Michael Sapala
Michael F. Sapala was a judge for the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County, Michigan. He was originally appointed by Gov. Milliken to the Detroit Recorder's Court, where he served from 1978 until the Recorder's Court was merged with the 3rd Circuit Court in 1997.[1] He was re-elected in 2006[2] to a six-year term that ended on January 1, 2013. Sapala retired at the end of his term.[3]
Education
Sapala received his B.A. degree from Wayne State University in 1964, his J.D. degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1967 and his L.L.M. degree in Criminal Justice from New York University in 1986.[1]
Career
Sapala began his career in 1968 as an assistant in the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. The following year, he joined the Legal Aid & Defender Association of Detroit. He then worked as a solo practitioner for a year in 1971 before joining the law firm of Marston, Sachs, O'Connell, Nunn & Fried as an associate in 1972. In 1973, he returned to his solo practice, specializing in criminal and family law. He was then appointed to the Detroit Recorder's Court in 1978.[1]
Noteworthy cases
Sapala awards millions in medical malpractice case
Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Michael Sapala presided over a jury verdict on medical malpractice on October 11, 2006. Due to hospital errors, including allowing the fetal monitor to be disconnected, the son of a Monroe, Michigan couple was inflicted with Cerebral Palsy. The jury awarded $15.8 million to Jason and Julie Lowe for pain and suffering, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity for the child, and for attendant care.[4]
Casino land suits tossed; Judge rules offers not in good faith
In 1999, Judge Michael Sapala dismissed 47 condemnation lawsuits brought by the city to create a riverfront casino district. Judge Sapala ruled that the city did not give property owners "good-faith offers," as the law requires.[5]
See also
External links
- Trial Courts Directory: Wayne County
- LegalNews.com, "Judge has seen it all from both sides of bench," November 16, 2012
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, "Hon. Michael F. Sapala (dead link)
- ↑ Michigan 2006 Election Results: 3rd Circuit Court Incumbents"
- ↑ LegalNews.com, "Judge has seen it all from both sides of bench," November 16, 2012
- ↑ Millions awarded in Medical Malpractice case
- ↑ Casino land suits tossed; Judge rules offers not in good faith
