Behind the Bench: Practice Tips from Family Court Clerks and Judicial Assistants
Granite Ballroom Target Audience: Family Law Professionals Panelists: Beloved Judicial Assistants from 3rd & 4th District Courts Moderator: Hon. Catherine Conklin
4:00 PM - 5:15 PMFri
GRANITE BALLROOM
Faculty
Hon. Catherine Conklin
Judge, 2nd District Court
Shirley Gonzalez
Judicial Assistant, 4th District Court
Candice Mead
Domestic Case Manager, 4th District Court
Keti Safonova
Judicial Assistant, 3rd District Court
Michala Dupaix
Judicial Assistant, 3rd District Court
Ebet Knight
Domestic Case Manager, 3rd District Court
Family court clerks and judicial assistants play an essential role in keeping cases, hearings, and judicial chambers running smoothly, yet attorneys and other court-involved professionals do not always understand the procedures, expectations, and practical realities that shape their work. This candid and practical moderated panel will give attendees a rare opportunity to hear directly from experienced family court staff about how professionals can interact more effectively with chambers, court personnel, and the judiciary. Panelists will share guidance on scheduling, filings, proposed orders, hearing preparation, courtroom and remote-hearing logistics, appropriate communication with chambers, and the recurring mistakes that create unnecessary delay or additional work for the court. The discussion will also explore what clerks and judicial assistants wish attorneys better understood about their responsibilities, workloads, professional boundaries, and vital role within the judicial system. Moderated by the Hon. Catherine Conklin, a Judge from the 2nd District Court, this session will transform behind-the-scenes observations into constructive, immediately useful practice tips designed to help attorneys avoid preventable problems, strengthen professional relationships, and contribute to a more efficient, respectful, and effective family court process.