Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Kurtis T. Wilder (center) was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court on Tuesday by Gov. Rick Snyder (right). Lt. Gov. Brian Calley (left) was also on hand for the announcement. Wilder fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Justice Robert P. Young last month. Wilder has served on the Court of Appeals for nearly 20 years.
– Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor
Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Kurtis T. Wilder was appointed Tuesday to the Michigan Supreme Court by Gov. Rick Snyder.
Wilder, of Canton, fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Justice Robert P. Young.
“Wilder has long demonstrated his keen intellect, his ability to navigate complex legal issues and his aptitude for forming consensus on the court,”
Snyder said. “As a veteran judge of more than two decades, Wilder is committed to the rule of law and the proper role of the judiciary.”
Snyder said Wilder “is a superb addition to our highest court and I am certain he will continue the Michigan Supreme Court’s reputation of excellence.”
Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said Wilder “brings a long tenure of honor and integrity to the Michigan Supreme Court.”
“His wealth of experience combined with his commitment to upholding our Constitution make him an excellent choice for our state’s highest court,” Calley said.
Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman noted Wilder’s “quarter century of experience on the trial and appellate courts of this state.”
“Equally important, he brings what has been a consistent commitment to the equal rule of law and unwavering support for the values of the constitutions of the United States and the State of Michigan,” Markman said.
Prior to being appointed to the state Court of Appeals, Wilder served as chief judge of the Washtenaw County Circuit Court.
Before taking the bench, Wilder was in private practice at prominent Michigan law firms Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith PC in Lansing, and Butzel Long PC in Detroit.
Butzel Long President Justin G. Klimko said Wilder “has developed a well-deserved reputation as a thoughtful and diligent judge on the Court of Appeals. He will be a strong addition to the Michigan Supreme Court.”
Wilder is a member of the State Bar of Michigan; the Fellows of the Michigan State Bar Foundation; the Michigan Judges Association; the Association of Black Judges of Michigan; the Federalist Society, Board of Advisors, Michigan Chapter; and the Wolverine Bar Association.
The Michigan Supreme Court and the State Bar of Michigan have tapped him numerous times to participate in or lead committees and workgroups.
Wilder earned both his law and undergraduate degrees from the University of Michigan.
In addition to his service in the legal community, Wilder is also actively involved in other community and nonprofit organizations.
He is a life-member of the Detroit Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; he serves on the board of directors of the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Wilder is a past member of the board of trustees of the Interlochen Center for the Arts; Walsh College’s President’s Advisory Council; the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan; and the American Heart Association.
Supreme Court justices serve eight-year terms.
Wilder will be eligible for election to a full eight-year term in November of 2018.
Under Article VI, Section 23 of the state constitution, the appointment belongs to the governor alone and is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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