Judge Rick getting seat on point out Court of Appeals | Information

Immediately after 13 years as a single of two judges presiding over the 29th Circuit Courtroom in Gratiot and Clinton counties, Michelle Rick is shifting up the judicial ladder.

On Tuesday at the Gratiot County Courthouse in Ithaca, County Clerk Angie Thompson swore-in Rick to her new article as a decide on the Michigan Court docket of Appeals 4th District.

 

Rick ran unopposed in the November general election for the six-calendar year appointment.

 

The ceremony was attended by family associates, like her father Gene Niedzwiecki, who stood at his daughter’s side while she was administered the oath of place of work.

 

Also on hand, both in human being or via Zoom, have been other relatives members, coworkers, colleagues, her circuit court workers, and legislation enforcement and county officers from both Gratiot and Clinton counties, between others.

 

Gratiot County Probate Decide Kristin Bakker served as host for the function, listing Rick’s history, career highlights and accomplishments.

 

“I know you will put your trial court docket encounter to great use in the Court of Appeals,” Bakker mentioned.

 

Former coworker and now fellow 4th District Court of Appeals Judge Amy Ronayne-Krause addressed the gathering by using Zoom.

 

Krause was amongst people who encouraged Rick to request the Court docket of Appeals seat.

 

“It’s a tremendous honor for me to provide with you and you will be an asset to the people today of the condition of Michigan,” Krause stated.

 

Rick said she was “humbled” by the amount of men and women who took the time to attend the ceremony both in-person or by way of Zoom.

 

She also thanked a range of colleagues, coworkers and her circuit court docket staff members.

 

“I could not have done it with no you, and your assist and your expertise,” Rick observed.

 

The MCA’s 4th District is based in Lansing and addresses 54 counties, ranging from Ingham and Livingston in the southern part, to all of northern decrease Michigan and the whole Upper Peninsula.

 

Rick was born in Bay City and elevated in Gaylord. She acquired her bachelor’s diploma from Michigan Point out College in 1987 and her medical doctor of legislation degree from the University of Detroit Faculty of Legislation in 1991.

 

Prior to getting to be 29th Circuit Courtroom choose, Rick was the deputy lawful counsel for Gov. Jennifer Granholm from 2006-07, assistant state attorney general from 1995 to 2006, Livingston County assistant prosecutor from 1993 to 1995 and lawyer for the Lansing regulation agency Hubbard, Fox, Thomas, White & Bengtson from 1991 to 1993.

 

She and her husband of 32 a long time, Matthew, have 4 developed little ones and reside in DeWitt.

 

Rick will start out her new responsibilities Jan. 1, subsequent the retirement of Judge Patrick Meter.

 

DeWitt lawyer Shannon Schlegel, who ran unopposed for the 29th Circuit Courtroom judgeship in November, will suppose Rick’s former location on the bench.

Nick Piccolo resigns, then reappointed to Alma metropolis fee

Alma Elks to present cost-free Xmas dinners

Gratiot updates parks and recreation plan