Court Leader's Advantage

June 16th, 2026, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast EpisodeWhen former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, real estate executiveGloria Caulfield, and music executive Scott Borchetta praised artificial intelligence during recent commencement addresses, graduates responded not with applause but with boos. For a growing number of Americans, especially youngerworkers entering the workforce, AI is no longer viewed primarily as a tool of innovation and opportunity. Rather, it is increasingly seen as a threat to jobs, economic security, and public trust.The concerns are multifaceted. AI's massive demand forelectricity and water raises environmental questions. Its capacity to generate misinformation and "hallucinated" facts raises concerns about public trust and the integrity of information. Most significant for Generation Z, however, is the fear that AI will fundamentally alter the job market andundermine economic security.Many technology leaders appear largely unmoved by theseconcerns. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has argued that fears of widespread job displacement are overstated. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, contends that workers will not lose jobs to AI itself, but rather to workers who know how to use AImore effectively. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, has similarly predicted that AI will increase productivity, create new opportunities, and improve living standards rather than simply eliminate jobs.The public remains unconvinced.A March 2026 Quinnipiac University poll found that 70% ofAmericans believe AI will reduce the number of available jobs. Among Generation Z, concern is even more pronounced, with 81% believing advances in artificial intelligence are likely to decrease employment opportunities.These concerns are fueled by highly visible workforcereductions. In 2025, Amazon announced approximately 14,000 corporate layoffs while acknowledging that AI-enabled efficiencies played at least a partial role in workforce reductions.[i] UPS announced plans to eliminate 20,000 positions. While the main reason for the reduction in force was a pullback by Amazon, CEO Carol Tomé also cited efficiencies from implementing AI.[ii] Cisco reduced itsworkforce by more than 4,000 employees while increasing its focus on AI-driven networking and security products.[iii] For many workers the message is unmistakable: artificial intelligence means fewer jobs rather than greater opportunity.Courts have historically been cautious adopters of newtechnology, and artificial intelligence appears to be no exception. Yet courts also face chronic staffing shortages, budget constraints, growing caseloads, and increasing pressure to improve efficiency. State legislatures, funding authorities, and court leaders may soon begin asking whether AI can help courts accomplish more with fewer resources.This month, we examine the growing backlash againstartificial intelligence. Is it a temporary reaction or the beginning of a lasting shift in public attitudes? Are court professionals and the public prepared for the inevitable transition? [i]Variety, "Amazon Says It Will Lay Off 14,000 Corporate Workers, Citing AI" (October 31, 2025)[ii] Gulf News, "AI Job Cuts: Major Companies Replacing Humans with Bots in 2025" (February 21, 2026)[iii] PBS (October 28, 2025), “Despite reporting record quarterly revenue of $15.8 billion — up 12% year-over-year —Cisco announced layoffs representing less than 5% of its global workforce, as the company realigned around AI-driven growth”Today's PanelTJ BeMent Court Administrator, 10th Judicial Administrative District Athens, GeorgiaRick Pierce Judicial Programs Administrator, Administrative Office of the Courts, Mechanicsburg, PennsylvaniaKarl Thoennes Court Administrator, Second Judicial Circuit Court, Sioux Falls, South DakotaCreadell Webb Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, 1st Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia,Pennsylvania

Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode June 17, 2025Civil case filings per capita have been declining nationally for decades. John Greacen and Alan Carlson explained this in their book, What Is Happening to State Trial Court Civil Filings? The absolute number of civil filings in state courts has increased somewhat, however overall filings have not kept pace with population growth and have been in a long-term decline. Meanwhile, the National Center for State Courts' annual State of the State Courts poll reported that public trust and confidence in the state courts rose in 2024 to 63%. However, this figure has stagnated between 60% and 64% over the past four years. These troubling numbers raise some important questions: How are people resolving their disputes? How are people now resolving their disputes? Are they, in fact, resolving them at all? One thing is certain: more and more, people are not turning to the courts, the traditional venue for peacefully settling conflict.What can we do about this trend?What can we do about this trend? How can we encourage the public to once again rely on America’s courts to address their issues? This month, we explore how Arizona is tackling the challenge of Access to Justice. Arizona's Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Committee has been working to rebuild public trustand encourage people to return to the courts as a reliable resource for resolving their disputes. Today's PanelThe Honorable Samuel A. Thumma, Judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals Mr. Kip Anderson, Court Administrator for the Mohave County Superior Court in Kingman Arizona, Dr. Kevin Ruegg, Chief Executive Officer for the Arizona Bar FoundationJudge Thumma is Chair of the Arizona Access to Justice Committee; both Dr. Ruegg and Kip Anderson aremembers of that committee. Become part of the Conversation. Submit your comments and questions to CLAPodcast@nacmnet.org

April 15, 2025, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast EpisodeEmployee hiring is at a crossroads. With artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizing the way resumes and applications are screened, employers—including courts—are rethinking how they identify top talent. At the same time, the push for greater diversity means evaluating candidates from vastly different backgrounds using a common set of standards.Courts are grappling with severe staffing shortages, struggling to find candidates who not only have technical expertise but also the interpersonal skills to navigate high-stakes legal and personal matters with litigants and families. With these challenges converging, one question looms large: How do you hire the right candidate in this volatile environment?This month we will explore the dynamic tension between the quest for increased diversity and keeping evaluations unbiased. We will discuss the quest to find a balance at a time when artificial intelligence is potentially changing the very rules for selecting new talent.Today’s PanelCreadell Webb Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Philadelphia CourtsT.J. BeMent Court Administrator, 10th Judicial Administrative District, Athens, GeorgiaElizabeth Moss Human Resources Director, Alaska Court System, Anchorage.Sara Kujawski Manager, HR Talent Strategy & Management, State Court System, St. Paul, MinnesotaBecome Part of the Conversation!Leave a question or comment about the episode at clapodcast@nacmnet.org

