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Richard A. Bandstra
Judge Bandstra was elected to the Court in 1994 and served as Chief Judge of the Court
from 1998 to 2001. Previously, he was a member of the Michigan State House of Representatives
and an attorney in private practice. Judge Bandstra received his bachelor's degree
from Calvin College and his master's and law degrees from the University of Chicago.
Term expires January 1, 2009.
Jane M. Beckering
Judge Beckering was appointed to the Court in 2007. Before taking the bench, Judge Beckering was an
attorney in private practice for 17 years. She began her career at McDermott, Will & Emery, P.C. in Chicago,
Illinois, whereafter she returned to her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan and later founded the law firm
of Buchanan & Beckering, PLC. Judge Beckering has served on a number of bar organizations and committees and
participated regularly as a guest lecturer to students and lawyers regarding various aspects of the law.
She received her undergraduate degree (with distinction) from the University of Michigan and her law degree (cum laude)
from the University of Wisconsin. She currently serves as Chairperson of the Hillman Trial Advocacy Program,
which instructs and mentors young lawyers.
Term expires January 1, 2009.
Joel P. Hoekstra
Judge Hoekstra was elected to the Court in 1994. Previously, he worked as an assistant
Kent County prosecuting attorney, as a district court judge, and as an adjunct faculty
member of Calvin College. Judge Hoekstra received his bachelor's degree from Calvin
College and his law degree from Valparaiso University.
Term expires January 1, 2011.
Jane E. Markey
Judge Markey was elected to the Court in 1994. Previously, she had served as a district
court judge, she was a prehearing attorney and law clerk for the Michigan Court of
Appeals, and she worked as an attorney in private practice. Judge Markey received
her bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and her law degree from Thomas
M. Cooley Law School.
Term expires January 1, 2009.
William B. Murphy
Judge Murphy was appointed to the Court in 1988. Previously, he was a member of the
East Grand Rapids City Commission, a law clerk for the Michigan Court of Appeals,
and he worked as an attorney in private practice. Judge Murphy received his bachelor's
degree from Michigan State University and his law degree from Wayne State University.
Term expires January 1, 2013.
David H. Sawyer
Judge Sawyer was elected to the Court in 1986. Previously, he was the Kent County Prosecuting
Attorney and a criminal justice teacher at Grand Rapids Junior College. Judge Sawyer
received his bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona and his law degree from
Valparaiso School of Law.
Term expires January 1, 2011.
Michael R. Smolenski
Judge Smolenski was elected to the Court in 1994 and served as Chief Judge Pro Tem of the Court from 2004 to 2006. Previously, he served as a judge of the Kent Circuit Court, as a district court judge, as a Grand
Rapids city attorney, as a Kent County commissioner, as a JAG officer, as a special
court martial judge in the US Marine Corps, and as an attorney in private practice.
Judge Smolenski received his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Michigan.
Term expires January 1, 2013.
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