Mark Nelson grew up in Ypsilanti, graduated from Ypsilanti High School, and earned a degree in English literature from DePauw University in 1993. After graduating from the St. Louis University School of Law in 1998, he returned to Michigan and has lived in Ypsilanti Township ever since. Seven years ago, he married his best friend Kerri (their first date was 17 years prior to their wedding) and they have a son, Cooper, 5.
After 10 years in private practice, Nelson joined Judge Charles Pope and the staff of the 14-B District Court as a part-time magistrate. Three years later, he took on the duties as court administrator while also continuing his duties in the courtroom as magistrate.
By Jo Mathis
Legal News
Residence: Ypsilanti Township.
What advice do you have for someone considering law school? Take any steps you can to know what you are getting yourself into. Once you have done that, make sure the work and sacrifice are worth the reward knowing that the reward when you finish is not likely to be what you thought it would be when you began.
Favorite local hangouts: Sidetrack and Maiz in Depot Town.
Favorite websites: For the past few weeks, they have been mgoblog and the Serial podcast page.
What is your happiest childhood memory? Spending time at my grandparent’s cottage on the Straits of Mackinac.
What has been your favorite year so far? Last year. I am hopeful at the end of this year I will be able to say that this year is my favorite year so far.
What is your most typical mood? Calm.
Any regrets? No. Not to say that bad choices have not been made, but without them I may not be where I am now.
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be? My brother. He is a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self? Worry less.
What would surprise people about your job? That will depend on who you ask, but if you ask my college friends the surprise would be that I have this job.
Why is that? I refer you to my answer regarding any regrets.
What is your proudest moment as a lawyer? The day I was sworn in. My grandparents were both able to attend.
Favorite joke: My five-year-old has been telling this one lately so it is my current favorite: Knock – knock. Who’s there? Dismay. Dismay who? Dismay not be a very funny joke.
How would you describe your home? I have a five-year-old – enough said!
What is one thing you would like to learn to do? Speak Spanish beyond my two years of high school Spanish. My son is learning Spanish and after half a year of kindergarten he is getting close to surpassing my vocabulary.
What is something most people don't know about you? I have run two half marathons and am training for my third now.
What is the best advice you ever received? Listen before you speak.
If you can help it, where will you never return? The Breslin Center the day of the bar exam.
What do you drive? 2013 Ford Fusion
What would you drive if money were no object? 2015 Ford Fusion
Favorite place to spend money: I don’t know it’s my favorite place, but most of my money seems to get spent at Costco.
What is your motto? Never have a motto.
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