To become a judge in Michigan, you need a Michigan law license, at least five years as a member of the state bar, residency in the jurisdiction you want to serve, and an age under 70 at the time of election or appointment. From there, you reach the bench one of two ways: by winning a nonpartisan election, or by being appointed by the governor to fill a vacancy. Supreme Court candidates follow a hybrid route that runs through a state party convention before the nonpartisan ballot.
Who Qualifies
The Michigan Constitution sets three requirements that apply to every judicial office in the state. You must be licensed to practice law in Michigan, you must have been admitted to the bar for at least five years, and you cannot be elected or appointed after reaching age 70.1Justia Law. Michigan Constitution Article VI Section 19 – Courts of Record; Seal, Qualifications of Judges2Michigan Legislature. Michigan Constitution Article VI
The five-year clock starts the day you were admitted, not the day you started actively practicing. Non-litigation work still counts. The age-70 rule bars starting a new term, but it does not force a judge off the bench mid-term; someone elected or appointed at 69 can serve out the full six or eight years.
Residency is a separate hurdle. A judge who moves outside the territory from which they were elected or appointed automatically vacates the office.3Justia Law. Michigan Constitution Article VI Section 20 – Removal of Domicile of Judge District court candidates face an extra layer: you have to be a registered voter in the district and election division where you are running.4Michigan Legislature. Michigan Compiled Laws Section 600.8201
Running in a Nonpartisan Election
Every Michigan judicial election is officially nonpartisan. Candidates appear on the ballot without a party label.5Justia Law. Michigan Constitution Article VI Section 12 – Circuit Judges; Nomination, Election, Term
For the Court of Appeals, circuit court, probate court, and district court, you get on the ballot by filing nominating petitions signed by registered voters in your jurisdiction. If more candidates file than there are open seats, an August primary narrows the field, and the November general election decides the winner.2Michigan Legislature. Michigan Constitution Article VI
Sitting judges have an easier path to reelection. Instead of gathering petition signatures, an incumbent files an affidavit of candidacy, and the ballot identifies them as the current judge. That designation and the lighter paperwork are real advantages when a challenger has to build a signature drive from scratch.
Fundraising is governed by the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. Judicial campaign committees register with the Secretary of State, file regular financial reports, and observe contribution limits. The Code of Judicial Conduct restricts personal solicitation by judges themselves, so most campaigns route fundraising through a treasurer or committee rather than having the candidate ask donors directly.
Getting Appointed by the Governor
When a judge dies, resigns, is removed, or otherwise leaves office, the governor appoints a replacement. The appointee does not finish the full remaining term. They serve until noon on January 1 after the next general election, when a voter-elected successor takes over for the balance of the unexpired term.6Justia Law. Michigan Constitution Article VI Section 23 – Judicial Vacancies, Filling; Appointee, Term; Successor
Appointment is a common entry route. The governor evaluates applicants’ qualifications and experience, and appointees who perform well on the bench usually run as incumbents when their short appointed term ends. There is no constitutional requirement for a formal advisory committee, though governors have historically sought input from bar associations and other stakeholders during the selection process.
The Supreme Court Exception
Supreme Court candidates do not file petitions. To reach the nonpartisan November ballot, they must be nominated at a state political party convention. The Michigan Democratic and Republican parties each hold conventions where delegates select judicial nominees, who then appear on the ballot without a party label.7Justia Law. Michigan Constitution Article VI Section 2 – Justices of the Supreme Court; Number, Term, Nomination, Election The practical effect is that Supreme Court races often carry a partisan flavor even though the ballot itself does not.
Governor-filled Supreme Court vacancies follow the same appointment rules as other courts: the appointee serves until the next general election, when voters choose a successor for the rest of the unexpired term.
What the Job Looks Like Once You Have It
Term lengths depend on the court. Supreme Court justices serve eight-year terms, with the seven seats staggered so no more than two expire in the same year.7Justia Law. Michigan Constitution Article VI Section 2 – Justices of the Supreme Court; Number, Term, Nomination, Election8Justia Law. Michigan Judges of Court of Appeals, Terms5Justia Law. Michigan Constitution Article VI Section 12 – Circuit Judges; Nomination, Election, Term9Justia Law. Michigan Constitution Article VI Section 16 – Probate Judges; Nomination, Election, Terms
Pay for the 2025–26 fiscal year runs $181,483 for Supreme Court justices, $201,493 for Court of Appeals judges, and $186,163 for circuit, probate, and district court judges. Supreme Court salaries are set by the State Officers Compensation Commission; the rest are set by the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, which is why appellate judges currently out-earn the justices above them.10Michigan House Fiscal Agency. Fiscal Snapshot – Justices and Judges Compensation
Sitting judges must complete at least 24 hours of continuing judicial education every two years, with the reporting period starting January 1 of each even-numbered year. Former judges who take temporary assignments owe 8 hours per period.11Michigan Courts. Michigan Continuing Judicial Education Rules The Michigan Judicial Institute coordinates much of the training.12Michigan Judiciary. IMPACT – Michigan Judicial Institute
Conduct on the bench is governed by the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct, which requires independence, impartiality, and avoidance of even the appearance of impropriety.13Michigan Courts. Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct The Judicial Tenure Commission investigates complaints and can recommend discipline to the Supreme Court, up to and including removal.14Justia Law. Michigan Constitution Article VI Section 25 – Removal of Judges From Office The legislature retains a separate power to impeach.