Casework 2026

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Exclusively for Judges

Fun for the Long Run: What We Can Learn about Joy (and Endurance) from Ultramarathoning Judges
Friday, July 10, 2026 | 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. (PT) | Zoom

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All judges are invited to join this special summer edition of Casework—no running experience required!

Hon. George Hanks (Southern District of Texas), Hon. Michael Harralson (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Supreme Court), and Hon. Elizabeth Stong (Eastern District of New York) will share what endurance running has taught them about who they are, how to create work-life balance, finding meaning in everyday life, and building stamina on and off the bench. Get ready to be inspired!

Panelist(s):

Hon. George Hanks, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex.
Hon. Michael Harralson, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Supreme Court
Hon. Elizabeth Stong, U.S. Bankruptcy, E.D.N.Y. 

Series Description

Please join BJI for Casework, a facilitated drop-in session where judges come together every month to explore the challenges and rewards of judicial work.

Every Casework conversation will be kicked off by three judge “panelists” who share their own experiences and reflections on a set topic. The remainder of the hour will be an open conversation, with attendees chiming in, asking questions, and providing their own insights and ideas. Casework is designed to provide a trusted and confidential space for judges to collectively reflect, learn from one another, and feel supported in their work. 

Schedule

March 20: When I noticed my body’s role in decision-making

The prompt for our first Casework event will be: “When I noticed my body’s role in decision-making.” Panelists will start the conversation by reflecting on the cases that tested their bodies; the impacts of judicial work on health; and the steps they take to bring healthy bodies to the bench. We will then open the floor for a facilitated conversation among all attendees.

Panelist(s):

Hon. Jeremy Fogel (ret.), BJI
Hon. Sarah Selzer, Maricopa County Superior Court
Hon. Megan Treuer, Bois Forte Tribal Court

April 17: A colleague I’ll never forget

Who is the colleague you could never live without? 
Who is the colleague you wish you could forget? 

Join us on April 17 as we explore what makes a great judicial colleague (and what it takes to be one!). Our panelists, Judge David Keenan (King County Superior Court, Washington), Judge Jo Deen Lowe (Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court, Wisconsin), and Associate Justice Anne McKeig (Supreme Court of Minnesota), will share their reflections on the colleagues who mentored them, challenged them, and supported them in their important work.
 
Panelists(s):
Hon. David Keenan, King County Superior Court, Washington
Hon. Jo Deen Lowe, Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court, Wisconsin
Hon. Anne McKeig, Supreme Court of Minnesota

May 15: When your best doesn’t feel good enough

Do you ever feel like your best isn’t good enough? You’re not alone.

Join us on May 15 for an honest conversation about frustration, from feeling like you can’t keep up to worrying that you’re not meeting your own (or others’) standards. Our panelists, Judges Julia Alloggiamento, Kathryn Loring, and Andrew Peterson, will share their reflections on frustration—as well as how they find progress and satisfaction in everyday judicial work.

Panelists(s):
Hon. Julia Alloggiamento, Santa Clara County Superior Court, California
Hon. Kathryn Loring, San Juan County Superior Court, Washington
Hon. Andrew Peterson, Alaska Third District Superior Court

June 12: A time I felt proud

Join us on June 12 for a conversation about the interactions, decisions, and initiatives that make judicial work so meaningful. Our panelists, Judges Johnathan Judd (Otter Tail County District Court, Minnesota), Elaine Smith (Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Court, Wisconsin), and Edwina Richardson (Office for Justice Initiatives, NY Court of Claims, New York) will share their professional successes and reflect on what reminds them of the promise of judging. 

Panelist(s):

Hon. Johnathan Judd, Otter Tail County District Court, Minnesota
Hon. Elaine Smith, Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Court, Wisconsin
Hon. Edwina Richardson, Office for Justice Initiatives, NY Court of Claims, New York

July 10: Fun for the Long Run: What We Can Learn about Joy (and Endurance) from Ultramarathoning Judges

All judges are invited to join this special summer edition of Casework—no running experience required!

Hon. George Hanks (Southern District of Texas), Hon. Michael Harralson (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Supreme Court), and Hon. Elizabeth Stong (Eastern District of New York) will share what endurance running has taught them about who they are, how to create work-life balance, finding meaning in everyday life, and building stamina on and off the bench. Get ready to be inspired!

Panelist(s):

Hon. George Hanks, U.S. District Court, S.D. Tex.
Hon. Michael Harralson, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Supreme Court
Hon. Elizabeth Stong, U.S. Bankruptcy, E.D.N.Y. 

July 10: Fun for the Long Run: Endurance running judges on what helps them go the distance

 

August 21: The Art of Judging: Lessons from the creative bench

 

September 18: From the Courtroom to the Concert Stage: Celebrating the musicians among us