‘TREMENDOUS HONOR’
After 13 years on Circuit Court, Judge Michelle Rick taking seat on state Court of Appeals
After 13 years as one of two judges presiding over the 29th Circuit Court in Gratiot and Clinton counties, Michelle Rick is moving up the judicial ladder.
On Tuesday at the Gratiot County Courthouse in Ithaca, County Clerk Angie Thompson swore-in Rick to her new post as a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals 4th District.
Rick ran unopposed in the November general election for the six-year appointment.
The ceremony was attended by family members, including her father Gene Niedzwiecki, who stood at his daughter’s side while she was administered the oath of office.
Also on hand, either in person or via Zoom, were other family members, coworkers, colleagues, her circuit court staff, and law enforcement and county officials from both Gratiot and Clinton counties, among others.
Gratiot County Probate Judge Kristin Bakker served as host for the event, listing Rick’s background, career highlights and accomplishments.
“I know you will put your trial court experience to good use in the Court of Appeals,” Bakker said.
Former coworker and now fellow 4th District Court of Appeals Judge Amy RonayneKrause addressed the gathering via Zoom.
Krause was among those who encouraged Rick to seek the Court of Appeals seat.
“It’s a tremendous honor for me to serve with you and you will be an asset to the people of the state of Michigan,” Krause said.
Rick said she was “humbled” by the number of people who took the time to attend the ceremony either in-person or via Zoom.
She also thanked a number of colleagues, coworkers and her circuit court staff.
“I couldn’t have done it without you, and your support and your skills,” Rick noted.
The MCA’S 4th District is based in Lansing and covers 54 counties, ranging from Ingham and Livingston in the southern portion, to all of northern lower Michigan and the entire Upper Peninsula.
Rick was born in Bay City and raised in Gaylord. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1987 and her doctor of law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law in 1991.
Prior to becoming 29th Circuit Court judge, Rick was the deputy legal counsel for Gov. Jennifer Granholm from 200607, assistant state attorney general from 1995 to 2006, Livingston County assistant prosecutor from 1993 to 1995 and attorney for the Lansing law firm Hubbard, Fox, Thomas, White & Bengtson from 1991 to 1993.
She and her husband of 32 years, Matthew, have four grown children and reside in Dewitt.
Rick will begin her new duties Jan. 1, following the retirement of Judge Patrick Meter.
Dewitt attorney Shannon Schlegel, who ran unopposed for the 29th Circuit Court judgeship in November, will assume Rick’s former spot on the bench.