Michigan Judges recognize Hon. Joan Young as Hilda Gage Award winner

The Michigan Judges Association (“MJA”) is pleased to announce that the Hon. Joan E. Young, of the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County, is the recipient of its 2014 Judicial Excellence Award.

This award is named after the late Court of Appeals Judge Hilda Gage. The award recognizes Circuit and Court of Appeals judges who have excelled in trial and docket management, legal scholarship, and contributions to the profession and the community. The award honors current or former judges who serve their profession and their communities with integrity, skill, and courage every day.

A West Michigan native, Judge Young is a graduate of the Michigan State University and Wayne State School of Law. She began her judicial career as an Oakland County Probate Judge. She served in that court until her appointment to the 6th Circuit Court in 1997. She has served as Chief Judge in both courts.  She is currently the Presiding Judge in the Adult Treatment Court. Judge Young also worked closely with Judge Gage for many years in Oakland County.

Judge Young has also been repeatedly recognized for her professional and judicial skill. She has served on MJA’s Executive Committee for many years, chairing its Domestic Relations Committee. The Oakland County Bar Association awarded her its Distinguished Public Servant Award in 2011. The Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Oakland County named its annual Foster Parent of the Year award after Judge Young. 

Judge Young’s community activities include serving on the boards of organizations such as the Women Officials Network, Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. and the Michigan Opera Theatre. She chaired the Legal Sub-committee for the Lieutenant Governor’s Special Commission on Adoption.

Judge James M. Alexander, Judge Young’s colleague on the Oakland Circuit bench, said “Like Judge Gage, Judge Young cares.  She cares about the Court, cares about the litigants and cares about her community.  And, like Judge Gage, Judge Young is a trailblazer, being the first woman to receive the Gage Award.” 

It gives the Michigan Judges Association great pleasure to present its 2014 award to the Hon. Joan E. Young.

Timothy G. Hicks (President of MJA in 2012)
14th Circuit Court
Muskegon, MI

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