A vacancy has been announced for the 37th Circuit Court in Calhoun County following the departure of Judge Brian K. Kirkham, according to an April 13 statement. Applications for the position must be submitted electronically and received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026.
The opening is significant as it affects the local administration of justice and offers an opportunity for qualified attorneys to serve on the bench. Candidates must be members of the State Bar of Michigan and meet all legal qualifications required for judicial office. Residency within the judicial district is also a prerequisite for appointment.
Applicants are required to submit a judicial appointment questionnaire, writing samples, resume, and supplemental documents through an online portal at www.michigan.gov/appointments by the specified deadline. Additional letters of recommendation can be sent after initial submission to judicialappointments@michigan.gov. Questions regarding 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 as reported by its official website. It functions as a public body under the authority of the Michigan Supreme Court according to its official website.
Additionally, the association enhances justice administration, advances legal practices and public relations, and supports members of the legal profession according to its official website. Governance is provided by a Board of Commissioners along with a Representative Assembly as stated on its official site. The organization also administers programs such as Legal Milestones that recognize key events in state legal history with bronze plaques across Michigan according to its official website.
The Michigan Bar Association serves as a unified organization supporting lawyers statewide since its founding in 1935 while offering resources like legal education and ethical guidance; it works with judicial bodies on advancements in law and community initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and understanding about justice issues according to its official website.
