Brian Kirkham
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Brian Kirkham is a judge for the 37th Circuit Court in Calhoun County, Michigan. He was appointed to the court by Republican Governor Rick Snyder in July 2013 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of former Judge Allen Garbrecht.[1] Kirkham was elected to his seat in 2014 to serve out the remaining two years of Garbrecht's term.[2] He ran unopposed for re-election in 2016.[3]
Education
Kirkham received his undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and his J.D. from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.[1]
Career
Before his appointment to the court, Kirkham worked as an attorney in private practice for thirty years, specializing in estate, probate, domestic relations, personal injury, and bankruptcy law. He also served as mayor for the city of Battle Creek, Mich., from 2001 to 2003, and as its city commissioner.[1][4]
Elections
2016
Michigan held general elections for local judicial offices on November 8, 2016. A primary election occurred on August 2, 2016. The candidate filing deadline for incumbents was March 21, and the deadline for non-incumbents was April 19.[5] Incumbent Brian Kirkham ran unopposed in the 37th Circuit general election .[3]
| 37th Circuit, General Election, 2016 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | ||
 Brian Kirkham Incumbent | ||
| Source: Michigan Department of State, "2016 General Election Official Results," November 28, 2016 | ||
2014
See also: Michigan judicial elections, 2014
Kirkham ran for re-election to the 37th Circuit Court.
General: He was unopposed in the general election on November 4, 2014.
[2]
Selection method
- See also: Nonpartisan election of judges
The 221 judges of the Michigan Circuit Courts are selected in an identical manner, each serving six-year terms. They are chosen in nonpartisan elections and must face re-election if they wish to continue serving. Candidates are placed on the ballot via nonpartisan primaries or by nominating petitions.[6] Sitting judges who reach age 70 are allowed to serve out the remainder of their term.[7]
Selection of the chief judge
The chief judges of the circuit courts are appointed by the state supreme court to two-year terms.[6]
Qualifications
To be elected to either of these courts, a judge must:[6]
- be a qualified elector of his or her district;
- be licensed to practice law in the state;
- have at least five years of law practice experience; and
- be under the age of 70.
See also
External links
- Michigan Courts, "Trial Court Directory, Calhoun County"
- Calhoun County, Michigan, "Circuit Court"
- Battle Creek Enquirer.com, "Brian Kirkham prepares for new challenge on bench," July 15, 2013
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Michigan.gov: Governor Rick Snyder, "Snyder appoints Jennifer Faunce to 16th Circuit Court, Brian Kirkham to 37th Circuit Court," July 3, 2013
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Michigan Secretary of State, "2014 Official Michigan Primary Candidate Listing," accessed July 9, 2014
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Unofficial Candidate Listing," April 19, 2016
- ↑ Battle Creek Enquirer.com, "Kirkham appointed circuit judge," July 3, 2013
- ↑ Michigan Secretary of State, "2016 Michigan Election Dates," accessed December 7, 2015
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 American Judicature Society, "Methods of Judicial Selection: Michigan," archived October 2, 2014
- ↑ Michigan Daily, "Washtenaw County judge announces early retirement," May 1, 2014
Federal courts:
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan
State courts:
Michigan Supreme Court • Michigan Court of Appeals • Michigan Circuit Court • Michigan Court of Claims • Michigan District Courts • Michigan Municipal Courts • Michigan Probate Courts
State resources:
Courts in Michigan • Michigan judicial elections • Judicial selection in Michigan
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