Kelly

LANSING — Michigan Supreme Court Justice Mary Beth Kelly is leaving her position on the bench. Kelly’s retirement is effective Oct. 1.

Kelly’s advocacy on juvenile justice issues has had a major impact on the state and she has been instrumental in shaping innovative specialty courts meant to rehabilitate drug offenders and defendants who are veterans. 

Kelly was elected to the Supreme Court in 2010. Prior to that, she served as a judge on the Wayne County Circuit Court— including several years as chief judge— beginning with her appointment by Gov. Engler in 1999.

The state Constitution authorizes Gov. Snyder to appoint someone to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court for a term ending Jan. 1, 2017. To complete the remaining portion of Justice Kelly’s term, which ends in Dec. 2018, the appointee would need to run for election in Nov. 2016.

Kelly, 53, is returning to private law practice. She is joining the Detroit law firm of Bodman PLC.

At Bodman, Kelly will become vice chair of the firm’s litigation and alternative dispute resolution practice group.