NCSC Annual Report 2025

ANNUAL REPORT 2025

NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURTS

FORWARD LOOKING

FORWARD

A note from the NCSC President & the Chair of the Board

Courts play a central role in the daily lives of millions of Americans. Each year, state courts handle roughly 70 million cases—resolving disputes, protecting rights, and providing a forum where the rule of law is applied fairly and consistently. At the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), we support those courts and the people who serve them, helping ensure that justice systems across the country remain strong, effective, and accessible.

The past year brought new challenges and new opportunities for the nation’s courts. Court leaders are working to address evolving public expectations, rising security concerns, advances in technology, and persistent gaps in access to legal services. Through research, education, partnerships, and practical tools, NCSC works with courts to help them respond thoughtfully to these issues while maintaining the independence and integrity that are essential to the judiciary.

Across all this work runs a common theme: helping courts meet the realities of a changing society. Whether through modernizing court technology, strengthening the court workforce, improving case management, supporting alternative dispute resolution, or exploring the responsible use of artificial intelligence, NCSC works alongside state courts to ensure they remain capable, responsive, and forward-looking institutions.

The pages that follow highlight the many ways courts and their partners are working to meet today’s challenges while preparing for the future. We are inspired every day by the dedication of judges, court professionals, and justice system leaders across the country who are committed to ensuring that courts continue to serve the public with fairness, integrity, and excellence.

Elizabeth Clement President & CEO

National Center for State Courts

Collins J. Seitz, Jr. Chief Justice

Delaware Supreme Court

NATIONAL CENTER FOR STATE COURTS

Board of Directors

CHAIR

Collins J. Seitz, Jr. Chief Justice Supreme Court of Delaware

VICE-CHAIR

Corey R. Steel State Court Administrator Nebraska Supreme Court

Elizabeth T. Clement ex officio President National Center for State Courts

Adam Deckinger General Counsel & Secretary Tyson Foods, Inc.

Deirdre Dunham Trial Court Administrator Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida

Matthew B. Durrant Chief Justice Supreme Court of Utah

Henry “Hank” Greenberg Shareholder Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Lynne M. Halbrooks Cassidy Law PLLC

Kelly Hutton Deputy State Court Administrator North Dakota Court System

Steven R. Jensen Chief Justice South Dakota Supreme Court

Michael H. Lanza Executive Vice President & General Counsel Selective Insurance Group

Kathy S. Lloyd State Courts Administrator Missouri Office of the State Courts Administrator

Gordon J. MacDonald Chief Justice New Hampshire Supreme Court

Marcia M. Meis Director Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts

Emily Miskel Justice Fifth District of Texas Court of Appeals

Elizabeth N. Mulvey Libby Hoopes Brooks & Mulvey

John T. Nockleby Professor of Law

Loyola Marymount University Loyola Law School

Lisa Chavez Ortega Judge Second Judicial District of New Mexico

Regina deChabert Petersen Administrator of Courts Judiciary of the Virgin Islands

Lewis R. Sifford Attorney & Counselor at Law

Morris Silberman Judge Florida Second District Court of Appeal

J.D. Smith Law Office of J.D. Smith

Jeffrey A. Taylor Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary Exxon Mobil Corporation

As of July 31, 2025

Strategic agenda priorities 2026-2030

Public trust is integral to the courts’ core responsibility of resolving disputes. As often noted, the court process must not only be just, it must also have the appearance of being just. Unfortunately, recent public opinion polls and focus groups indicate a massive gap between how courts see the services they deliver—and how large segments of the public experience those services. We know from listening to members of the public that trust and confidence in the courts is enhanced through procedural fairness, timely resolution of cases, connecting courts to the local community, and highlighting ethics, accountability, and transparency. NCSC’s Strategic Agenda for 2026-2030 highlights our commitment to helping courts promote and maintain public trust and confidence.

VISION & MISSION

Together, we promote just, free, and safe communities by driving innovation and advancement in courts and justice systems.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

We value a commitment to:

1. The dignity and worth of all people and the pursuit of equal justice for all

2. Accessible, fair, and impartial courts focused on the communities they serve

3. An independent judiciary that upholds and protects the rule of law

4. Innovation that drives court excellence

5. Nonpartisan, data-driven research that promotes effective court performance

PRIORITY AREAS

Support fair & impartial courts

Foster community engagement & strategic partnerships

Pursue access to justice for all

Promote safe & secure courts

Use technology to advance innovative solutions

Embarking on NCSC’s next chapter: Elizabeth Clement takes the helm as president & CEO

2025 marked a new chapter in the life of the organization with the appointment of Elizabeth Clement as NCSC’s president and CEO.

A former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Clement’s significant state court experience and leadership roles in the executive and legislative branches made her a fitting choice to succeed Mary McQueen, who retired in May after serving as president for 20 years.

"Beth is an outstanding generational leader and an ideal president for NCSC to drive innovation and progress in our state courts and justice systems," said Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush, chairperson of the presidential search committee and a former NCSC Chair. “The Board is confident that Beth will lead NCSC into a new era as we continue to improve access to justice for all.”

