A judicial vacancy has been announced for the Court of Appeals in the 3rd District, following the departure of Hon. Christopher Yates, according to a May 5 statement. Applications must be submitted electronically and received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026.
This vacancy is significant because it opens an opportunity for qualified attorneys who are members of the State Bar of Michigan and reside within the judicial district to serve on the appellate court bench.
Applicants are required to submit a judicial appointment questionnaire, writing samples, resume, and supplemental documents through the 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 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; uses its Lansing headquarters for administrative operations and member services; functions as a public body under the Michigan Supreme Court’s authority; enhances justice administration and supports legal practices; operates under a Board of Commissioners and Representative Assembly; and administers programs such as Legal Milestones that recognize key legal events with bronze plaques across Michigan, according to the official website.
The appointment process will proceed after all applications have been reviewed by relevant authorities.
