Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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March 13, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2020
Governor Whitmer Appoints Darnella D. Williams to the 3rd Circuit Court
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today appointed Darnella D. Williams to the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County.
Williams is currently the deputy chief of staff for the Wayne County Executive’s Office. In this role, she reviews, approves, and executes contracts on behalf of the County Executive, works as an assistant corporation counsel, and acts as the Freedom of Information Act appellate officer for the county. Ms. Williams previously worked as a civil litigation attorney with Zausmer, August & Caldwell, P.C., served as general counsel for the Wayne County Sheriff’s office, and was an adjunct professor for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Currently, she teaches Business Law at Wayne County Community College District. While earning her law degree, Ms. Williams also served as a police officer with the City of Detroit Police Department.
Ms. Williams is a member of the NAACP and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Wayne State University and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Ms. Williams lives in Canton with her husband John.
“It is truly an honor to serve the citizens of Wayne County as a Judge of the Third Circuit Court,” Williams said. “I have dedicated most of my adult life to public service and this appointment allows me to continue my life’s mission to help others. I enthusiastically look forward to serving as a member of the bench and I am humbled by the opportunity to be of value to my community as a judicial officer.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2021, after Judge Cynthia Gray Hathaway stepped down. If Williams wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Hathaway’s term expiring at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2022, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2020.
Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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