News Article

Archived News Release: November 16, 2021 - ​On Friday, November 12, 2021 the Michigan Supreme Court issued its biennial Order appointing Chief Judges for Michigan Trial Courts.  The Supreme Court has appointed Judge Karen Quinlan Valvo to serve as Chief Judge of the 15th District Court for the City of Ann Arbor for the term beginning January 1, 2022 and ending December 31, 2023.  Judge Valvo succeeds Judge Joseph F. Burke who has served as the Court's Chief Judge since January 1, 2016.  The position of Chief Judge is essential to the successful operation of the Court.  Pursuant to court rule, the Chief Judge has “administrative superintending power and control over the judges of the court and all court personnel" to supervise caseload management, monitor judicial workloads, assign the business of the court, develop policies, and oversee court finances as well as other critical functions.

Judge Valvo has served as a District Judge since January 5, 2016.  She currently serves as Treasurer of the Judicial Section for the State Bar of Michigan and is incoming Secretary of the Michigan District Judges Association.  Judge Valvo also serves as a member of the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Jail Diversion Advisory Council.  She hears traffic, civil and criminal matters, which includes presiding over the Court's Veterans Treatment Court and Mental Health Treatment Court. 

“Karen will do a superb job in her new role.  Judge Miriam Perry and I look forward to her leadership and our continued provision of exceptional service to the community," said Judge Joseph Burke.

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