Judicial appointments
Judith Corcoran Benckart was appointed to the Monroe County Circuit Court, succeeding Judge Kenneth G. Todd, who retired in October 2018. She previously served as deputy prosecuting attorney for Monroe County. Benckart earned her Bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and her law degree from Indiana University McKinney School of Law.
Magistrate Jennifer L. DeGroote was appointed to the Allen County Superior Court, succeeding Judge Stanley A. Levine, who retired at the end of 2018. She has served as a magistrate for the Allen County Superior Courts since 1999. DeGroote earned her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and her law degree from the Valparaiso University School of Law.
Magistrate Judge Thomas P. Hallett was appointed to the Lake Superior Court, succeeding Judge Elizabeth Tavitas, who joined the Indiana Court of Appeals in August 2018. He has served as a magistrate for the Lake Superior Court since 2009, and previously served as judge of the Lake Station City Court. Hallett earned his law degree at Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
Matthew A. Sheehan was appointed to the Terre Haute City Court, succeeding Chris A. Wrede, who resigned in August 2018. Sheehan is a private practitioner and previously served in the Vigo County Public Defender’s Office. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and his law degree from Indiana University McKinney School of Law.
David M. Zent was appointed to the Allen County Superior Court Criminal Division. He will succeed Judge John F. Surbeck Jr. who retired at the end of 2018. Zent previously served as senior magistrate of the Misdemeanor and Traffic Division of the Allen County Superior Court. Zent received his Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and his law degree from the University of Dayton.
Study Commission to review Indiana Bar Examination
A 14-member Study Commission will review the Indiana Bar Examination. The Indiana Supreme Court unanimously ordered the creation of the Commission to conduct an in-depth analysis of the bar exam to determine whether changes in the format or content are needed.
Former Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard will chair the Commission. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Nancy A. Vaidik will serve as vice chair. In addition to judges and lawyers, Indiana Law School Deans serve on the Commission. The group will make a report to the Court by December 2019.
COA Judge Margret Robb named as CCJSCA President
Court of Appeals of Indiana Judge Margret Robb was recently named as President of the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal (CCJSCA). CCJSCA is an association of the National Center for State Courts.