Clement spent much of the year familiarizing herself with the scale and impact of NCSC’s work, while also examining the organization’s structure and alignment. In 2026, NCSC will undergo a significant reorganization to sharpen its focus, deepen collaboration, and amplify the value it delivers to state courts across the country.

Clement was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court in 2017 and became chief justice five years later. During her tenure as chief justice, she implemented a unified vision focused on improving and innovating the judicial branch

through collaboration with local, state, and federal partners. She led a team of more than 300 professionals, established the judiciary's annual budget, and promoted legislation focused on access to justice.

Prior to joining the court, Clement served in various roles under Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, including chief legal counsel, cabinet secretary, and deputy chief of staff. She also has extensive legislative experience, formerly serving as legal counsel and policy advisor for the Michigan Senate Majority.

She began her career in private practice and holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science and juris doctor from Michigan State University College of Law.

Examining legal education & admissions reform to ensure justice for all

CLEAR findings reveal a pressing need for reform

CLEAR Vice Chair Justice

C. Shannon Bacon of New Mexico led conversations with a wide range of stakeholders across the country to inform key findings and recommendations to state supreme courts.

Each year, Americans encounter critical legal moments that intersect with the law. State courts see about 70 million new cases a year, yet countless people never seek legal remedies due to high costs and complicated processes. The number of self-represented litigants continues to grow, and many of these litigants are unaware of their rights or available legal services.

To better understand the changing legal profession and why it’s not meeting the needs of the American people, the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators formed the Committee on Legal Education and Admissions Reform (CLEAR) to address the justice gap crisis.

Over 18 months, CLEAR engaged with hundreds of voices from across the legal profession to understand how legal education and bar admissions can better align with the realities of modern practice and the communities that courts and lawyers serve.

Released in July 2025, CLEAR’s report and recommendations call on state supreme courts to lead innovation and reform in legal education, admissions, and practice readiness to strengthen access to justice for all.

Given the many challenges facing the legal profession, it is necessary that the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators examine legal education and bar admissions to understand the impact of these challenges on the profession and the public and to undertake appropriate reforms …

CCJ and COSCA Joint Resolution 1, July 2023.

12

90+ regional listening conferences around the country interviews and focus groups with diverse stakeholders

9,000+

4,000 judges

4,400 practicing attorneys

600 law students survey participants, including:

As the primary regulators of the legal profession in their respective jurisdictions, state supreme courts play a critical leadership role in ensuring that the public has access to competent legal representation.

New Hampshire Chief Justice Gordon J. MacDonald, CLEAR Chair

CLEAR recommendations for state supreme courts:

1. Lead collaborative efforts to align legal education, bar admissions, and new lawyers’ readiness to practice with public needs by fostering innovation and reform.

2. Implement state-level efforts to improve practice readiness by identifying and implementing specific strategies before and after lawyers are admitted to the practice of law.

3. Encourage law school accreditation that serves the public by promoting innovation, experimentation, and cost-effective legal education geared toward lawyers meeting the legal needs of the public.

4. Reduce reliance on external law school rankings.

5. Encourage experiential learning that involves client responsibility through clinics, internships, externships, or other practice settings and through licensing requirements established in collaboration with legal educators.

6. Reform bar admissions processes to better meet public needs by exploring innovative pathways to licensure that enhance practice readiness and address access to justice.

7. Support public service attorneys by championing public interest lawyering and engaging prospective and enrolled law students about the financial and professional implications of law school.

8. Encourage rural practice by expanding opportunities for cost-effective rural education by promoting distance learning; exploring innovative pathways designed to address rural legal needs; and encouraging internship, externship, and law clerkships.

The report also calls for institutionalizing the work of CLEAR through the creation of a permanent CCJ/ COSCA committee to support the implementation of its recommendations, which occurred soon after the release of the report.

CLEAR’s work is supported by NCSC, AccessLex Institute (the largest nonprofit organization in legal education), and Thomson Reuters Institute.

THE URGENT NEED FOR REFORM

Insights from more than 4,000 judges who responded to an online survey about preparedness of attorneys within their first five years of practice.

54% agree or strongly agree that further training is needed before appearing in court.

60% agree or strongly agree that unprepared attorneys have negatively affected client advocacy.

67% sometimes, rarely, or never find new lawyers appropriately applying the rules of evidence.

CORA: Building pathways for the next generation of court leaders

As courts work to strengthen their future workforce and cultivate the next generation of court leaders, NCSC is developing tools that attract, develop, and inspire emerging court professionals. One of the most promising of these tools is CORA.

In 2024, the California Court of Appeal in Santa Ana posted its summer externship openings in CORA, expecting about 15 applications. Instead, the court received 37 applications from students representing 12 law schools nationwide, allowing the court to fill every available position.

The difference? For the first time, students across the country could easily find the opportunity through CORA—the Court Opportunity Recruitment for All platform.

California is not the only court to recognize CORA’s value. In 2025, the New Mexico Supreme Court began requiring all Supreme Court and Court of Appeals clerkship positions be posted in CORA to expand access to these highly soughtafter opportunities.

What is CORA?

