Hearing next month to determine judge’s fate
INKSTER, Mich. (AP) — The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission is expected to hold a hearing next month to determine the fate of a Detroit-area judge accused of using public money for personal use.
The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press report Judge Sylvia James faces a May 14 hearing that could lead to her removal from the bench.
The District Court judge in Inkster was accused of misspending more than $100,000, either for her personal use or for community projects unrelated to the court.
Retired Washtenaw County Judge Ann Mattson said in a written ruling Tuesday that James demonstrated “a lack of respect for the law” and was guilty of misconduct.
James denied any wrongdoing. Her lawyer Sharon McPhail says James is a “hardworking judge” and Mattson’s findings disputed many of the allegations.
Snyder names Daniel White Monroe County’s 38th Circuit Court
Gov. Rick Snyder this week announced the appointment of Daniel White, of Monroe, to the 38th Circuit Court in Monroe County. The appointment fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Joseph A. Costello Jr.
“Daniel is an excellent attorney. He is fair and known to be a leader in the community. I am confident he will prove an asset to the Monroe County bench,” said Snyder.
White began his legal career as an attorney with the law firm of Lennard & Graham. For nearly 30 years, he has been in private practice with a focus on family law. White is a former member of the Monroe City Council and remains active in his community and professional organizations, including the Monroe County Bar Association and the Monroe County Airport Board. He is a graduate of Monroe County Community College, University of Michigan and earned his law degree from the University of Toledo.
White and his wife, Vicki, have two children, Alexander and Lauren.
White’s appointment runs through Jan. 1, 2013. He will have to seek election in November 2012 for the remainder of the term ending Jan. 1, 2015.
Foundation raises record amount at 13th Annual Signature Event
The Oakland County Bar Foundation (OCBF) was in a record-breaking mood at the 13th Annual Signature Event on April 20, raising $249,550 for law-related charities across the metro area. A sell-out crowd of more than 400 attended the event at Oakland Hills Country Club.
“This year, we received more grant requests than ever before and our generous sponsors rose to the challenge,” said Patrick McCauley, president of the OCBF. “Having broken our previous fund-raising record, OCBF will have the means necessary to fund even more of the outstanding legal aid and education nonprofits that help individuals right here in our own back yards. We truly appreciate the ongoing support of the Oakland County legal community and look forward to another year of great progress.”
In total, $189,500 was raised from sponsorship activity and an additional $59,100 was generated in ticket sales, as well as $1,400 in donations, for a grand total of $249,550, according to OCBF officials.
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