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- Posted June 04, 2026
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‘Swearing-In’
Seated (l-r) Probate Judge Jennifer Kelly, Jackson Co. Referee Kalle Lauer, 12th District Judge Nicole Hughes and Chief Circuit Judge Susan Jordan; Standing (l-r) Circuit Judge John McBain, Circuit Judge Richard LaFlamme, Jackson County Magistrate Christopher Dickerson, 12th District Judge Michael Klaeren, 12th District Judge Robert Gaecke, and 12th District Chief Judge Daniel Goostrey.
The Hon. Nicole A. Hughes was sworn in as Judge of the 12th Judicial District Court on May 5, in the courtroom of the Hon. John G. McBain at the Jackson County Courthouse. Judge Hughes began her legal career in that courtroom as a law clerk to Judge McBain in 2013. Judge Hughes was appointed to the bench by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on April 1, filling a vacancy created by the appointment of former District Court Judge Allison Bates to the 4th Judicial Circuit Court.
Judge Nicole Hughes is sworn in, with 12th District Chief Judge Daniel Goostrey.
Circuit Court Judge John McBain and 12th District Judge Nicole Hughes.
Judge Hughes’ husband Chris Balmes with their son Lucas, and Judge Hughes with their son Theo.
(In front l-r) Niece Alex Abdullah, nephew Quentin McKnight, mother-in-law Lyla Balmes, Judge Hughes’ husband Chris Balmes with their son Lucas, Judge Hughes and their son Theo, Judge Hughes’ mother Freda Hughes, Aunt Mary Hughes, Uncle John Westerman. (In back, l-r) Sister-in-law Danielle Abdullah, sister-in-law Nikki McKnight, father-in-law Bernard Balmes with Asher Abdullah, and Judge Hughes’ brother Nathan Hughes.
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