For Immediate Release
| Date | 11/17/2023 |
| Contact | Frank Hardester, Executive Court Administrator
|
| Phone | 313-224-5261 |
| Subject: | Supreme Court Appoints Patricia Perez Fresard as Chief Judge of 3rd Circuit |
Detroit, MI – The Michigan Supreme Court has appointed Patricia Perez Fresard to serve as Chief Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan. Her renewed term is effective January 1, 2024 and ends December 31, 2025. Judge Fresard was first appointed on November 12, 2021 to a one- year term beginning January 1, 2023 after the retirement of Judge Timothy M. Kenny.
Judge Fresard responded, “I am most honored by this appointment, as it represents our Michigan Supreme Court Justices’ recognition and affirmation of the incredible work accomplished this year by our Judges and our amazing team of talented employees led by Frank Hardester, Executive Court Administrator; Margaret Flanagan, General Counsel; and Lyn Roberts, CFO.
Our team has splendidly exceeded our goal this year of joining forces to serve better together. We accomplished what many have not, in coming back in force after COVID to open our courthouses to litigants and exceeded our goals in tackling backlogs, joining with crucial stakeholders and fighting every day to see that our litigants are treated with respect, open minds and patient ears such that equal justice for all may prevail.”
Judge Patricia Perez Fresard has served as a Wayne County Circuit Court Judge since 1999. Judge Fresard began her judicial career as a Felony Trial Court Judge and initial Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division’s Drug Court. She presided over hundreds of criminal felony trials including murder, rape, carjacking, drug, and firearm charges.
Judge Fresard was accepted by bid to the Civil Division in 2012 and selected by Chief Judge Colombo as Presiding Judge of the Civil Division in 2016. In 2019, Chief Judge Timothy M. Kenny appointed Judge Fresard as Chief Judge Pro Tem and Presiding Judge of the Civil Division. Judge Fresard has spearheaded efforts to ensure that case backlogs are addressed, supported competitive wages for court personnel, and championed the Court’s ongoing collaboration with the legal community.
For more information about recent court appointments, please visit the Michigan Supreme Court’s website:
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