistics, and being able to critically evaluate data sources for their reliability and relevance. Just as how literacy with words helps you comprehend and communicate in language, data literacy empowers you to navigate and make sense of the vast amounts of data we encounter daily. Problem Analysis is an often-overlooked component of decision-making. In this episode we discuss data literacy and how it intersects with ethics in the courts.

Episode Moderator:

Roger Rand, IT Manager, Multnomah County Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon

Episode Panel:

Courtney Whiteside, Director, Municipal Court, St. Louis, Missouri. Courtney is also the chair of the NACM Ethics Subcommittee.

Stacy Worby, State Jury Coordinator, Alaska State Court System, Anchorage.

Ellen Haines, Supervisor, IT Training & Data Analysis Department, Multnomah Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon

Peter Kiefer, Host, Court Leaders Advantage Podcast Series, Auburn, New York.

Jeff Chappell, Court Administrator, Municipal Court, O'Fallon, Missouri.

Creadell Webb, Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer, 1st Judicial District, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Leave a question or comment at ethics@nacmnet,org

Join the Question of Ethics Conversation held after the Subcommittee meetings every fourth Thursday of the month at 2:00 pm ET.

January 21, 2025, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode

Last month we talked about the five biggest issues facing young workers. This month we will look at the five biggest opportunities young workers have in 2025. The five are:

The opportunity to Develop Valuable Digital Skills & Technological Expertise

Access to Continuous Learning and Development to expand their knowledge & skills

The Chance to Build a Global Network of peers and mentors

The ability to excel at Collaboration & Connectivity which enhances team dynamics, and

The opportunity to find a career where they Feel Valued & Seen

Today’s Moderator:

Erika Schmid, Supervisor, Multnomah Circuit Court, Portland Oregon

Today’s Panel:

Samantha Wallis, Assistant Court Administrator, District Court, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Daniel Meza Rincón, Deputy Juvenile Court Administrator, Utah Administrative Office of the Courts, Salt Lake City

Victoria Murray, Business Intelligence Analyst & Supervisor, Maricopa Superior Court, Phoenix, Arizona.

Carrie Summers-Nomura, Program Coordinator, Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon City, Oregon

Courtney Whiteside, Director, Municipal Court, St. Louis, Missouri

Leave a question or comment about the episode at [email protected]

December 17, 2024, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode

This month and in January we’re looking at the 5 biggest issues and the 5 biggest opportunities facing young workers today. This month we will consider the five biggest issues which include:

• Work-Life Balance

• Job Security

• Mental Health and Well-Being

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

• Career Development and Growth Opportunities

Moderator

Erika Schmid Supervisor, Multnomah Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon

Today’s Panel

Samantha Wallis Assistant Court Administrator, District Court, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Daniel Meza Rincón Deputy Juvenile Court Administrator, State of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

Victoria Murray Business Intelligence Analyst & Supervisor, Maricopa Superior Court, Phoenix, Arizona.

Carrie Summers-Nomura Program Coordinator, Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon City, Oregon

Courtney Whiteside Director, Municipal Court, St. Louis, Missouri

Leave a question or comment about the episode at [email protected]

September 26, 2024, Question of Ethics Conversation

Problem Analysis is an often-overlooked component of decision-making. There are several highly effective business problem analysis models, each tailored for different types of challenges. Some of the most popular models:

• Root Cause Analysis which includes techniques such as “The Five Whys” and the “Ishikawa Fishbone Diagram”

• SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

• Gap Analysis which includes identifying gaps between where an organization is and where it needs to be, then focusing on areas of improvement.

There are several ethical concerns when conducting good problem identification and analysis.

• What if you cannot obtain the political buy-in needed to properly analyze the problem?

• How do you properly identify and analyze a business problem with a strong political undercurrent?

• How do you proceed if a solution is already laid out for you?

• When we become operationally aligned with a decision-maker do we run the risk of “preemptive avoidance” where we decide not to initiate a topic because we know it will provoke a negative response?

Today’s Panel

• Samantha Wallis - Deputy Trial Court Administrator, Supreme Court, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

• Rick Pierce - Judicial Programs Administrator, Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts

• Stacy Worby - State Jury Coordinator for the Alaska Court System

• Creadell Webb - Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer, 1st Judicial District, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Leave a question or comment at ethics@nacmnet,org

Join the Question of Ethics Conversation held after the Subcommittee meetings every fourth Thursday of the month at 2:00 pm ET.

October 15, 2024, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode

Forbes Magazine recently published an article titled “10 Biggest Business Trends Everyone Must Be Ready

1. Generative Artificial Intelligence Will Be Everywhere.

2. Demand for Interpersonal Skills

3. The Move to Sustainable Business

4. Business Resilience

5. Personalization of the Customer Experience at Scale

6. A Customer Experience Revolution

7. The Data Economy

8. The Search for Skills Solutions

9. Employees Demand Remote Work opportunities

10. The Shift to Diversity and Inclusivity

 Many court administrators appear to see artificial intelligence as an IT issue. However, it is definitely

A short time ago, the venture capital firm Andreessen

 There has also been considerable discussion about the problems with these tools.

 Hallucinations

Lack of Transparency

Appropriating Personal & Confidential Information

Bias

This month we’re looking at the court’s position on using consumer AI tools.  Is it occurring? Are courts aware of these tools?  Do we think that staff might be using

 Today’s Panel:

 Roger Rand Information Technology Manager, Multnomah County Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon

T,J BeMent District Court Administrator, 10th Judicial Administrative District, Athens, Georgia

Lori Tyack Clerk of Court, Franklin County Municipal Court, Columbus, Ohio

Dana Bartocci Human Resources & Development Director, Minnesota Judicial Branch 

Leave a question or comment about the episode at [email protected]