Among those attending a ceremony Wednesday at the Third Circuit Court to dedicate the Jury Assembly Room in honor of Judge Mary Beth Kelly were (l-r) Judge David J. Allen; Judge Muriel D. Hughes; Judge Martha M. Snow; Judge Eric W. Cholack; Judge Charlene M. Elder; Judge Yvonna C. Abraham; Judge Melissa A. Cox; Chief Judge Edward Ewell, Jr.; Judge Mary Beth Kelly; Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian K. Zahra; Chief Judge Pro Tem Helal A. Farhat; Judge Christopher D. Dingell; Judge Lawrence Elassal; Judge Edward J. Joseph; Judge John H. Gillis, Jr.; and Judge Carla G. Testani.
The Third Circuit Court of Michigan has renamed its Jury Assembly Room on the 3rd floor at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in honor of Judge Mary Beth Kelly—an accomplished jurist, former Michigan Supreme Court Justice, and the first woman to serve as chief judge of the state’s largest circuit court.
The room is now known as the Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly Jury Assembly Room.
A dedication event was held in Judge Kelly’s honor on March 13, and included remarks from Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian K. Zahra, Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Edward Ewell, Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Pro Tem and other members of the legal community.
“Judge Kelly is someone I have known and respected for many years,” said Chief Judge Ewell. “Her depth of judicial knowledge, thoughtful approach to the law, and steady leadership have had a lasting impact on this Court and the broader legal community. It is fitting that we recognize her contributions in a permanent and meaningful way.”
Judge Mary Beth Kelly’s career reflects decades of service marked by leadership, legal excellence, and a deep commitment to justice. She currently serves on the Third Circuit Court bench and previously made history as the Court’s first female Chief Judge, an achievement that represents a significant milestone in the evolution of judicial leadership in Wayne County. Her tenure as Chief Judge was defined by a focus on court operations, access to justice, and strengthening the institution’s role in serving the public.
Prior to joining the Third Circuit Court, Judge Kelly served as a Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, where she participated in decisions shaping state jurisprudence on a wide range of civil and criminal matters. Her legal career also includes substantial experience in private practice, where she developed a reputation for rigorous legal analysis, professionalism, and ethical advocacy.
“The judiciary is built on the collective efforts of those who serve with integrity and dedication,” said Judge Mary Beth Kelly. “I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside so many outstanding colleagues committed to upholding the rule of law.”
The renaming of the Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly Jury Assembly Room in her honor reflects not only her individual accomplishments, but also the broader significance of her leadership as a trailblazer for women in the judiciary. As the first woman to lead the Third Circuit Court, Judge Kelly helped pave the way for greater representation and inclusion within Michigan’s legal system.
This dedication serves as a lasting tribute to her impact on the Court, the legal community, and the citizens of Wayne County who rely on the judiciary for fairness and justice.
The room is now known as the Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly Jury Assembly Room.
A dedication event was held in Judge Kelly’s honor on March 13, and included remarks from Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian K. Zahra, Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Edward Ewell, Third Circuit Court Chief Judge Pro Tem and other members of the legal community.
“Judge Kelly is someone I have known and respected for many years,” said Chief Judge Ewell. “Her depth of judicial knowledge, thoughtful approach to the law, and steady leadership have had a lasting impact on this Court and the broader legal community. It is fitting that we recognize her contributions in a permanent and meaningful way.”
Judge Mary Beth Kelly’s career reflects decades of service marked by leadership, legal excellence, and a deep commitment to justice. She currently serves on the Third Circuit Court bench and previously made history as the Court’s first female Chief Judge, an achievement that represents a significant milestone in the evolution of judicial leadership in Wayne County. Her tenure as Chief Judge was defined by a focus on court operations, access to justice, and strengthening the institution’s role in serving the public.
Prior to joining the Third Circuit Court, Judge Kelly served as a Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, where she participated in decisions shaping state jurisprudence on a wide range of civil and criminal matters. Her legal career also includes substantial experience in private practice, where she developed a reputation for rigorous legal analysis, professionalism, and ethical advocacy.
“The judiciary is built on the collective efforts of those who serve with integrity and dedication,” said Judge Mary Beth Kelly. “I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve alongside so many outstanding colleagues committed to upholding the rule of law.”
The renaming of the Chief Judge Mary Beth Kelly Jury Assembly Room in her honor reflects not only her individual accomplishments, but also the broader significance of her leadership as a trailblazer for women in the judiciary. As the first woman to lead the Third Circuit Court, Judge Kelly helped pave the way for greater representation and inclusion within Michigan’s legal system.
This dedication serves as a lasting tribute to her impact on the Court, the legal community, and the citizens of Wayne County who rely on the judiciary for fairness and justice.
Supreme Court Justice Brian K. Zahra was on hand Wednesday to provide remarks at a ceremony dedicating the Third Circuit Court Jury Assembly Room to Judge Mary Beth Kelly.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
