New chapter: Judges prepare for transition to Business Court

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The Oakland County Circuit Court’s new Business Court will “Open for Business” on July 1, 2013.  In order to provide for a seamless transition, the court will begin assigning business cases to Business Court Judges Wendy Potts and James Alexander as of Monday, June 3.   The new court, created by PA 333 of 2012, will improve court efficiencies; allow business or commercial disputes to be resolved with the expertise, technology and efficiency required by the information age economy; and enhance the accuracy, consistency and predictability of decisions in business and commercial cases.

Judges Potts and Alexander were appointed to the Business Court by the Supreme Court for six-year terms.  The judges will complete all civil cases currently on their dockets.  All other judges will complete the business cases currently on their dockets.  After June 3, Judges Alexander and Potts will be assigned only cases that are eligible for the Business Court.  The remaining judges will continue to be assigned all non-business court eligible cases.  All judges in the Civil/Criminal Division, including Judges Potts and Alexander, will continue with full criminal dockets.

Chief Judge Nanci Grant, commenting on the new Business Court, stated, “We look forward to this innovative venture and the new chapter that it brings to improving the way our courts operate.”

A case qualifies for the Business Court if it seeks damages greater than $25,000 and all or part of the action includes a business or commercial dispute as defined by the act (MCL 600.8031(1)(c)).  All Business Court cases must be filed electronically and a Notice of Assignment to the Business Court should be attached to the Initial Complaint or initial responsive pleading (if the defendant believes the matter qualifies for the Business Court).  The Notice of Assignment form may be found at http://www.oakgov.com/courts/businesscourt/Documents/ocbc01.pdf.  

“Judge Potts and I are honored and excited to have this opportunity to be part of the new Business Court.  We are looking forward to working with the bar to create a court that is responsive to the needs of the business community and responsible for maintaining the high standards of excellence for which the Oakland County Circuit Court is known,” said Alexander.  

Judge Potts echoed those sentiments, stating, “We appreciate the input and help we have received from so many and are planning so we can provide the best possible service to the public when we open for business.”

Judges Potts and Alexander and their staffs are working together to create uniformity in regard to forms and orders, as well as scheduling and case management policies.  Circuit Court administrative staff has also been very involved in the planning for the Business Court.  The court will encourage the use of audio and video conferencing and early use of alternative dispute resolution.  The judges’ written opinions will be available on an indexed website that the Supreme Court Administrative Office is in the process of developing.

The Circuit Court has created a web page specifically for the Business Court that will provide updated information, forms and new developments.  It also contains other important information such as the governing statue, the local Administrative Order and policies and procedures enacted by the Business Court judges.  It may be viewed at http://www.oakgov.com/courts/businesscourt/Pages/default.aspx.

For additional information about the Business Court, contact Gwynne Starkey at 248-858-0345.

 

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