Michelle Rick

Michelle Rick is a judge of the Michigan 4th District Court of Appeals. She assumed office on January 1, 2021. Her current term ends on January 1, 2027.

Rick is running for re-election for judge of the Michigan 4th District Court of Appeals. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The primary for this office on August 4, 2026, was canceled.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm Judge Michelle Rick. I am running to be the next judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, 4th Judicial District. I am a Judge for the People.

Throughout my 29-year legal career, I have worked to protect and preserve the rights of people in the State of Michigan. I have served as an assistant prosecutor, an assistant state attorney general, and deputy legal counsel in the Governor's office before I became a judge.

I have been a circuit judge for the last 13 years. I believe the Courts are for the people and should be available to meet the needs of the public. I have created several problem-solving courts, including a women's drug treatment court and a high-risk felony court. I have served on statewide committees, including the Human Trafficking Commission, the Michigan Judges Association, and the State Bar Affordable Legal Services Committee. I am Michigan's chair to the National Association of Women Judges.

I believe the United States legal system is the best in the world. I also believe the legal system can be reformed to better meet the needs of all its users. As a Judge for the People on the Michigan Court of Appeals, I will continue to promote reforms and innovations to our legal system. All Michiganders are entitled to have access to justice.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am a judge for the People.I believe in Access to Justice for all, and have worked tirelessly as a judge to promote innovative programs to allow the greatest number of people access to the courts.I believe Courts should be innovative and transformative. The current pandemic has transformed the justice system. Judges, lawyers, and litigants are relying on technology and innovation more than ever before. We must keep the legal system moving forward.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Access to Justice;

Civil and criminal justice reform;

Technology.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am courageous.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Judge must remain knowledgeable of the law. They must engage in continuing legal education to stay abreast of changes in the law. Judges must adhere to the rules of judicial conduct. Finally, to instill confidence in the judiciary, judges must be transparent and give back to their community.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

It was August, 1974. We were spending a few weeks up at my parents' hunting camp in Gogebic county. We had no tv, but we did have a radio. I recall listening to President Nixon resign his Presidency. I recall my mother saying it was a historic moment.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked in my father's pharmacy from the time I was a teen until I finished undergraduate. I emptied waste baskets, wrapped gifts, and operated a register and postal machine. This is where I learned to interact with the public.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Healing Neen", by Tonier Cain. This autobiography chronicles Tonier's life of substance abuse disorder and crime. She was able to reclaim her life and now works to help others whose lives are intertwined with the criminal justice system due to addiction.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Sarah Connor

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

R E S P E C T, Aretha Franklin.

How would you describe your legal philosophy?

I follow the rule of law. I do not legislate from the bench. Sometimes outcomes are unfair, but barring ambiguity, it is for the legislature to remedy.

Is there a particular judge, past or present, whom you admire?

I admire Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. She was the first female to serve on the United States Supreme Court. She worked tirelessly to get there. She believed in the Constitution and the need for children to learn about civics. Resultantly, in 2008 she created iCivics, Inc. for youth to learn about our democracy.

Do you believe that empathy is an important quality for a judge?

Yes, all judges should have empathy. Judges are problem solvers. They must follow the law and apply the law to the facts of each case presented, most certainly. But they can do this with compassion and understanding that litigants are real people with real lives. While a pending dispute may be inconsequential to a judge, it can mean everything to the individuals involved in the case.

Have you ever been rated by a Bar Association? If so, what was the rating?

I was rated by the Michigan Bar Judicial Qualifications Committee when I ascended to the 29th Circuit Court bench in 2007. I do not know my rating, but following my rating I was appointed to the bench.