Appellate judge’s campaign underway

A campaign is underway for Judge Sima Patel to keep her seat on Michigan’s 2nd District Court of Appeals.

Patel was named appellate judge earlier this year by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to fill a vacancy created by the 2021 death of Judge Jonathan Tukel. That partial term ends Jan. 1, 2023.

Challenging Patel in the November 2022 election is Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren, for the term that ends Jan.1, 2027.

Patel has 17 years of appellate law experience, including clerking for Michigan Supreme Court justices. While on staff at Fieger Law, Patel was “instrumental in building attorney Jeffrey Fieger’s appellate practice, where she helped achieve many civil rights victories for clients.”

“It was a real honor to be chosen by Governor Whitmer for this position. I am working to retain this position because I know that because of my experience, I’m the best candidate for this role,” Patel stated in the news release. “Judges on this court need to be free of political pressure and resist any urge to promote their personally conservative or progressive. I am a true believer in the rule of law, and this is not a position that anyone’s personal or party politics should sway.”

Patel, named to the 2021 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Leaders in the Law list, said her position is the culmination of a long-term goal. “I have felt a calling to be a steward of the law and amplify the reasoning, rationale, and perspective in the courts today,” she added.

The Michigan 2nd Court of Appeals oversees appellate cases in Oakland, Macomb and Genesee Counties and reviews matters across the state.

For more information on Patel, visit www.keepjudgesimapatel.com.