Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 5, 2021 

Contact: press@michigan.gov  

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench 

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Sean B. Perkins and Millicent D. Sherman to the 36th District Court of the City of Detroit and Lora E. Greene to the Montmorency County Probate Court.  

"I am proud to appoint Sean, Millicent, and Lora, three accomplished legal professionals, to state courts," said Governor Whitmer. "They all graduated from law school in Michigan, just like me, and I know they will bring a wealth of experience and serve our state honorably." 

36th District Court - City of Detroit 

Sean B. Perkins is an attorney with the Perkins Law Group, PLLC where he handles a wide range of cases including felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, personal injury and no-fault civil cases, and bankruptcy cases. Perkins is also a benefits representative for the UAW Local 387 at Woodhaven Stamping. Prior to attending law school, he worked at Woodhaven Stamping as an assembly line worker, Hi-Lo driver, Journeyman, and Pipefitter. 

Perkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wayne State University and earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is a member of the Wayne County Defense Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, and the Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Sean lives in Detroit with his wife, LaTrice.  

"To be able to serve the citizens of this great city, my hometown, the city that I have loved since birth, is a euphoric moment. This is a God-sent moment," said Perkins. "I promise to be hard-working, studious, and compassionate. I am grateful for the love of my wife, my children, my parents, and my family and I humbled by the trust of the Governor and her staff. Thank you, I will make you proud." 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2023, after the passing of Judge B. Pennie Millender. If Perkins wishes to seek a full six-year term, he would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022. 

Millicent D. Sherman currently serves as the chief magistrate with the 36th District Court. As a magistrate, Sherman presides over civil infraction hearings, felony and misdemeanor arraignments, search and arrest warrant approval, accepts pleas on in-custody misdemeanor traffic cases, small claims, parking violations, and weddings. Prior to her time with the court, she was a sole practitioner attorney with Millicent D. Sherman, P.C. and an associate attorney with Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner & Kenny. 

Sherman holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law. She is a member of the Michigan Association of District Court Magistrates and a former member of the Detroit Bar Association, Wolverine Bar Association, and Association of Black Judges of Michigan. Millicent is a long-time resident of Detroit.  

"I want to thank Governor Gretchen Whitmer for the honor of this appointment to the bench at the 36th District Court," said Sherman. In 2006, I joined the 36th District Court as a magistrate, and now, almost 15 years to the date, I get to serve the citizens of Detroit in this new capacity. I want to thank the best group of people with whom I've ever had the pleasure of working - my fellow magistrates, members of the bench, and the entire 36th District Court family as I continue on in this new chapter of service to the citizens of Detroit." 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2023, after Judge Nancy Blount stepped down effective February 23, 2021. If Sherman wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Blount's term, expiring January 1, 2027, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022. 

Montmorency County Probate Court 

Lora E. Greene is an attorney and the owner of the Law Office of Lora E. Greene, PLLC. Her practice includes an emphasis in family law, probate law, real estate, and business law. She also serves as the public administrator for Alpena County and a mediator and case evaluator for family and civil matters. Prior to creating her private practice in 2003, Greene was an attorney with Wenzel, Wenzel, Kowalski and Greene, P.C., a partner with Anderson-Smith & Greene, P.C. and Zawideh & Greene, P.C., and a law clerk and attorney with Collins, Blaha & Slatkin, P.C. 

Greene holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Michigan State University and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Wayne State University Law School. She is a member of the 26th Judicial Circuit Court Bar Association, League of Women Voters, and the Community Foundation of Northeast Michigan Women's Giving Circle Committee. Lora lives in Atlanta.  

"I am honored to accept this appointment. As a private attorney for over 30 years, I know the importance our local court plays in ensuring safety and harmony in the community," said Greene. "As Montmorency County Probate Judge, I pledge to provide the fair, impartial, and independent administration of justice so that each participant is treated with dignity and respect in the application of our laws." 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2023, after Judge Benjamin T. Bolser stepped down effective May 1, 2021. If Greene wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Bolser's term, expiring January 1, 2025, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022. 

Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

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