Honorable Charlene M Elder

For residents across Michigan, understanding the judicial system and the individuals who uphold justice is incredibly important. When legal matters touch upon family life or significant civil disputes, having confidence in the judiciary is paramount. In the bustling heart of Detroit, the Honorable Charlene M. Elder serves as a distinguished judge within the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County, bringing years of dedicated experience and a profound commitment to justice for the people of Michigan.

Judge Elder’s career reflects a diverse legal background, having served in both the Family and Civil Divisions of the court. Her work encompasses a wide range of critical legal areas, from handling sensitive domestic relations cases involving divorce and child custody to overseeing complex civil disputes. Prior to her appointment to the 3rd Circuit Court, she also gained experience as a judicial magistrate and in private practice, specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation. For Michigan residents, Judge Charlene M. Elder represents a key figure in the local judiciary, dedicated to ensuring fair and thoughtful consideration of the cases that come before her bench. Her reputation for professionalism and commitment to her role makes her a respected figure in the Wayne County legal landscape.

The Honorable Charlene M. Elder presides within the 3rd Circuit Court, located at 2 Woodward Ave #1701, Detroit, MI 48226, USA. This address places her courtroom within the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, a central and highly recognizable landmark in downtown Detroit. This location offers exceptional accessibility for individuals and legal professionals from across the greater Michigan area.

Being situated in the core of downtown Detroit, the court building is easily reachable via major freeways and thoroughfares that connect Detroit to its surrounding suburbs and other communities throughout Michigan. For those traveling by car, numerous public parking structures and metered street parking options are typically available within a short walking distance of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center. While planning for downtown parking can sometimes be advisable, the abundance of choices usually ensures a convenient visit.

Public transportation is also a highly convenient option for accessing the courthouse. Detroit's public transit system, including various bus routes and the QLine streetcar, provides extensive service to the downtown area, offering an alternative for individuals who prefer not to drive. The central setting also means the court is surrounded by other essential city services and amenities, which can be practical for those with multiple engagements in the area. The strategic and accessible location of Judge Elder's courtroom underscores the court's commitment to serving a wide range of Michigan residents with ease.

As a judge in the Michigan 3rd Circuit Court, Honorable Charlene M. Elder's role involves presiding over various legal proceedings and administering justice rather than offering legal services in the traditional sense of a private attorney. Her responsibilities are within the court system, and she oversees cases in specific divisions.

Based on public information, Judge Elder's judicial services include:

• Presiding over Civil Division Cases: Judge Elder currently serves in the Civil Division of the 3rd Circuit Court. In this role, she handles civil cases where claims exceed $25,000. These cases can involve a wide array of disputes such as medical malpractice, auto negligence, personal injury, contracts, employment discrimination, and receiverships.
• Presiding over Family Division Cases (Historically/Currently): Prior to her current role in the Civil Division, Judge Elder served for 17 years in the Family Division. In this division, she handled a variety of domestic relations cases, including divorce proceedings, paternity disputes, child custody matters, and the issuance of personal protection orders (PPOs). She was also involved in the Wayne County's new Solution Oriented Domestic Violence Prevention Court.
• Adjudicating Legal Disputes: Her fundamental role is to hear arguments from both sides of a legal dispute, review evidence, apply relevant laws, and render decisions or judgments in accordance with legal principles and statutes.
• Case Management: Judges are responsible for managing their dockets, which involves overseeing the progression of cases, setting schedules for motions and trials, and ensuring that cases move forward efficiently through the legal system.
• Issuing Orders and Judgments: Based on the facts and law presented, Judge Elder issues court orders, rulings, and final judgments that are legally binding and enforceable.

It is important to note that as a judge, Honorable Charlene M. Elder serves as an impartial arbiter of the law and does not provide legal advice or representation to individual parties. Those in need of legal counsel should seek a private attorney.

The Honorable Charlene M. Elder's career as a judge is marked by several significant features and highlights that underscore her standing and contributions to the Michigan judiciary:

