April 23, 2010
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following judicial appointments:
74th District Court (Bay County)
Jennifer Cass Barnes of Bay City, most recently legislative director for Michigan State Senator Jim Barcia, and former enforcement attorney for Michigan Works!, director for Bay County Friend of the Court, public defender for Bay County Office of Criminal Defense, and deputy prosecutor of Pierce County in Washington, is appointed judge of the 74th Judicial District for a term expiring January 1, 2011. She replaces the Honorable Scott Newcombe who has resigned. Barnes earned her law degree and bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan.
Eaton County Probate Court
Thomas K. Byerley of Dimondale, associate counsel at White, Schneider, Young & Chiodini law firm, and former manager of the Michigan Judicial Institute, is appointed judge of the Eaton County Probate Court for a term expiring January 1, 2011. He replaces the Honorable Michael Skinner who is deceased. Byerley previously served as director of professional standards for the State Bar of Michigan and has taught multiple law classes at the University of Notre Dame and Southwestern Michigan College. He earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and his bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University.
These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.
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