Hallmark appointed chief judge of Probate Court

The Oakland County Probate Court announces the appointment of Judge Linda Hallmark as the new chief judge for the Probate Court. She will succeed Judge Eugene Arthur Moore who will retire at the end of the year. Hallmark was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to serve in this capacity beginning January 1, 2011, and continuing for a term ending December 31, 2011. The Probate Court handles cases that involve the administration of the decedent estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health hearings. To assist Hallmark in her leadership of the court, she has appointed Judge Elizabeth Pezzetti as chief judge pro tempore and Judge Daniel A. O'Brien as presiding judge of the Estates Division. "It has been my honor to serve as a probate judge since 1997," commented Hallmark. "I have had the good fortune to serve with Judge Barry Grant, Judge Eugene Moore and the late Judge Sandra Silver. As we go forward, I am delighted to serve with Judge Elizabeth Pezzetti, Judge Dan O'Brien and Judge-elect Kathleen Ryan. The probate judges and our outstanding probate staff members strive to serve the citizens of Oakland County with integrity, efficiency and compassion. As chief judge, I will work hard to assure that we continue to pursue excellence." Since December 1997, Hallmark has served on the probate bench. Currently she is a probate judge assigned to the Circuit Court Family Division where she hears family matters ranging from delinquency to divorce and child custody proceedings in addition to her probate docket. Prior to becoming a judge, Hallmark worked as a referee for the Oakland County Friend of the Court from 1980 to 1997 and was employed in private practice from 1977 to 1980. She earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Hallmark is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Federal Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, U.S. Supreme Court Bar, Michigan Interprofessional Association, State Bar Association Fellows, Women Lawyers Association, Women Officials Network Board of Directors, and the Michigan Family Court Forum. She was past chair of the State Bar Family Law Section Council, Oakland County Family Law Committee, and past president of the Referees Association of Michigan. Additionally, Hallmark has served on the Governor's Task Force for Children's Justice since 1993. Hallmark has held various leadership roles in her judicial career. At present, she serves as the probate chief judge pro tempore. In 2000 she was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to serve as chief judge of the Probate Court for two consecutive two-year terms. She was also appointed as presiding judge of the Circuit Court Family Division from 2000 to 2004. Published: Fri, Nov 12, 2010

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