March 18, 2025, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast EpisodeThe relationship between cities and their municipal courts is often marked by underlying tension. While courts must function independently, their close ties to city governments can create friction over revenue, resources, and oversight.Underfunded municipal courts frequently struggle with case backlogs, understaffing, and limited access to justice. Judicial independence and the autonomy of other elected officials, such as the Clerk of Court, can also be at risk when city governments exert influence over judicial appointments, salaries, or case outcomes. This interference undermines the courts' ability to serve as impartial arbiters of the law.This month we will explore the tension between cities and municipal courts. We will also discuss how municipal courts can navigate these challenges.Today’s Panelists• Lizzie Alipaz, Court Clerk and Deputy Town Clerk for the Town of Timnath, Colorado• Lori Tyack, elected Clerk of Court for the Franklin County Municipal Court in Columbus, Ohio and• MiHa Kapaki, Court Administrator for the Grays Harbor County District Court in Montesano, WashingtonLeave a question or comment about the episode at clapodcast@nacmnet.org

November 21st, 2024, Question of Ethics Conversation Copilot describes data literacy as understanding, interpreting, and using data effectively. It involves knowing how to read charts and graphs, understanding statistics, and being able to critically evaluate data sources for their reliability and relevance. Just as how literacy with words helps you comprehend and communicate in language, data literacy empowers you to navigate and make sense of the vast amounts of data we encounter daily. Problem Analysis is an often-overlooked component of decision-making. In this episode we discuss data literacy and how it intersects with ethics in the courts. Episode Moderator: Roger Rand, IT Manager, Multnomah County Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon Episode Panel: Courtney Whiteside, Director, Municipal Court, St. Louis, Missouri. Courtney is also the chair of the NACM Ethics Subcommittee. Stacy Worby, State Jury Coordinator, Alaska State Court System, Anchorage. Ellen Haines, Supervisor, IT Training & Data Analysis Department, Multnomah Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon Peter Kiefer, Host, Court Leaders Advantage Podcast Series, Auburn, New York. Jeff Chappell, Court Administrator, Municipal Court, O'Fallon, Missouri. Creadell Webb, Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer, 1st Judicial District, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Leave a question or comment at ethics@nacmnet,org Join the Question of Ethics Conversation held after the Subcommittee meetings every fourth Thursday of the month at 2:00 pm ET.

December 17, 2024, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode This month and in January we’re looking at the 5 biggest issues and the 5 biggest opportunities facing young workers today. This month we will consider the five biggest issues which include: • Work-Life Balance • Job Security • Mental Health and Well-Being • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) • Career Development and Growth Opportunities Moderator Erika Schmid Supervisor, Multnomah Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon Today’s Panel Samantha Wallis Assistant Court Administrator, District Court, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Daniel Meza Rincón Deputy Juvenile Court Administrator, State of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah Victoria Murray Business Intelligence Analyst & Supervisor, Maricopa Superior Court, Phoenix, Arizona. Carrie Summers-Nomura Program Coordinator, Clackamas County Circuit Court, Oregon City, Oregon Courtney Whiteside Director, Municipal Court, St. Louis, Missouri Leave a question or comment about the episode at clapodcast@nacmnet.org

October 15, 2024, Court Leader’s Advantage Podcast Episode Forbes Magazine recently published an article titled “10 Biggest Business Trends Everyone Must Be Ready For Now.” The list? 1. Generative Artificial Intelligence Will Be Everywhere. 2. Demand for Interpersonal Skills 3. The Move to Sustainable Business 4. Business Resilience 5. Personalization of the Customer Experience at Scale 6. A Customer Experience Revolution 7. The Data Economy 8. The Search for Skills Solutions 9. Employees Demand Remote Work opportunities 10. The Shift to Diversity and Inclusivity Many court administrators appear to see artificial intelligence as an IT issue. However, it is definitely a consumer-based concept now. A short time ago, the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz announced its top 100 consumer AI apps. The most popular one by far? ChatGPT, trailed by other tools including Microsoft CoPilot, Google’s Gemini and Bing, Character AI, Perplexity, Claude, and even Grammarly. These tools can create compelling text in seconds. It can significantly shorten the job of developing reports, briefs, presentations, and emails. There has also been considerable discussion about the problems with these tools. Hallucinations Lack of Transparency Appropriating Personal & Confidential Information Bias This month we’re looking at the court’s position on using consumer AI tools. Is it occurring? Are courts aware of these tools? Do we think that staff might be using them with or without the knowledge of upper management? Are courts even concerned about them? Today’s Panel: Roger Rand Information Technology Manager, Multnomah County Circuit Court, Portland, Oregon T,J BeMent District Court Administrator, 10th Judicial Administrative District, Athens, Georgia Lori Tyack Clerk of Court, Franklin County Municipal Court, Columbus, Ohio Dana Bartocci Human Resources & Development Director, Minnesota Judicial Branch Leave a question or comment about the episode at clapodcast@nacmnet.org