The Indiana Supreme Court has named Lake Circuit Judge Lorenzo Arredondo to serve as vice chair of the Commission on Race and Gender Fairness. Judge Arredondo replaces Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Ezra Friedlander and will serve out the remainder of Judge Friedlander's term, which expires Oct. 31, 2009.

Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard also appointed Judge Arredondo, who is already a member of the commission, to serve as vice chair from Nov. 1, 2009 through Oct. 31, 2011. Former Indiana Supreme Court Justice Myra Selby will continue to chair the commission.

The Commission on Race and Gender Fairness is charged with studying and making recommendations on race and gender issues in Indiana's justice system. The commission created the Court Interpreter Program to ensure all citizens have equal access to the courts, and has partnered with the Indiana State Bar Association's Women in the Law standing committee to study perceptions and practices within the legal profession with respect to gender issues.