Developed by NCSC and launched in 2023, CORA is a free, easy-to-use online portal where courts can post three types of opportunities:

» Judicial clerkships for recent law graduates

» Externships for law students seeking course credit and hands-on experience

» Internships for individuals at all educational levels interested in exploring a court career

Students and graduates can submit applications directly to courts through the platform, creating a centralized hub for opportunities that were previously difficult to locate. By increasing visibility, CORA broadens access for both courts and candidates.

Why CORA?

Before CORA, finding a state court clerkship or internship often required navigating dozens of individual court websites or relying on word-of-mouth networks.

As a result, talented students and new lawyers—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds or schools without strong court connections—often missed opportunities they never knew existed. Courts, meanwhile, struggled to reach beyond their traditional applicant pools.

Clerkships, internships, and externships are critical early-career experiences. They give students and young lawyers an inside look at the day-to-day work of courts while helping them build professional networks and deepen their understanding of the justice system.

CORA helps ensure those opportunities are visible and accessible to a broader group of applicants.

Growing impact

Since launching as a pilot in 2023, CORA has steadily expanded its reach.

Between 2023 and 2025:

» 37 courts across states and territories have participated

» 578 opportunities have been posted

» 1,269 applications have been submitted through the platform

Courts from 37 states and territories have used CORA, drawing applicants from universities across the country.

37 states and territories participating

578 opportunities posted

1,269 applications received

The results demonstrate the power of opening court opportunities to a broader audience. Courts gain access to diverse, highly qualified applicants they might never have reached through traditional channels, while students gain transformative experiences that shape their legal careers.

As one participating court noted: “We look forward to using CORA for years to come.”

By rethinking how courts recruit and making these opportunities accessible to all, CORA is helping create pathways for the next generation of court leaders.

CORA 2.0: Expanding access

» The success of the CORA pilot revealed strong demand for a national platform connecting courts and emerging legal professionals.

» Based on feedback from courts, applicants, and law school partners, NCSC is now expanding and redesigning the platform to make it even more user-friendly and responsive to user needs.

» In 2025, NCSC secured funding from the State Justice Institute (SJI) and AccessLex Institute to build a new CORA platform with expanded functionality. NCSC has partnered with A2J Tech to develop the next-generation system.

» CORA 2.0, expected to launch in mid-2026, will include enhanced tools and customizable features for courts, applicants, and law school career counselors—making it easier than ever to connect talented students with meaningful court opportunities.

My clerkship in a state appellate court provided me with an unparalleled front-row seat to the development of the law in my state. Diving into the details of our cases and working closely with my judge and court staff gave me a deeper understanding of the legal system and the community it serves—an experience that will be invaluable in my career.

Former appellate court clerk, Maryland

Protecting those who protect others: An ongoing commitment to judicial security

Nationwide, judicial officers continue to be subjected to frequent threats of violence. Unlike their federal counterparts, judges who serve in state and local courts have no central resource to monitor, address, and develop best practices around threats and preventing violence.

NCSC’s commitment to judicial security impacts operations at both the national and local levels— securing resources and information critical to ensuring state court judges and court personnel can feel safe doing their jobs.

Centralized resources for the states

In the fall, NCSC hosted a Congressional briefing urging lawmakers to pass the Countering Threats and Attacks on Our Judges Act. Led by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), the legislation establishes a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center to provide technical assistance, training, and monitoring of threats for state and local judges and court personnel.

The briefing included a first-hand account from Travis County District Judge Julie Kocurek from Texas, one of the state judges who has fallen victim to violence against them and their families for doing their jobs and deciding cases according to law. Maryland Chief Justice Matthew Fader also spoke about the 2023 murder of Washington County Circuit Court Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson outside his Maryland home.

“This legislation is an important step to ensuring the security of state judges and court personnel in America,” said NCSC President Elizabeth Clement.

While the bipartisan bill passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent, the U.S. House of Representatives has not taken action on the bill.

Local, state courts strengthening security

In addition to the efforts on Capitol Hill, NCSC has worked directly with local and state courts nationwide, conducting over 300 security assessments and policy reviews over the last two decades.

Most recently, and with support from the State Justice Institute, NCSC conducted individual security assessments for 11 different courthouses across Wyoming. Courtroom spaces, judges’ chambers, clerk offices, public circulation areas, and pathways used for in-custody transports were evaluated to identify opportunities for stronger security operations. NCSC also made recommendations for sustainable, longterm security capacity through training, policymaking, and system upgrades.

NCSC also conducted an operational assessment in Carson City, Nevada, that included a review of on-site security, governance, policies, and procedures. The team made recommendations to develop a unified security governance model that establishes clear responsibility for daily decision-making, provides cohesive direction to all security personnel, and supports effective coordination during incidents or emergency events.

Security is a local, state, and national concern. NCSC is deeply committed to ensuring safe and secure courts to promote public confidence in the stability of government and protect public servants working in our courts.

Encouraging safe, responsible use of AI in courts

NCSC leads the conversation on artificial intelligence in courts

Formal efforts to understand and examine the impact of artificial intelligence in the courts launched in late 2023 with the creation of the Conference of Chief Justices/Conference of State Court Administrators AI Rapid Response Team (RRT).

Many of the same forward-thinking leaders who helped courts navigate unchartered territory during the pandemic convened again to prepare for another transformative shift in court operations with the evolution of AI.

