Judge Dan H. Michael Elected as 76th President of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
Founded in 1937, the Reno, Nev.-based National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, is the nation's oldest judicial membership organization and focused on improving the effectiveness of our nation's juvenile and family courts. A leader in continuing education opportunities, research, and policy development in the field of juvenile and family justice, the 2,000-member organization is unique in providing practice-based resources to jurisdictions and communities nationwide.
MEMPHIS, Tenn., July 22, 2020 (Newswire.com) - The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has elected Judge Dan H. Michael of Memphis and Shelby County, Tenn., to president of the NCJFCJ Board of Directors.
“Judge Dan Michael is the definition of judicial leadership–leading on and off the bench to create change in their community while impacting reform nationwide,” said Joey Orduña Hastings, NCJFCJ CEO. “Judge Michael’s active efforts in Memphis and Shelby County is a national model. He has created a trauma-responsive court and has eliminated juvenile court fees for children and families, shifting how we all approach systems reform. The NCJFCJ has been fortunate to have Judge Michael as an active leader for many years and his unwavering commitment to children and families will make him a seasoned leader of the NCJFCJ.”
Judge Dan H. Michael was elected to the bench of the Memphis and Shelby County Juvenile Court in 2014. With more than 20 years of juvenile law experience, he has dedicated his career to advocating the rights for children who have been abused and neglected.
“Tennessee’s judiciary is made up of individuals who not only strive to bring fairness and justice to the communities in which they serve but individuals who also lead outside their courtroom to make an impact at the national level,” said Chief Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins, Tennessee Supreme Court. “The NCJFCJ is in good hands with Judge Michael at the helm, and Tennessee’s judiciary is strong because of individuals like him.”
Judge Michael received his law degree at Memphis State University’s Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. During law school, he volunteered with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Memphis and Shelby County. Upon graduation, he entered into law as a CASA attorney. He later became the Executive Director of CASA of Memphis and Shelby County.
“This is a meaningful and significant appointment, and it reflects well upon the Memphis community,” said Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN-09). “As one of the oldest judicial membership organizations, the NCJFCJ plays an important role in guiding children and families through our often complex and confusing legal system. I am confident Judge Dan Michael’s expertise will be an asset to the organization and its members.”
Judge Michael has been a member of the NCJFCJ since 2003, board director since 2016, and served on numerous committees and as Treasurer and President-elect.
Judge Michael was interviewed on Bloomberg Law to discuss his goals for juvenile and family courts.
Contact:
Chrisie Yabu, APR
chrisie.yabu@kps3.com
Source: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
