For the first time in history, the leaders of the Michigan Judges Association (MJA), the Michigan District Judges Association (MDJA), the Michigan Probate Judges Association (MPJA), and the Judicial Section Council (JSC) of the Sate Bar of Michigan, are all women.
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| (l to r) Judge Allen, Judge Johnson, Judge Yokich, and Judge Berry |
- MJA President Judge Tracey A. Yokich, Macomb County Circuit Court: “It is an extraordinary time for women who choose to serve in public office. Very early in my career, I had the opportunity to serve in the Michigan House of Representatives. As a result, it became eminently clear that women don’t bring a better perspective to the problem-solving table—just a different one.”
- MDJA President Chief Judge Shelia R. Johnson, 46th District Court in Southfield: “It is both an honor and a privilege to be the President of the Michigan District Judges Association and to serve along with three other remarkable women jurists as leaders of the major judicial associations in this state.”
- MPJA President Chief Judge Dorene S. Allen, Midland County Probate Court: “This event for our Michigan judiciary is reflective of a trend in our soci- ety in general. And it’s a good thing. Women bring their own strength, talents, perspective, and experi- ences to the bench. Access has not been there historically, and certainly was not there when I started 37 years ago. I often had to explain that I was the attorney and not the secretary. Women’s inclusion has been steadily increasing during my career.”
- JSC Chairperson Judge Annette J. Berry, Wayne Coun- ty Circuit Court: “It is a tremendous honor and privilege to serve as Chair of the Judicial Section Council for the State Bar of Michigan and alongside Judges Tracey Yokich, Dorene Allen, and Shelia John- son. Together, we share our achievements by opening doors for other women judges, by collectively setting leadership examples with fairness, openness, and respect for all members of the Michigan Judiciary.”