A judicial vacancy has been announced for the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County, following the departure of Judge Leslie Kim Smith, according to an April 30 announcement. Applications for the position must be submitted electronically and received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026.
The vacancy is significant as it opens an opportunity for qualified members of the State Bar of Michigan to serve on one of the state’s major trial courts. Applicants must meet all legal qualifications and reside within the judicial district to be considered.
To apply, candidates are required to submit a judicial appointment questionnaire, writing samples, resume, and supplemental documents through the online portal at www.michigan.gov/appointments. Additional letters of recommendation can be sent after initial submission to judicialappointments@michigan.gov. Questions about the process should also be directed to this email address.
The Michigan Bar Association promotes diversity, inclusion, and public legal education to enhance social wellbeing, according to the official website. The association uses its Lansing headquarters for administrative operations and member services according to its official website.
The organization functions as a public body under authority from the Michigan Supreme Court according to its official website, enhances justice administration and supports both legal practices and public relations according to its official website. It operates under governance by a Board of Commissioners and a Representative Assembly according to its official website.
Additionally, it administers programs such as Legal Milestones that recognize key legal events across Michigan with bronze plaques according to its official website. The association serves as Michigan’s unified organization for lawyers since 1935 and offers resources like legal education while partnering with judicial bodies on community programs aimed at fostering diversity and understanding of law according to its official website.
