Snyder makes two appointments to bench

Weber named to 96th District Court in Marquette County

Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday announced the appointment of Karl Weber, of Marquette, to the 96th District Court in Marquette County.

"Karl has shown that he has the leadership, work ethic and legal skills requisite of serving in a judicial capacity," Snyder said. "His exemplary abilities and commitment to the region will serve him well on this court."

Weber is the managing partner at Plunkett Cooney's Marquette Office, handling complex litigation, representing numerous businesses, financial institutions, and municipalities in both state and federal courts. In 2012 he was appointed as a special assistant attorney general to serve as the Marquette County Public Administrator. Weber also served as the Chief Appellate Judge for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Trial Court located in northern Michigan. He is active in the Northern Michigan Legal Institute, the Range Financial Corporation, Range Bank, the Marquette Community Foundation, and has served on the Board of Trustees for the Northern Michigan University. Weber earned both a bachelor's degree in arts and a law degree from the University of Michigan.

His appointment fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Dennis Girard.

Weber will have to stand for election in 2016 for a full six-year term.

Berger named to Berrien County Trial Court

Gov. Rick Snyder Friday announced the appointment of Brian Berger, of St. Joseph, to the Berrien County Trial Court.

"Brian has demonstrated over a long career in both private practice and in the Berrien County Prosecutor's office that he has the skill, demeanor, and work ethic necessary to succeed on the bench," Snyder said. "I am confident Brian will continue his long record of stalwart service to the people of Berrien County in this new position."

Berger is currently in private practice as owner and sole practitioner handling family law and criminal cases at the Berger Law Office. He started his legal career as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Berrien County and in 1987 joined the law firm of Butzbaugh & Ehrenberg in St. Joseph. He has extensive trial experience and is a court appointed mediator, serving the counties of Berrien, Cass and Van Buren. He is also active in the Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor. Berger earned a bachelor's degree in arts from James Madison College at Michigan State University and a law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law.

His appointment fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Thomas E. Nelson. Berger will stand for election in 2016 and will have to run again in 2018 for a full six-year term.

Published: Tue, Nov 17, 2015