by
Justice Megan K. Cavanagh
Michigan Supreme Court Justice Megan K. Cavanagh was selected by her fellow judges to become the new chief justice. She'll asume the post after Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement steps down next month.
While the justices technically have no party designation, Cavanagh was picked to run for election in 2018 at the Democratic Party convention.
“For the past six years, I have been honored to serve on the bench with my dear friend Beth Clement, and now, my colleagues have unanimously chosen me to succeed her as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court when she steps down," Cavanagh said in a statement. "The Court decided to make the choice now to ensure that the transition will be as smooth as possible and to confirm that our commitment to the path the Court is on will not waver. I am so grateful to my colleagues for their support and look forward to working with them in this new role."
“While I love the casework that is central to serving as a justice, I am ready to tackle the administrative responsibilities that come with the role of chief justice. From continuing the buildout of the statewide case management system to the expansion of e-filing, technology implementation will remain central to our efforts to help our court system be more efficient and better able to meet the needs of the people we serve."
Clement announced last month that she's retiring by the end of April.
Clement was appointed to the court by former Gov. Rick Snyder in November 2017. The following year, she ran for election and won an eight-year term. After Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack retired, Clement was elected by her colleagues to serve as chief justice.
Clement, 47, of East Lansing, will become the next president of the National Center for State Courts this spring.