For more than a year, NCSC worked alongside judges, technologists, academics, and lawyers to develop important foundational work that influenced many of the ready-to-use resources and guidance available today.

Creating a coalition through the TRI/NCSC AI Policy Consortium for Law & Courts

NCSC’s relationship with the Thomson Reuters Institute through the TRI/NCSC AI Policy Consortium for Law & Courts has created a community of more than 75 leading innovators from technology, legal, court, and academic fields from around the world that takes a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the opportunities and challenges of AI in the justice system.

Focused on access to justice, governance and ethics, rules and practices, and workforce readiness, the consortium’s monthly webinar series attracted over 6,000 registrants in 2025. Workgroups also delved into important topics such as modernizing unauthorized practice of law regulations for AI-driven access solutions and AI-generated evidence for judges and published timely guidance documents, bench cards, and a role-based AI literacy course.

Advancing AI knowledge, policymaking in the states & abroad

Understanding the varying knowledge and adoption rates among courts, NCSC published a comprehensive framework for assessing a courts’ AI readiness and taking concrete steps toward adoption. Supported by the State Justice Institute and informed by insights from the AI RRT and TRI/ NCSC AI Policy Consortium for Law & Courts, NCSC partnered with courts to apply this framework, completing three AI readiness–related projects in 2025.

In Washington, D.C., NCSC assisted the court with a comprehensive AI Strategic Planning Roadmap and supported its task force with educational sessions, focus groups, and IT systems review. The work resulted in guiding principles, governance models, and recommendations for AI use cases in the DC Courts. NCSC also supported the Georgia Judicial Council Ad Hoc Committee on Artificial Intelligence and the Courts by conducting research and analysis across 10 areas of examination and delivering a final report with findings and recommendations to safeguard public trust and improve the administration of justice in the implementation of AI.

NCSC also supported the Fifth Court of Appeals in Dallas with selecting an AI vendor to automate appellate case categorization. The team developed a request for information, reviewed 27 vendor responses, and provided recommended vendors/solutions based on functionality, AI practices, security, cost, experience, and timeline.

Internationally, NCSC shared expertise on AI, technology, and global court administration during the International Association of Court Administration conference in Dubai. Staff met with representatives from the Dubai Courts to exchange insights on court modernization, strategic priorities, and opportunities for collaboration.

Drawing on insights from courts and innovators across technology, academia and the legal profession, NCSC continues to deliver relevant, well-informed guidance to help courts advance responsible AI adoption across the justice ecosystem, ensuring innovation enhances access to justice for all.

2025 EDUCATION IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

12 educational webinars

10 deliverables produced

1 role-based AI literacy learning program created

1 sandbox for safe, secure AI experimentation

6,000+ individuals registered for webinar series Learn more >>> ncsc.org/ai

Tracking public trust: What the 2025 survey reveals

Public trust is stable, and state courts lead in confidence

62% of Americans possess a great deal or some trust in our state court system, according to findings from NCSC’s annual State of the State Courts public opinion survey.

Understanding public sentiment has remained an NCSC priority for more than a decade. In its 12th consecutive year, the State of the State Courts survey with GBAO Strategies uncovers invaluable insights into how Americans view their justice system.

Overall sentiment about state courts is virtually unchanged from the previous year, and state courts continue to outperform other branches of government, federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court in public confidence.

However, survey findings indicate important shifts are emerging. The percentage of Americans who believe courts provide “equal justice to all” has declined from 62% in 2014 to just 44% today. Recent qualitative research reveals growing concerns about how politics, money, racial bias, and the cost and complexity of court processes contribute to this trust gap.

There’s encouraging news, too: Generation Z (ages 18–29) shows notably more optimism about state courts than older generations, rating them higher on fairness, innovation, accountability, and transparency.

The survey also highlights emerging challenges. A majority of survey respondents view AI in courts as more harmful than helpful, presenting courts with both practical and public relations challenges as they adopt AI responsibly. And half believe threats of politically motivated violence against judges have increased, with overwhelming support for federal legislation to enhance judicial security.

These findings continue to guide NCSC’s strategic priorities, from expanding access to justice initiatives to leading responsible AI adoption in courts across the country and around the world.

Review survey findings >>> ncsc.org/survey

#CTC2025: Convening technology leaders to grow innovation

NCSC gathered more than 1,300 judges, administrators, IT managers, and court staff from across the United States and abroad to explore emerging innovations, share experiences, and chart the future of court operations during the biennial Court Technology Conference in Kansas City.

Artificial intelligence and its impact on courts took center stage at the world’s largest court technology conference.

"This year's conversations on AI, cybersecurity, and access to justice reflect both the urgency and opportunities facing the judiciary,” said Jesse Rutledge, NCSC vice president for public affairs. “Courts must be prepared for evolving cyber threats and the rapid pace of generative AI — but there's also an opportunity to shape these tools in ways that strengthen operations and expand access to justice."

Distinguished AI and cybersecurity expert Tarah Wheeler reiterated the need for ensuring humans remain an element to AI adoption.

"There is nothing inside a computer that can replace the compassion and desire to learn, help, care, and make it better than the people in this room," she said.

