Attorney Joseph J. Baumann named Michigan Supreme Court's General Counsel

DeWitt attorney Joseph J. Baumann, who has served as counsel to the state House of Representatives Majority Caucus and deputy legal counsel to the Department of Community Health, has been named General Counsel to the Michigan Supreme Court, the Court announced. Baumann was the Court's unanimous choice "for his legal skills and experience in government, both of which are considerable," said Chief Justice Robert P. Young, Jr. Young served on the Court's vetting committee for the General Counsel position, along with Justice Bridget M. McCormack and Justice Brian K. Zahra. Justice McCormack added, "Those who have worked with Mr. Baumann have high regard for him as an attorney. We believe he would do well in representing the Court's interests with the Governor, the Legislature, and others who have an interest in the judiciary." Baumann served as House Majority Legal Counsel, starting in 2011. From 2010-2011, he was Assistant Director of the DCH Office of Legal Affairs. From 2006-2010, Baumann was an associate with the law firm of Dykema Gossett PLLC in Lansing, where he specialized in health care, real property, and energy litigation; his practice areas also included public policy and governmental relations. Baumann served as a legal analyst in DCH's Office of Legal Affairs from 2003-2006, and also served as the DCH's emergency management coordinator for mental health. He was the 2006 recipient of the Michigan State Police's "Award for Professional Excellence" for the DCH's Hurricane Katrina response. From 2002-2003, he was executive assistant to DCH's deputy director; from 2000-2002, he served as special assistant to DCH's director. From 1998-2000, he was legislative assistant to Rep. Terry Geiger. Baumann is a graduate of Michigan State University's James Madison College, where he earned a B.A. in international relations. He received his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he graduated magna cum laude. As the Supreme Court's counsel, Baumann will provide legal advice to the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and State Court Administrative Office. He will also serve as a liaison to the executive and legislative branches, representing the Court on various policy and legislative issues. Published: Thu, Jun 20, 2013

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