Miscellaneous

Women Benched in Michigan

By Anne Skove, Esq.

The upcoming election is making news everywhere, but in Michigan it could signify a first for the Oakland County Circuit Court. If judicial candidates Gorcyca and Brennan win, women will outnumber men on the bench for the first time ever.

Here are a few Michigan numbers to put it all in perspective:

• 31 years: In 1977 Judge Alice Gilbert became the first woman elected to the Oakland County Circuit Court


• 2 out of 124: Judge Gilbert was one of two women out of 124 who graduated law school with her in 1954


• 15-20%: Percentage of women who are equity partners in large law firms


• 12,100: Number of licensed female attorneys in Michigan


• 26,790: Number of licensed male attorneys in MIchigan


• 27%: Percentage of Michigan judges who are female

See Women's Presence on the Bench Growing, Ann Zaniewski, Journal Register News Service (August 25, 2008). See also the National Association of Women Judges, which has chapters and events around the country. And, Alliance for Justice has a judicial selection database of federal courts, searchable by court, nominating president, demographics, status, and dates nominated/confirmed.

Full post as published by court-o-rama.org on August 25, 2008 (boomark / email).