(Memphis, Tenn.) – The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) has elected Judge Dan H. Michael, juvenile court judge of Memphis and Shelby County, Tenn. to Treasurer of the NCJFCJ Board of Directors.
“The NCJFCJ is excited to have Judge Michael on the executive board as Treasurer,” said Judge John J. Romero, Jr., NCJFCJ president. “He has not only been a trailblazer in his home state of Tennessee, but an influential force on the board of directors. I look forward to working with him to advance the NCJFCJ’s mission to improve the lives of the families and children who seek justice.”
Judge Michael has served as a judge of the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County since August 2014. As a judge, he hears appeals from the nine lower magistrates and presides over the major crimes docket, hearing the most serious felony cases in court. Judge Michael is also responsible for the administration of the court’s Administrative Services Division, Court Services Division, and Child Support Services Division.
In 2014, under Judge Michael’s leadership, the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County was selected as one of the original NCJFCJ Implementation Sites. The Implementation Sites Project integrates best practices outlined in the Enhanced Resource Guidelines: Improving Court Practice in Child Abuse and Neglect Cases, develops judicially-led system change efforts to improve the child abuse and neglect case process, and ultimately, improve safety, permanency, and well-being outcomes for children.
“Judge Michael’s knowledge, passion, and dedication to serving youths and families will make him an invaluable addition to the leadership team at the NCJFCJ,” said Justice Holly Kirby, Tennessee Supreme Court. “I look forward to hearing about what he and the NCJFCJ accomplish over the next year to further the cause of juvenile justice.”
In 1995, Judge Michael was appointed chief counsel to Judge Kenneth Turner. In 1997, he became magistrate pro temp. In 1998, he was awarded the Child Advocacy National Certificate of Recognition by the American Bar Association of Young Lawyers for “Significant Legal Contribution to Advancing the Welfare of our Nation’s Children.” In 2001, Judge Turner appointed him to the bench as a full-time juvenile court referee. In January 2013, Judge Curtis S. Person appointed him as chief magistrate and special judge.
About 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.
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