(Source: MIRS.news, Published 09/12/2022) Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Bridget McCormack announced Monday she is retiring no later than Dec. 31 but not before Nov. 22, according to a press release from the court.
McCormack, who became the 108th justice and the ninth woman to join the Court when she was sworn in as an associate justice on Jan. 1, 2013, told Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Monday that she is leaving two years into an eight-year term.
“A decade can be a common measuring point for personal and professional change," she wrote in a letter to colleagues and court staff. "Over the last 10 years, my kids grew up and went off to college and graduate school, we bought a pickup truck and an RV, and I have had the honor of serving as Chief Justice for the past four years.
"Making good on a campaign promise I made in 2012, I have given my every effort to do justice and to make the Michigan judiciary as fair and accessible as possible. After a decade, the time has come for me to move on, to let others lead, and to build on a foundation of progress," the Democratic-nominated justice said.
McCormack, who has served as chief justice since January 2019 – only the sixth woman to do so – was elected in 2012 and won a second eight-year term in 2020. Her timing allows the Democratic Governor to fill the seat regardless of whether Whitmer wins re-election in November, and that appointee will need to run in 2024 to retain the seat.
Democratic-nominated justices currently hold a 4-3 advantage on the court.
Republican-nominated Justice Brian Zahra and Democratic-nominated Justice Richard Bernstein are up for re-election in November. The Democrats have nominated state Rep. Kyra Bolden (D-Southfield) for the November election. The Republicans have nominated Paul Hudson.
In a statement, Whitmer called McCormack a "phenomenal public servant," who has upheld the rule of law and "stood strong for our constitutional values, and protected the fundamental rights of every Michigander." She also acknowledged McCormack's accomplishments.
"The deep dedication and sound leadership she brought to our judiciary were matched only by her keen intellect, genuine warmth, and disarming wit," Whitmer said. "Whatever she touched, she made better, and we are grateful for all she has done to serve Michiganders and our state."
McCormack's accomplishments are many, including establishing and securing grant funding for Michigan's Justice for All Commission and securing grant funding for and chairing the Michigan Judicial Council.
McCormack co-chaired the Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration with Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, which has made Michigan a national leader in safe and sensible jail and pretrial policies. She also chairs the Jail Reform Advisory Council, a body which is facilitating implementation of reform legislation.
McCormack also has worked with legislative leaders and the governor’s team to secure funding to create a statewide case management system to give Michigan courts data and tools to make the courts more open and efficient and co-chairs Governor’s Task Force on Forensic Science.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, McCormack championed technology in the courtroom, ordering a Zoom license for all courtrooms to keep them open via virtual sessions, while live-streaming hearings on YouTube. She has repeatedly said one goal for all courts should be transparency and accessibility.
Throughout her tenure, McCormack has earned her colleagues respect.
“Bridget sets the standard for what a Chief Justice should be: independent, positive, fair, clear-thinking, and engaging," Justice Elizabeth Clement said. "In a world that has become increasingly partisan and angry, she is a voice of reason, compassion, and thoughtfulness.
"At the same time, she is funny, down-to-earth, and plainspoken – always interested in family and your well-being. She has become a dear friend, and her colleagues and I will miss her on the Court," Clement added.
In a press release, McCormack also expressed thanks to the Michigan Legislature and Executive Branch for their support and investment in the future of the judiciary.
“As I step down, I want to share my appreciation for the support from the other branches of government, and I look forward to the Court continuing to build on the solid foundation we have already established," she said. "I am grateful for their hard work to build relationships and for sharing our vision of a judiciary that is more accessible, more transparent, more data driven, and more efficient."
Chief Justice McCormack has made no announcement yet about her future plans.
In a tweet, Attorney General Dana Nessel said the loss of McCormack on the bench "cannot be overstated. She has been a scholar, a consensus builder & an innovator. Her programming has allowed the essence of justice to reach those who never before felt included in our system of laws. She is simply irreplaceable."
