High court appoints reporter of decisions

The Michigan Supreme Court announced Oct. 10 the selection of Kathryn L. Loomis of Ann Arbor as the reporter of decisions. Loomis is the first woman to hold the post since it was created in 1838 to serve the new state’s first Supreme Court and publish the official Michigan Reports. Prior to Loomis’s appointment, 24 men served as reporter of decisions.

“Katie Loomis understands that every word matters,” said Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr. “Supreme Court opinions must stand the test of time, and I am confident that our new reporter of decisions will ensure that our published opinions meet the highest standards for clear and concise legal writing.”

“While a tweet might make a headline, a well-written opinion can make a real difference,” said Loomis.  “That’s why I am so honored to have been selected and look forward to serving Michigan’s appellate courts.”

Loomis, who has been an editor in the Michigan Supreme Court Reporter of Decisions Office since 2010, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from Wayne State University School of Law. Her background includes extensive experience in legal research, authoring legal writings and preparing opinions of the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals for publication in the Michigan Reports and the Michigan Appeals Reports. She has been a guest speaker at the Association of Reporters of Judicial Decisions annual meeting concerning the preservation of Internet materials cited in judicial opinions. She’s also a member of the Bar of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Loomis has served as vice chair of the Ann Arbor Zoning Board of Appeals, is a founding member and former chair of the board of directors of the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, and a former member of the Ann Arbor Cool Cities Task Force. She also plays center for the Capital Crush women’s ice hockey team.