Yokich sworn in as new Michigan Judges Association president

Judge Tracey A. Yokich of the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County, was sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen J. Markman as the new president of the Michigan Judges Association (MJA) during the MJA Annual Conference in August. Yokich will begin her one-year term as president on December 1.

“Judge Yokich has been active in the MJA for many years and brings a wealth of experience to this new role,” said Markman. “I know that her dedication and commitment as a jurist, combined with her history of service to our nation, to our state, and to the people of Macomb County, will guide her seamlessly as she steps into this leadership position.”

MJA is one of three judges associations sanctioned by the Michigan Supreme Court, the other two being the Michigan Probate Judges Association and the Michigan District Judges Association. Yokich became a member of the Michigan Probate Judges Association prior to her election to the circuit court.

Appointed to the Macomb County Probate Court by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in 2003, Yokich was subsequently elected to the Macomb County Circuit Court in 2004 and re-elected in 2011.

In addition to her work with MJA over the last 12 years, she is an active member of the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Board of Trustees, the Michigan and Macomb Bar Associations, the Michigan State Bar Foundation, the Michigan Air Guard Historical Association, and the Selfridge Air Force Base Community Council.

A 1982 James Madison College at Michigan State University and 1985 University of Detroit School of Law graduate, Yokich first clerked for the Hon. George Clifton Edwards, Jr., of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

She returned to Michigan and joined then-Macomb County Prosecutor, and current Circuit Court Judge, Carl J. Marlinga’s staff as an assistant prosecuting attorney. She next served as Macomb County Assistant Corporation Counsel and left in 1990 upon her election to the Michigan House of Representatives. She served three terms on behalf of her constituents in St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe, Lake Township, and Harrison Township. She subsequently returned to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s office until her appointment to the Probate Court.  

Yokich served as an officer in the Michigan Air National Guard from 1995 to 2006 and in the Air Force Reserve until being honorably discharged in 2014. 

Macomb County Circuit Court Chief Judge James M. Biernat, Jr., said, “Judge Yokich has enjoyed a distinguished career in Macomb County. In addition to performing her duties as a family division judge, she has long been committed to the Michigan Judges Association. I’m confident she will do an excellent job in her new role as president.”

Judge Marlinga said, “Judge Yokich has always been about public service. Every step in her career has been taken with one goal in mind: to make life better, safer, and happier for the people she serves. She has gained the recognition she so richly deserves because she has never sought anything for herself.” 

Former MJA President Judge James C. Alexander, of the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County, strongly encouraged Judge Yokich to serve her fellow judges in this capacity. “By virtue of her service in all branches of government, Judge Yokich has brought a unique perspective to the bench. Her compassion, collegiality, and concern for her colleagues and constituents will serve her well as she takes the helm of MJA. We are all eagerly looking forward to working with her.”

The Michigan Judges Association is a professional organization whose membership includes active and former Court of Appeals, circuit court, probate, and district court judges, as well as former judges who have been assigned to serve in the circuit court. MJA celebrated its 90th Anniversary this year with record attendance at its annual conference.

This 212-member organization was first been established in 1927 to improve the administration of justice, professional excellence and the general welfare of its members. Today, MJA works closely with the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan Supreme Court, the Supreme Court Administrative Office, the Office of the Governor, the Michigan Legislature, and a myriad of other legal and law enforcement organizations for the benefit of their constituents. For more information, visit www.mijudge.org.

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