Great Lakes Wire

Court of Appeals Judge Noah Hood has been appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court, filling the vacancy left by former Justice Elizabeth Clement. Governor Gretchen Whitmer made the announcement on Wednesday, marking a significant change for the state’s highest court.

Noah Hood, previously appointed by Whitmer to the appeals court in 2022 and Detroit’s 3rd Circuit Court in 2019, expressed his gratitude and commitment to serving the state. "I have had the distinct honor of serving the people of the state of Michigan for the past six years," he stated. "I am deeply grateful to our Governor for her decision to appoint me to serve on our Supreme Court. I am also grateful for what it represents. For as long as I serve, the people will always be able to count on me for even-handed justice."

The Michigan Supreme Court now holds a 6-1 majority of judges who were nominated by Democrats. This shift allowed Whitmer to appoint Wayne County Circuit Judge Mariam Bazzi to Hood’s former seat on the Court of Appeals' 1st District, making her the first Arab-American woman to hold such a position in Michigan.

Additionally, Whitmer appointed Christopher Trebilcock, a partner at Clark Hill, to the Court of Appeals 2nd District, and Daniel Korobkin, legal director for the ACLU, to the 3rd District.

Before becoming a judge, Hood was an assistant U.S. attorney in Michigan's Eastern District's Health Care Fraud Unit, prosecuting fraud and opioid-related offenses. His background includes working as an assistant attorney general in Ohio, focusing on prosecuting white-collar crimes, money laundering, and public corruption.

Mariam Bazzi brings her experience as a "trailblazer, community leader and proud Michigander," according to Whitmer. Bazzi has served since her initial appointment by former Governor Rick Snyder in 2017 and has a history of involvement with various legal associations.

Trebilcock's legal work covers employment litigation, administrative litigation, and other areas. He noted, "As a proud Yooper, I am deeply honored to accept this appointment." His background includes over ten years at Miller Canfield before joining Clark Hill in 2018.

Korobkin, with the ACLU since 2008, has focused on civil rights and civil liberties issues including juvenile justice reform and LGBTQ rights. "I am humbled and honored by this incredible opportunity for public service," said Korobkin, who also co-chairs the Michigan State Bar’s Access to Justice Policy Committee.

Bazzi will complete Hood’s term, while Trebilcock and Korobkin will fill the partial terms of Judges Mark Cavanagh and Jane Markey, respectively.

The appointments come amid changes as Clement departed to lead the National Center for State Courts, a role offering nearly double the salary of a Michigan Supreme Court justice.