Opportunity: Elevation of President Judge to federal bench leaves room at the top for new leadership When former Common Pleas Court President Judge C. Darnell Jones II was appointed to the federal bench in December of 2008, his colleagues who make up the Common Pleas Court Bench elected Pamela P. Dembe to replace him. Judge Dembe has been a Common Pleas judge for 20 years. She is a graduate of Temple University School of Law and has lived in Philadelphia for approximately 40 years. Calendar Year 2009 was the first full year of her leadership and the District has thrived while forging ahead despite severe funding shortages brought on by the recession and its effects on the City of Philadelphia. President Judge Dembe is sworn into office with the assistance of her sons.
Opportunity: 2009 National Judicial College Award earns employees congratulations In an email to all employees of the District, Common Pleas Court President Judge Pamela Dembe commended them for their hard work and dedication saying: “Last night, as Chief Justice Castille watched, the president of the National Judicial College presented the FJD with an award ‘For its Outstanding Commitment to Providing Timely Access to Justice’ based on fifteen or more years of innovative, nation-leading programs and policies. This award comes to us based on years of hard work, courage and cooperation on the part of hundreds and hundreds of people who make up the FJD. Thanks to all of you, and congratulations. You have much to be proud of, and it is an honor to work among you.” President Judge Dembe.
Opportunity: Foreclosure epidemic spurs successful program; residents keep homes; FJD earns honors The National Association of Court Management Justice Achievement Award program was established to publicly recognize courts and related organizations for meritorious projects and exemplary accomplishments that enhance the administration of justice. Each of the court programs and projects nominated for the award were evaluated according to several criteria, including how the program helps to solve a problem and improve the lives of the people whom it affects. The winning project was also required to be the most efficient and/or effective way of answering the problem. The FJD Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Program has excelled at answering a problem and helping to fulfill the needs of the people of Philadelphia. Here, lenders and homeowners can finally sit down together and work toward realistic solutions to their common problems and to achieve their shared goals while keeping families in their homes. NACM President Ray Billotte (left) gives Trial Division Administrative Judge D. Webster Keogh the 2009 Justice Achievement Award
First Judicial District 2009 Annual Report ● Page 16