New Associate Judge Added to LCO Tribal Court

By Joe Morey

News Editor

Tribal Judge James Schlender swore in new Associate Judge Elaine Smith on Monday, April 29, at the LCO Tribal Governing Board weekly meeting. Smith is one of two new judges planned for the LCO Tribal Court.

Schlender said the new judges will help with his case load, eventually, each handling a specific court, such as Family Court or Traffic Court.

“This is a great move, it strengthens our sovereignty,” Schlender said. “Our court is strong enough that we can add these judges.”

Schlender said Smith is a licensed attorney who is also a LCO tribal member.

“It helps to have someone who is from here to help our people here,” Schlender said.

Judge James Schlender swears in new Associate Judge Elaine Smith.

Pictured L-R) TGB members Joel Valentin, Rose Gokee, LCO Chairman Louis Taylor, Associate Judge Elaine Smith, Chief Judge James Schlender, TGB member Tweed Shuman and LCO Vice Chairman Jason Schlender.