Hon. Victoria A. Valentine was elected to the 6th Circuit Court in 2016, and she serves on the business court. Judge Valentine is also the judicial liaison to the Oakland County Bar Association’s circuit court committee and a board member of the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society. She is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan and has served on the Civil Procedure and Courts Committee. Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Valentine was a partner at Valentine & Associates PC. Judge Valentine has also served as president-elect of the Oakland County Bar Association and a trustee of the Oakland County Bar Foundation.
For attorneys who have never been to your court, what is your check-in process?
I have a court protocol that is available online to the public that provides information on the process, as well as a link to see what cases are being heard and at what time(s). When we hold in-court proceedings, there is a chart that appears that allows attorneys and defendants to check in. This way the court staff can call cases when both sides have appeared.
· https://www.oakgov.com/home/showpublisheddocument/16631/638748641412430000
· https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1E9FzqhczMJGsJXQjJ1cDZk1yglKJ2TkYkZWdNgK3uTc/edit?gid=1467883929#gid=1467883929
When is your motion call? Are there a maximum number of motions heard during motion call?
Motion call is generally set on Wednesdays. Hearings begin at approximately 8:30 a.m. Hearings are held via Zoom (2488585282) unless there is a stipulation for an in-court hearing. There is not a maximum number of motions heard in a day. However, there are situations where the court may move motions to allow more time for argument or for another reason.
Should proposed orders be submitted to the clerk before argument? Do you expect orders to be drafted in court, and, if so, are there computers for drafting them?
Proposed orders do not need to be submitted before argument. The moving party is to submit an order consistent with the court’s ruling. If litigants are in court, handwritten orders can be accepted; however, we do not have computers available for attorney use.
How should stipulated orders be submitted?
Stipulated orders should be e-filed for signature by the judge.
Who makes up your judicial staff and what roles do they play?
Judicial clerks execute and manage in-person and Zoom court proceedings, document management and filing and scheduling.
The judicial secretary is responsible for criminal docket management, chambers management, and the judicial schedule.
The judicial attorney supports research and drafting of opinions and orders.
What types of pretrial conferences do you hold and what happens at them?
It depends on the case. If the parties are working on a resolution, there is generally a discussion on how the lawyers see a path for achieving resolution. If the case is proceeding to trial, we talk about what is needed to prepare the case to run smoothly at trial and scheduling.
What types of matters/motions are held via Zoom and which are held in person?
Criminal call and business and criminal trials are held in person. Motions, status conferences, and settlements tend to proceed via Zoom.
What are some components of an argument (either in a brief or oral argument) that you find compelling or persuasive?
Acknowledging and conceding to counterarguments if warranted.
What procedural issues/disputes should be worked out between the parties before involving you?
The attorneys should follow Local Court Rule 2.119(B)(2)(a) and attempt to have a discussion to resolve issues.
What are some common mistakes lawyers make in your courtroom, either while appearing in person or remotely?
Via Zoom—not unmuting.
What do you think is the most commonly misinterpreted court rule or rule of evidence?
MRE 611(d)(1)—leading questions are allowed to develop a witness’s testimony.
What is an example of a time a lawyer impressed you?
There are too many examples of a time a lawyer impressed me. I am often impressed with how eloquent, prepared, or frank an attorney presents a position. I am also impressed when a lawyer is professional and helpful to another lawyer. For example, sharing an exhibit at trial or helping opposing counsel trouble shoot a technical issue or apologizing for unintentionally cutting off another attorney. These small professional gestures not only impress a judge, they are often noted and commented on by jurors.
Is there anything else you would like Michigan lawyers to know?
I sincerely appreciate the skill and advocacy of the lawyers. I enjoy the strategy and arguments of the lawyers, and I am thankful for their contribution to the art of the practice of law. I am honored to serve the community.