NCSC experts showcased ways courts are harnessing AI to expand access to justice and strengthen operations and shared recommendations encouraging courts to frame AI projects around solving specific problems for staff and court users — not chasing technology for its own sake.

Emerging themes included:

» Responsible integration of artificial intelligence into judicial processes

» Access to digital court services

» Cybersecurity and operational resilience

NCSC’s signature technology conferences, CTC and eCourts, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the responsible use of new technology to improve court operations and outcomes while safeguarding security, emphasizing accountability, and expanding access to justice.

Recognizing the commitment of extraordinary court leaders, jurists, and partners

SANDRA

DAY O’CONNOR AWARD FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF CIVICS ED UCATION

Alaska Color of Justice program

The Alaska Color of Justice program was recognized as the 2025 recipient of the Sandra Day O'Connor Award for the Advancement of Civics Education for its significant contributions to civics education and encouraging youth from diverse backgrounds to pursue legal careers. Since its inception in 2003, the program has reached more than 1,600 students statewide through two-day, in-person events that engage students in learning about the Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court, legal profession, trial advocacy, tribal law, and decision-making. Student surveys show a significant increase in interest in legal careers after program participation. The program is a collaborative effort founded by the National Association of Women Judges, involving numerous community, education, legal, tribal, and court partners throughout Alaska.

WILLIAM H. REHNQUIST AWARD FOR JUDICIAL EXCELLENCE

Judge Stephen Dillard

Georgia Court of Appeals Presiding Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard received the 30th Annual William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence. Judge Dillard was honored for his transformational leadership in appellate court administration, including restructuring operations for efficient case resolution, securing additional staff resources from the Georgia General Assembly, and helping pass the Appellate Jurisdiction Reform Act of 2016. He has championed initiatives to demystify the judiciary, including implementing live streaming of oral arguments and serving as a special consultant and judge in the Georgia High School Mock Trial Competition since 2012.

G. THOMAS MUNSTERMAN AWARD FOR JURY INNOVATION

Paula Hannaford-Agor

Retired Center for Jury Studies Director Paula Hannaford-Agor was awarded the 2025 G. Thomas Munsterman Award for Jury Innovation. Hannaford-Agor was honored for more than three decades of service to the courts and her significant contributions to contemporary jury studies. Her achievements include developing trusted resources such as the Jury Managers' Toolbox and conducting critical research on juror loss and the representativeness of jury pools. Judges, scholars, and jury administrators recognized her practical work, sound scholarship, and deep influence on the field.

WARREN E. BURGER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN COURT ADMINISTRATION

Michael L. Buenger received the 2025 Warren E. Burger Award for Excellence in Court Administration. This award recognizes an individual whose service has significantly contributed to improving the administration of state courts. Buenger received the award in recognition of more than three decades of service to state courts, including roles as the state court administrator in South Dakota, Missouri, and Ohio, and seven years as NCSC’s executive vice president. Colleagues praised his contributions to the field for their real-world impact, including his leadership of numerous national initiatives.

Gifts of time & talent

Warren E. Burger Society

The Warren E. Burger Society was established to honor individuals who have provided exceptional volunteer service and support to the National Center for State Courts. Named in recognition of Chief Justice Warren E. Burger, founder of the National Center for State Courts, the Society reflects his legacy of advancing the administration of justice.

Members are recognized for their exemplary commitment to improving state courts nationwide. Today, the Society continues to celebrate those whose contributions strengthen and elevate the work of state courts.

Ronald B. Adrine

Robert A. Armitage

R. Byron Attridge

Jennifer D. Bailey

Stephen H. Baker

S. Jack Balagia, Jr.

Robert N. Baldwin

Thomas A. Balmer

Curtis H. Barnette

Luther J. Battiste III

Dorothy T. Beasley*

David J. Beck

Daniel J. Becker

Robert M. Bell

Tracy J. BeMent

Howard H. Berchtold, Jr.

Sheila L. Birnbaum

David Boies

Bobbe J. Bridge

Murray H. Bring

John T. Broderick, Jr.

Thomas C. Brown, Jr.

