LANSING – On Feb. 13, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Susan Metzger to the Van Buren County Probate Court. It was one of four appointments announced by the governor.
Metzger is a solo practitioner with a primary practice of domestic relations mediation and arbitration. Additionally, she is contracted with the Van Buren County Courts for the Juvenile Court and a defense attorney for Van Buren County Women’s Treatment Court, Family Reunification Court, and Sobriety Court. Previously, she worked as an attorney for Laaksonen Law Offices, Miller Johnson, and the 10th Circuit Court of the State of Michigan (Chief Judge Leopold P. Borrello).
Metzger received her Bachelor of Arts in political science from the College of Charleston and her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
“I am deeply grateful to Governor Whitmer for appointing me to the Van Buren County Probate Court,” said Metzger. “As Judge, I will be committed to nurturing trust and administering justice with fairness, compassion, and integrity, with the goal of enhancing our community’s wellbeing.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge David J. DiStefano. Metzger’s term will begin on March 18, and will continue until noon on Jan. 1, 2025.
Other appointments made included Amanda Pollard to Eaton County Probate Court, Ellsworth Stay to the 78th District Court (Newaygo and Lake Counties), and Michael Ekdahl to the 89th District Court (Presque Isle and Cheboygan Counties).
“Today, I am proud to appoint Susan, Amanda, Ellsworth, and Michael to Michigan’s bench,” said Governor Whitmer. “Each of these new judges are experienced legal minds who are dedicated to serving their community with humility, compassion, and respect for the rule of law. They each bring a wealth of experience to their service, and I am confident they will serve with distinction and inspire confidence in the integrity and professionalism of our courts.”