LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of Paul Denenfeld as judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Kent County, for a term expiring January 1, 2011.  He replaces Judge Steven Pestka who has resigned.

Denenfeld, of Kentwood, most recently worked as an attorney with LaGrand & Denenfeld law firm.  He was formerly director of the Institute for New Democracies for the country of Uzbekistan, senior litigation counsel for the federal public defender office, and adjunct professor at Cooley Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, Michigan State University/Detroit College of Law, Wayne State University, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.  Denenfeld is also a former member and president of the Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Program board of directors. 

Denenfeld earned his law degree from the University of Cincinnati and his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University.

This appointment is not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.

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