Kim M. Brunner*

Michael L. Buenger

David K. Byers

Elizabeth J. Cabraser

Sheila Calabro

Alan Carlson

Harry L. Carrico*

Linda R. Caviness

Winslow Christian*

Michael V. Ciresi

Hugh M. Collins

Michael A. Cooper

Theodore H. Curry II

John J. Curtin, Jr.*

Paul J. De Muniz

Jude Del Preore

Kenneth T. Derr

Paul F. Delosh

Russell C. Deyo

Jan Aikman Dickson

Sue K. Dosal

Richard W. Duesenberg

Randall M. Ebner

Haliburton Fales II*

Theodore J. Fetter

Eileen Fitzgerald

Timothy Flanigan

Edith Foster

George S. Frazza

Rosalyn W. FriersonSmith

William H. Gates III*

Vernon M. Geddy, Jr.*

Ronald M. George

Lorie S. Gildea

James D. Gingerich

Laurie K. Givens

Richard C. Godfrey

Thomas A. Gottschalk

John M. Greacen

Maurice R. Greenberg

Joe R. Greenhill*

Robert L. Haig

Sophia H. Hall

James R. Hannah*

Pamela Q. Harris

Michael G. Heavican

Nathan L. Hecht

Howell T. Heflin*

Andrew D. Hendry

Jane A. Hess*

Constandinos Himonas

Elizabeth P. Hines

Verne A. Hodge

Linwood Holton*

R. William Ide III*

James R. James*

Wallace B. Jefferson

Eileen A. Kato

Nicholas d. Katzenbach*

John F. Kay, Jr.*

Judith S. Kaye*

Ingo Keilitz

Susan L. Keilitz

Elisabeth H. Kiel

Henry L. King*

Augustus B. Kinsolving*

Alphonse F. La Porta

Michael H. Lanza

Harry O. Lawson*

Thomas C. Leighton

Jacqueline M. Lewis*

Jonathan Lippman

Simon M. Lorne

L. Joseph Loveland, Jr.

Edward W. Madeira, Jr.*

Nancy S. Marder

Mark D. Martin

Judy Perry Martinez

Charles W. Matthews, Jr.

Robert B. McCaw

Mary E. McClymont

Edward B. McConnell*

Arthur A. McGiverin*

Vincent L. McKusick*

Mary Campbell McQueen

Daniel J. Meador*

Manuel A. Medrano

Donna M. Melby

E. Leo Milonas*

Jeffrey P. Minear

William Blair

Mitchell*

Thomas J. Moyer*

Edward W. Mullins, Jr.

Barbara R. Mundell

G. Thomas Munsterman

Janice T. Munsterman

2025 Burger Society Honorees

Matthew Benefiel, trial court administrator, Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, and past NCSC Board member.

Stacey Marz, administrative director of the Alaska Court System and contributor to national AI initiatives.

Thomas W. Ross, retired North Carolina superior court judge and former president of the University of North Carolina system and Davidson College.

Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush, Indiana Supreme Court and past president of the Conference of Chief Justices, recognized for leadership on national opioid and mental health judicial task forces.

Gayle A. Nachtigal

William H. Neukom*

Charles M. Noteboom

Dorothy A. O’Brien

D. Dudley Oldham

Theodore B. Olson*

Dwight D. Opperman*

Richard de J. Osborne

Betty W. Osborne

Louise M. Parent

George T. Patton, Jr.

William G. Paul

Robert S. Peck

Charles H. Pelton

Andrew M. Perlman

Ellen Ash Peters*

Thomas R. Phillips

John H. Pickering*

Peggy A. Quince

Lyle Reid

William S. Richardson*

Sally M. Rider

William L. Roberts, Jr.

F. James Robinson, Jr.

Wm. T. “Bill” Robinson III*

Joan Robinson

John H. Rockwell*

Kaliste J. Saloom, Jr.*

Karl J. Sandstrom

Charles R. Schader

John G. Scriven

Virginia A. Seitz

Randall T. Shepard

Dale Sipes*

Larry L. Sipes*

Chesterfield Smith*

Todd A. Smith

Arthur H. Snowden II

Myron T. Steele

Robert F. Stephens*

George A. Stinson*

Daniel H. Straub*

Katherine Stupak

Ronald J. Stupak*

Stephen D. Susman

Robert B. Taylor

Sandra A. Thompson*

Jean Hoefer Toal

Gerald W. VandeWalle

E. Norman Veasey

William C. Vickrey*

Sylvia H. Walbolt

Roger K. Warren

William K. Weisenberg

Brenda A. Williams

W. Wayne Withers*

Robert A. Zastany

Lynda Zeller

Guy A. Zoghby* *Deceased

General Counsel Committee

The General Counsel Committee of the National Center for State Courts facilitates the intellectual collaboration between the general counsel of America’s leading corporations and NCSC experts on judicial issues that affect the public, the business community, and state court leaders.

CHAIR

Randall M. Ebner (Retired) Vice President & General Counsel

Exxon Mobil Corporation

Michael W. Andrew Chief Legal & Legislative Officer Enterprise Mobility

Steven P. Croley Chief Policy Officer & General Counsel Ford Motor Company

John J. Darby

Senior Director of US State Government Affairs

Johnson & Johnson

Elizabeth Forminard

Executive Vice President & General Counsel

Johnson & Johnson

Michael Freedman General Counsel

Achieve

Craig B. Glidden

Former Executive Vice President & General Counsel General Motors Company

Samantha Harnett Chief Legal Officer

Logitech, Inc.

Damon Hart

Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer Liberty Mutual Insurance Company

William J. Lehman Chief Legal Officer Cambia Health Solutions

Thomas C. Leighton

Vice President, Government Relations & Content Acquisitions Thomson Reuters

Jeffery Meriggi Chief Business Affairs & Legal Officer Pretium

Keesha-Lu Mitra

Senior Vice President & General Counsel State Farm Insurance Company

Lauren Mogensen

Global General Counsel Bank of America

R. Hewitt Pate Chief Legal Officer Chevron Corporation

CHAIR

Michael H. Lanza

Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer

Selective Insurance Company of America

Craig Posson

General Counsel & Secretary Great West Casualty Company

Dev Stahlkopf

Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer Cisco Systems

Jeffrey A. Taylor

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary Exxon Mobil Corporation

Stephen Ucci General Counsel

Hypertherm

Susan Whaley Chief Legal Officer

Procter & Gamble Company

Jennifer L. Zachary

Executive Vice President & General Counsel

Merck & Co., Inc.