• Extensive Judicial Experience: Judge Elder was appointed to the 3rd Circuit Court in 2005 by Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and assumed office in 2006. This means she has served as a Circuit Court Judge for nearly two decades, demonstrating deep experience in judicial decision-making and courtroom management.
• Versatility Across Court Divisions: Her experience spans both the Family Division (17 years) and the current Civil Division of the 3rd Circuit Court. This versatility highlights her ability to preside over a broad range of complex legal matters, from emotionally charged domestic relations cases to intricate civil disputes involving significant financial claims.
• Experience as a Judicial Magistrate: Prior to her Circuit Court appointment, Judge Elder served as a judicial magistrate in Dearborn's 19th District Court from 2003 to 2005. This experience provided her with foundational knowledge in judicial proceedings at the district court level.
• Pioneer as an Arab-American Female Judge: Judge Elder holds a significant distinction as the first Arab-American female judge on the 3rd Circuit Court and notably, "the first female, Arab-American, and Muslim judge in the country." This trailblazing role makes her an important figure in Michigan's diverse legal landscape and a role model for many.
• Involvement in Domestic Violence Prevention: She was one of the judges involved in Wayne County's "Solution Oriented Domestic Violence Prevention Court." This demonstrates her commitment to addressing critical societal issues and providing comprehensive services to vulnerable populations.
• Commitment to Community and Professional Associations: Judge Elder serves on the board of ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services) and is a member of the Michigan Judges Association. These affiliations highlight her active engagement in both the community and the broader judicial profession.
• Prior Private Practice Experience: Before taking the bench, Judge Elder was a private practitioner specializing in consumer protection law, commercial transactions, and general litigation. This background provides her with a valuable understanding of the legal challenges faced by individuals and businesses from a practitioner's perspective.
• Respected by Colleagues: As noted in an interview, Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly commented on Judge Elder's "deep presence about her and a peaceful serenity that obviously comes from her faith," reflecting respect from her peers.

These features collectively illustrate Judge Charlene M. Elder's dedicated service, diverse experience, and significant contributions to the Michigan judiciary and community.

As the Honorable Charlene M. Elder is a judge within the Michigan 3rd Circuit Court, she does not offer "Promotions or Special Offers" in the conventional sense that a private business or law firm might. Her role is to serve the public impartially from the bench, not to market legal services.

However, the "offer" from Judge Elder, and indeed from the judiciary, comes in the form of accessible and fair administration of justice. While not a promotional deal, the value provided to the public includes:

• Impartial Adjudication: Citizens appearing before Judge Elder can expect an impartial review of their cases based on the law and facts presented. This adherence to fairness is a core principle of the judicial system.
• Efficient Case Management: Judges are responsible for managing their courtrooms and dockets efficiently. This aims to ensure that cases progress in a timely manner, which is a benefit to all parties involved by reducing delays and uncertainties.
• Commitment to Justice: As a public servant, Judge Elder is committed to upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served in the cases she presides over, whether in the Civil or Family Division.

For individuals involved in cases within the 3rd Circuit Court's Civil or Family Divisions, the "offer" is the opportunity to have their legal matters heard and decided by an experienced and respected member of the judiciary. Any inquiries about court procedures or specific case details should be directed to the relevant court clerk's office, not to the Judge's chambers directly for legal advice.

For individuals in Michigan who interact with the 3rd Circuit Court in Detroit, the Honorable Charlene M. Elder's courtroom is located at a central and accessible address.

• Address: 2 Woodward Ave #1701, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
• Phone: (313) 224-5436
• Mobile Phone: +1 313-224-5436

These contact details are for the court and the Judge's chambers. Please note that direct contact with a judge or their staff regarding an ongoing case is typically restricted by judicial ethics and rules of conduct. These numbers are for administrative inquiries related to the court or the Judge's general schedule, not for seeking legal advice or discussing specific case details ex parte (without all parties present). For legal advice, individuals should consult a private attorney.

For locals throughout Michigan, particularly those in Wayne County, the Honorable Charlene M. Elder's presence on the 3rd Circuit Court bench makes the judicial system more approachable and reliable. Her extensive experience, spanning nearly two decades on the Circuit Court, including significant time in both the Family and Civil Divisions, means that cases brought before her receive the attention of a seasoned legal professional. This versatility allows her to effectively handle a wide array of disputes that directly impact the lives of Michigan families and individuals, from divorces and custody battles to complex financial claims.

Her historical role as the first Arab-American female judge on the 3rd Circuit Court, and indeed the first female, Arab-American, and Muslim judge in the country, also holds significant meaning for Michigan's diverse population. This representation can foster greater trust and understanding within communities that may sometimes feel disconnected from the judicial system. Furthermore, her involvement in initiatives like the Solution Oriented Domestic Violence Prevention Court underscores her commitment to addressing critical societal issues and providing support to vulnerable members of the community. For Michigan residents, Judge Charlene M. Elder embodies a judiciary that is not only knowledgeable and fair but also deeply connected to the community it serves. Her dedication to justice and her distinguished career make her a vital and respected figure for those navigating legal processes in the state.