Greetings Friends:

I am humbled and honored to serve as NAWJ’S 44^th President.  Thank you for your confidence and for your enthusiasm for this marvelous organization.  For as long as I’ve been a member of NAWJ, I have cherished my membership.  My affinity is multi-dimensional and cultivated from the inspirational stories of founding mothers, to the friendships I have made across the country and around the world, to NAWJ’S extraordinary virtual and in-person educational content, and of course to the many brilliant and driven students whom I have come to know through flagship programming such as Color of Justice and MentorJet. 

NAWJ is built upon the (not so?) radical premise that as judges, we­ are committed to the rule of law, to a diverse judiciary that reflects our communities, and to the ideal that we will strive to ensure fairness, equality and justice for all.  To achieve this very attainable goal requires practice and regular affirmation.  A former colleague and mentor of mine taught me a valuable lesson that I have taken to heart.  Regardless of how we may view the issues of any case before us, it is critical to remember that it is the most important thing to the litigants at this moment in time.  I regularly reflect on this advice in my day to day activities, and it motivates me. 

The theme of my presidency is “Access to justice is justice for all”.  For me, this topic has particular importance as I teach a class entitled “Access to Justice”.  There is an ever-widening civil justice gap in our legal system.  People without means have a multitude of unmet legal problems.  For some they lack resources to hire legal counsel to assist them.  Others may be unaware their problem is a legal matter.  It may be they are unsophisticated or literally do not speak our language.  But they could also possibly feel shame, embarrassment, or they’ve concluded the legal system won’t or can’t give them a fair shake.  As judges, how can we change these perceptions?

My challenge to each of you is that you take stock in your bench, legal community, state and/or district.  Where do things work well?  Where can improvements be made to assure litigants have proper access to the justice system?  Be innovative.  Think outside the box.  Partner with stakeholders to facilitate meaningful justice.  Be extraordinary.

If you need some concrete ideas, I encourage you to attend the 2025 midyear conference.  It will be held at the University of Michigan Law School, March 20-22.  The theme of the conference is “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”   There, we will discover what it means to be a compassionate judge and to see the humanity in all.  We will also hear from judges and stakeholders who go the extra mile to reach those who feel forgotten or left behind.  Let’s make it our mutual goal to restore their faith in the judicial system!

I invite you to also be an agent of change by leading or joining any of NAWJ’S committees.  We can do great things when we work collaboratively.  For those who feel they have never been asked, consider this a standing invitation to get involved.  Join our work and make a difference!

Please know I am here for you.  If I can be of assistance at any time or connect you with resources, please ask.  I am happy to lend a hand.

Thank you, and here’s to an amazing year!

Sincerely,
The Honorable Michelle M. Rick
President