March 17, 2022
LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Sara A. Schimke to the Macomb County Probate Court, Todd M. Morgan to the 2A District Court of Lenawee County, and Troy B. Daniel to the 82nd District Court of Roscommon and Ogemaw Counties.
“I am proud to appoint Sara, Todd, and Troy to the bench in counties across Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “All three of these highly qualified attorneys will bring years of experience and a wide array of professional backgrounds to the bench. Together, they will put Michiganders first and uphold the rule of law.”
Macomb County Probate Court
Sara A. Schimke is currently an attorney with Chalgian & Tripp, PLLC, where she specializes in probate law, estate planning, and advocacy. Schimke has devoted her career solely to probate and estate planning matters and she regularly presents to both statewide and national audiences, including attorneys and judges, on advancements in the law and the specialized nature of probate and planning work. Schimke has also worked for Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, P.C. and Barron, Rosenberg, Mayoras & Mayoras, P.C. She also previously served as an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School teaching an estate planning clinic.
Schimke earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University. She is a member of the ICLE Elder Law Advisory Planning Committee, past chair of the State Bar Elder Law & Disability Rights Section, and a member of the Michigan Parkinson’s Foundation Board of Directors. Sara lives in New Baltimore with her husband, Terry, and their children.
“I am truly honored to be appointed to the Macomb County Probate Court and thankful to the Governor for this opportunity to serve my community and the people of Macomb County,” said Schimke. “Paramount to the probate court is honoring the choices of our loved ones and protecting our most vulnerable populations. I am humbled by the significance of the work before me and resolve to handle these profoundly personal matters steadfast and with the integrity, compassion, and justice they deserve.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will commence on April 11, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023, after the retirement of Judge Kathryn A. George effective January 2, 2022. If Ms. Schimke wishes to serve the remainder of Judge George’s term, expiring January 1, 2027, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022.
2A District Court – Lenawee County
Todd M. Morgan is currently an assistant public defender with the Lenawee County Public Defender’s Office. He primarily practices in district court representing persons accused of criminal actions, bond hearings, probation violations, and criminal contempt charges. He also represents individuals in probate court for juvenile cases, neglect and abuse, and as a guardian ad Litem. Before joining the public defender’s office, Morgan had a general practice law firm where he litigated before administrative hearings, family law cases, criminal matters, guardianship cases, estate planning, and civil cases.
Morgan earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Cleary University. Morgan is a veteran of the United States Navy where he served as a nuclear machinist mate. He is the deputy commander of the American Legion and a member of the Clinton Friends of the Library. Todd lives in Clinton with his wife, Melissa. He has one granddaughter and four adult children.
“I have served throughout my life--my country in the U.S. Navy, my family as a single father for a time, my community in several positions--and I recognize that the judicial system is one of the founding pillars of our wonderful country, state, and community,” said Morgan. “It is said that the District Court is the people's court, and indeed it serves the community as no other entity does. To serve as our county's District Court Judge, I take to heart all that that entails, as this is an incredible honor, privilege, and indeed responsibility.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will commence April 11, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023, after the retirement of Judge Jonathan L. Poer effective January 22, 2022. If Mr. Morgan wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Poer’s term, expiring January 1, 2027, he would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022.
82nd District Court - Roscommon and Ogemaw Counties
Troy B. Daniel is currently a partner with Hess, Hess & Daniel, P.C. His current practice is primarily criminal defense, and he serves as the Roscommon County Michigan Indigent Defense Commission administrator. Daniel joined his current firm in 1997 after graduating law school and contracted as a court-appointed attorney for juvenile delinquency matters, child abuse and neglect, and criminal misdemeanor defense. He also served clients in real property, contract disputes, municipal work, driver’s license restoration, family law, estate planning, and labor law.
Daniel earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Detroit College of Law and Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism and Political Science from Central Michigan University. He currently serves as the vice president of the non-profit organization Young Professionals from the Heart of Northern Michigan and is a member of the Rotary of Roscommon where he is the Adopt-A-Highway coordinator. Troy is a long-time resident of Roscommon.
“After 25 years of practicing law in Roscommon County, I am graciously looking forward to serving the communities of Roscommon and Ogemaw Counties in my new role as a judge for the 82nd District Court," said Daniel. “Since 1997, I have met so many wonderful people in this area. Being a judge is a not only a great honor, but also provides me with an excellent opportunity to give back to my community. I will do my very best to respectfully represent all citizens in the 82nd District Court for the State of Michigan.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will commence April 11, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023, after the retirement of Judge Richard E. Noble effective December 31, 2021. If Mr. Daniel wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Poer’s term, expiring January 1, 2025, he 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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