The Michigan Supreme Court has appointed Judge James M. Biernat Jr. as chief judge of Macomb County courts, filling a vacancy left by the retirement of Judge John Foster last month.
Thursday’s action by the state’s top court elevates Biernat to the position of chief judge of Macomb County Circuit and Probate Courts as well as 42 District Court.
The appointment, for a term ending Dec. 31, took immediate effect.
“I am honored and humbled by this appointment,” Biernat said, “and will work diligently to meet the needs of the judges and staff to keep the court moving forward.”
“Additionally, as a former county commissioner and assistant prosecuting attorney,” he said, “have the perspective of all three branches of county government and know how important it is to work cooperatively with the board and county executive in order to meet the needs of the residents we serve.”
Fellow Judge Matthew Switalski called Biernat “an outstanding choice for chief judge.”
“He is well-respected among his colleagues, the legal community and throughout county government,” Switalski said. “He has
consistently demonstrated an excellent judicial temperament, professionalism and collegiality. He will be a great chief judge.”
Biernat graduated from Hillsdale College in 1991 and received his law degree from the University of Detroit Law School in 1997.
He served on the county board of commissioners from 1993 through 1998 and worked as an assistant county prosecutor from January 1999 until his appointment to the bench by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2011.
Biernat currently presides over the high risk offenders in the circuit court’s Adult Drug Court.
The Supreme Court appoints chief judges for the trial courts to two-year terms. Biernat is being appointed mid-term to complete Foster’s term.
Biernat’s father, James, 74, retired from the Macomb County Circuit Court bench in 2010.
The governor’s office is currently accepting applications to fill Foster’s seat.
The deadline for submission of applications is May 20.
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