A judicial vacancy has been announced for the Court of Appeals in the 3rd District following the departure of Judge Christopher Yates, according to a May 5 statement. Applications for the position must be submitted electronically and received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 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 appellate courts. To be eligible, applicants must be members in good standing with the State Bar and meet all legal qualifications required for judicial office. Residency within the judicial district is also necessary for appointment.
Candidates 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 stated deadline. 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; uses its Lansing headquarters for administrative operations and member services; functions as a public body under Michigan Supreme Court authority; enhances justice administration; advances legal practices and public relations; supports the legal profession; operates under governance from a Board of Commissioners and Representative Assembly; and administers programs such as Legal Milestones that recognize key events in state legal history with bronze plaques across Michigan, according to the official website.
This vacancy presents an important step in maintaining effective appellate review within Michigan’s judiciary while offering experienced attorneys a chance to contribute directly to state law.
