The Community Justice Campus (CJC for short) has been open for business for three months, so I would like to take the opportunity to provide some reflections and information about the transition and our current operations. What follows is a compilation of thoughts from yours truly along with my judicial colleagues and team members of our court administration. While there were certainly some hiccups during the move and we continue to encounter periodic challenges — both of which would be expected in ANY move — I think overall the process has gone fairly smoothly. We are all still learning and adjusting, as I know the lawyers and litigants are as well, and we appreciate everyone’s patience over these past few months.
Not to start off on a negative note, but it’s one I heard repeatedly, and it bears stating with emphasis. PLEASE do not be rude or disrespectful to our court staff, or for that matter, anyone working within the CJC. A practice tip: When an attorney berates someone at the information desk or other employee within the building, the judges hear about it, and we know who you are. When an employee is mistreated, you might as well be saying it to the judge’s face — do you really want to taint your reputation in that way? Hopefully, enough said on this topic.
The Legal Resource Center, located on the fourth floor of the CJC, has been open for business since June 1 for unrepresented litigants. As the name suggests, the center provides information and resources to litigants, not attorneys. We have two court navigators, Peyton Barr and Brian O’Keefe, who have undertaken their new roles with enthusiasm and compassion. Since the opening, they have connected nearly 500 customers over approximately 15,000 minutes with legal and community resources and low or no-cost legal services. The litigants have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, expressing gratitude for the navigators’ willingness to listen and provide them with information. Beginning Aug. 18, attorneys from Indiana Legal Services will provide much needed assistance for those seeking guardianships on Thursday mornings. We are seeking volunteer attorneys in all practice areas and working with IndyBar on this process. If you are interested in sparing a few hours a month or during the year, please reach out to me and we will get you on the list.
The attorney workroom is also on the fourth floor and is open to any attorney. It is a quiet space to hang out between hearings. Attorneys also have the use of the plethora of attorney conference rooms located throughout the building.
If your clients must bring their children to the CJC, or for those hearings in which the children are a party, there are children’s spaces on floors 1 — 3 and within the Legal Resource Center and the Family Facilitation Center. You will find comfy and welcoming children’s furniture and books (many of which were provided by you, so THANK YOU!)
From technology extraordinaire Judge Marc Rothenberg: Use the new equipment without fear. While the technology at the Community Justice Campus may seem intimidating, it’s quite simple to use. Make your final arguments professional-looking with our NOMAD display unit. Use any device to present your case. Remember, you can always make an appointment to come in prior to your hearing to learn how to use the new equipment. Also keep in mind that the NOMAD does not “admit” evidence; it simply displays it. You still should e-file your exhibits (unless the judge gives other instructions).
From Family Division Term Chair Judge Marshelle Broadwell: Three months into our move, I am really excited about the opportunities and services created for our families — like the Legal Resource Center and Family Facilitation Center. I’m also optimistic about the future, when the Youth and Family Services Center opens, bringing the juvenile delinquency causes onto the campus with the rest of the court’s functions. The Family…