Politics & Government

Macomb County's Newest Judge Sworn In

James Biernat Jr. was appointed by the governor to fill the vacancy on the Macomb County Circuit Court bench.

Macomb County's newest circuit court judge will take the bench Monday and begin hearing his first cases.

James Biernat Jr., 43, of Clinton Township, was sworn in Tuesday by Macomb County Circuit Court Judge David Viviano. He was appointed in April to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Donald Miller.

"Jim Biernat's experience, strong ties to the community and overwhelming support from colleagues gives me confidence that he will serve Macomb County with fairness and impartiality," Gov. Rick Snyder said in a press release. "He will respect the rule of law."

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Biernat, a 1987 graduate of De La Salle Collegiate High School, received his bachelor's degree from Hillsdale College in 1991. 

The following year he was elected Macomb County Commissioner, and in 1997, received his law degree from the University of Detroit.

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He went into private practice before joining the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office. Biernat most recently was in the office's drug unit.

Biernat is the son of James Biernat, who retired in January from the bench.

Biernat is also a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the Macomb County Bar Association, the Federalist Society and the Polish-American Legal Society. He will serve the remainder of Miller's term through Jan. 1, 2013.


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