Lawyers Committee

As officers of the court, Lawyers Committee members share a dedicated, collaborative commitment to improving state court performance for the benefit of the public and their clients. Through active engagement with chief justices and state court leaders, members drive meaningful support that advances fair, accessible, and efficient justice.

CHAIR

Elena Baca Paul Hastings, LLP

Robert H. Alexander, Jr. The Law Office of Robert H. Alexander

Curtis H. Barnette (Retired) Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

Paul A. Barrett Barrett & Gilman

Hunter M. Barrow Andrews Myers

David J. Beck Beck Redden

P. Ryan Beckett Butler Snow

Mark A. Behrens Shook Hardy & Bacon

Sheila L. Birnbaum Dechert

A. Richard Blaiklock Lewis Wagner

Bill Bloss Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder

CHAIR

Patrick Malone Patrick Malone & Associates, PC

Barry H. Boise Troutman Pepper

C. Mitchell Brown Nelson Mullins

David L. Brown

Hansen McClintock & Riley

Reginald J. Brown Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Robert M. Burke Johnson & Bell

Bruce H. Cahn

Lane Powell

Colin F. Campbell Osborn Maledon

John H. Cayce

Kelly Hart & Hallman

David E. Christensen Christensen Law

Eric Ciesielski

State Farm Insurance Companies

Michael V. Ciresi Ciresi Conlin

Domenic A. Cossi Western Justice Associates

Dina M. Cox Lewis Wagner

Thomas W. Cranmer Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone

Sarah Crooks Perkins Coie

Mark A. Cunningham Jones Walker

Bartholomew J. Dalton Dalton & Associates

Daniel J. Epstein Goosmann Law Firm, PLC

Bruce W. Felmly McLane Middleton

Richard C. Godfrey

Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan

Stephen E. Goldman Robinson & Cole

Thomas A. Gottschalk Kirkland & Ellis

Robert L. Haig Kelley Drye & Warren

Constandinos Himonas Wilson Sonsini

Janet Hoffman Janet Hoffman & Associates

Andrew R. Lee Jones Walker

Karen G. Johnson-McKewan Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe

Michael A. Kelly Walkup Melodia Kelly & Schoenberger

Thomas R. Kline Kline & Specter PC

Richard H. Levenstein Nason Yeager Gerson Harris & Fumero

Joan M. Lockwood Gray Ritter & Graham

Robert E. Maloney Lane Powell

Mark S. Mandell Mandell Boisclair & Mandell

Joseph R. Marconi Johnson & Bell

James C. Martin Reed Smith

Wayne B. Mason Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath

Donna M. Melby (Retired) Paul Hastings

David R. Morantz Shamberg Johnson & Bergman

Edward W. Mullins, Jr. (Retired) Nelson Mullins

Andre M. Mura Gibbs Law Group

Gary P. Naftalis Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel

Terence O’Toole Starn O’Toole Marcus & Fisher

Ronald L. Olson Munger Tolles & Olson

Jennifer L. Parent McLane Middleton

Robert S. Peck Center for Constitutional Litigation

Kathleen Flynn Peterson Ciresi Conlin

John T. Prisbe Venable

Katie A. Reilly Wheeler Trigg & O’Donnell LLP

F. James Robinson, Jr. Hite Fanning & Honeyman LLP

Young Jun Roh Rimon, P.C.

Heather L. Rosing Klinedinst PC

William Savitt Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz

Christian D. Searcy

Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley

J. D. Smith

Law Office of J. D. Smith

Michael W. Smith Christian & Barton

Todd A. Smith Smith LaCien

Myron T. Steele Potter Anderson & Corroon

Sarah Motley Stone Womble Bond Dickson

Ben Strawn Davis Graham & Stubbs

Tyler S. Thompson Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC

Jeffrey I. Tilden

Gordon Tilden Thomas Cordell

Dan K. Worthington Ramon Worthington

Corrie Yackulic Corrie Yackulic Law

Laura Wen-Yu Young Wang & Wang

Young Lawyers Committee

Lawyers Committee members are encouraged to mentor and name a young attorney to serve on the Young Lawyers Committee. State court leaders value the unique perspective and ideas that these members provide during the annual meeting. The Committee’s goal is to engage young lawyers in the substantive work of NCSC while also fostering deeper relationships through networking with other members of the bench and bar.

CHAIR

Kristen L. Vela Ramon Worthington Nicolas & Cantu

Caitlin T. Augerson Womble Bond Dickinson

Jacob A. deKeratry Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP

Michael S. Figenshau Gray Ritter & Graham PC

Caroline B. Giordano Miller Canfield

Jacob M. Heath Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Zachary M. Mandell Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell

Emily W. Miller Andrews Myers PC

Margo Mullins Nelson Mullins

Jennifer Oxley Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell LLP

Justin T. Rusk Hoffman Law LLC

Jake Seidman Gibbs Mura

Genna S. Steinberg Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Thomas Tobin Perkins Coie LLP

Friends of the Court

The Friends of the Court program recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a financial contribution in support of NCSC’s work and programs. These contributions enable NCSC to provide quality training and education, conduct independent research, and promote awareness of issues surrounding the administration of justice. The National Center for State Courts gratefully acknowledges the following supporters who made a gift in 2025.

Gifts of $5000 or more

Violaine Autheman

David J. Beck

C. Mitchell Brown

Michael V. Ciresi

Cummins-Levenstein

Charitable Fund

Gifts of $2,500-$4,999

Curtis H. Barnette

David L. Brown

Thomas W. Cranmer

Richard C. Godfrey

Gifts of $1,000-$2,499

Linda R. Caviness

Elizabeth T. Clement

Stephen G. Crane

Alicia Davis

Adam Deckinger

Henry M. Greenberg

Deyo Family Charitable Fund

Randall M. Ebner

Kathleen Flynn Peterson

David R. Morantz

Wayne B. Mason

Donna M. Melby

Elizabeth N. Mulvey

Forrest J. Robinson, Jr.

Joan Robinson

Thomas W. Ross

J. D. Smith

Myron T. Steele

Robert L. Haig

Stephen LaBriola

Michael H. Lanza

James C. Martin

Regina deChabert Petersen

Jesse Rutledge

Collins J. Seitz & Gail Murray

Seitz Charitable Fund

Lewis R. Sifford

Jeffrey A. Taylor

Nan G. Waller

Erica R. Yew

Gifts of $500-$999

Howard H. Berchtold, Jr.

Michael L. Buenger

Pamela Casey

Richard R. Clifton

Brent E. Dickson & Jan

Aikman Dickson

Laurie K. Givens

Lynne Halbrooks

Paula Hannaford-Agor

Gifts of $250-$499

Jeffrey A. Apperson

Robert Adler

Mercedes M. Bauermeister

Anna Blackburne-Rigsby

Tara Blair

Shay Cleary

Deirdre Dunham

Matthew B. Durrant

Julia Edwards-McDaniel

Gifts of $100-$249

David and Nancy Boyd

Valerie Brader

Leonora Burger

Cameron S. Burke

Pamela Burton

Mickey Collins

Melinda Cooper

Christopher Costa

Hilda Cuthbertson

Teri Deal

Elizabeth Pollard Hines

Austin L. Hirsch

R. William Ide III

Molly Justice

Mary C. McQueen

Emily Miskel

Edward W. Mullins, Jr.

Lisa C. Ortega

Paul L. Reiber

Marcus and Anita Reinkensmeyer

Young J. Roh

David J. Sachar

Richard Schwermer

Morris Silberman

Roger K. Warren

Robert D. Wessels

Thomas Z. Wilke

Steven R. Jensen

Eileen Kato

Kathy S. Lloyd

John R. Meeks

Norman Meyer

John T. Nockleby

Robert S. Peck

Richard J. Pierce

John J. Russo

Charles R. Schader

Dennis J. Smith

David C. Steelman

Samuel L. Tarry

Thomas Tobin

Kristen L. Vela

Mark A. Weinberg

Kim G. Etherton

Valerie F. Gardner

James D. Gingerich

Karl R. Hade

Kristian Hedine

Mary T. Hogan

Kelly Hutton

L. M. Jacobs IV

Amy J. Kehner

William G. Kelly

Gordon J. MacDonald

Milton L. Mack, Jr.

Barry Mahoney

Deborah A. Mason

Marcia M. Meis

Barbara Rodriguez Mundell

Alexandra Murillo

Brian J. Ostrom

Steven F. Pflaum

Zygmont A. Pines

Gifts of $100-$249 (continued)

Stuart & Deborah Rabner

Charitable Fund

Lawrence Riff

Diane Robinson

Angela Sager

Mandy Sarkissian

Gifts up to $99

David Anderson

Teresa A. Beaudet

Rachel Bingham

Courtney Blankenship

Judith Block

Ivan Boris

Lawton Bourne

Matilde Cantero

Cindy Carlson

Katherine A. Dabney

Irina Denisova

Lavolia E. Duncan

Luis Escareno

Katherine Evans

Susan L. Formaker

Gregory L. Sattizahn

Thomas Scheuermann

Thomas E. Schulz

Stacey A. Smith

Nora Sydow

Susan Tallarico

Patricia Tobias

Robert Wall

Michael A. Zamperini

Samantha Goyings

Jennifer L. Haire

James M. Harris

Anna Harshman

Marta E. Hernandez

Byron Johnson

Linda A. Klein

Ada Lau

Angie Lyon

Mariluz Maldonado

Anne-Marie Mayeaux

Sarah Miller

Michael R. Navin

Shannon Nguyen

Yaw Osei

Eleni Y. Snyder

Corey R. Steel

Shauna M. Strickland

Gilberto Suastegui

Russell Thomas

Lisa C. Tosi-Novo

Johnny Tse

Gabriella Y. Vazquez

Cindi L. Weldy

Mark J. Wenger

Catherine Zacharias

Every effort has been made to list current and accurate information. If you see an error or omission, we would like to hear from you at development@ncsc.org