Mason,
Michigan
Hon. Wanda M. Stokes has served on the bench since 2018. Judge Stokes presides over a docket comprised of civil matters exceeding $25,000, criminal appeals, administrative and agency appeals, district court appeals, and special equitable matters. She handles hearings and trials involving complex litigation, including class actions, medical malpractice, auto negligence, property matters and constitutional issues. Prior to her judicial appointment, Judge Stokes was appointed Director of the Michigan Talent Investment Agency in July 2016. She was responsible for over 800 staff and multi-million dollar budgets for the Workforce Development Agency and the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Judge Stokes worked with employers, educators, and business investors across the state and country to secure thousands of job opportunities, training and enhanced education during her tenure. She worked with the Flint communities on their water distribution process, and revitalizing its infrastructure. Judge Stokes secured training dollars and permanent jobs for Flint residents who had previously been on public assistance. Judge Stokes represented the State of Michigan on a host of committees including the Food and Beverage Association, and as a Commissioner on the Michigan 21st Century Education Commission. She has held leadership positions in the private and public sectors for over 35 years. Judge Stokes began her legal career with the Ford Motor Company, Office of the General Counsel, in Dearborn, Michigan for over 10 years in products liability; then relocated to Lansing where she worked for over 6 years with Auto-Owners Insurance Company. She served as a staff attorney and then as personnel director. Prior to joining the Office of Attorney General, Judge Stokes worked at a private law firm in Southfield, Michigan. Judge Stokes’ tenure with the State of Michigan began in 1999 when she was appointed assistant attorney general by Jennifer M. Granholm. While there, she held many distinguished leadership positions, including the distinction of being the first African American Chief of Staff. Judge Stokes also served as Bureau Chief of the Child & Family Services Bureau; Division Chief of the Licensing and Regulation Division; and provided legal counsel to the Secretary of State, the Governor’s office and several State Departments. She provided legal counsel on numerous legal, legislative and policy issues. Judge Stokes was also a founding member of the AG’s Professional Responsibility, Ethics and Policy committee, and served over a year as chair. In July of 2015, she was appointed Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (DLARA), where she also served as risk manager for the Department. Judge Stokes was responsible for the oversight of several state agencies within DLARA including the Michigan Occupational Health and Safety Agency, the Michigan Administrative Hearings Administration, the Bureau of Employer Relations, the Michigan Workers Compensation Agency, and the department’s Freedom of Information Act group. She is actively involved with many organizations and the legal community. Judge Stokes is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan Judges Association where she serves on the Board of Directors, the Ingham County Bar Association, the Association of Black Judges of Michigan, Women Judges Association and the Women Lawyers Association of Mid-Michigan. She serves as a Master on the MSU Inn of Court, and actively mentors students at the MSU and Cooley Law Schools. Judge Stokes serves as a member of the Davis-Dunnings Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. She served as a commissioner on the Attorney Grievance Commission, and served over 10 years as a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Character and Fitness District Committee. In 2020, Judge Stokes received the prestigious Carolyn Stell Award from the Women’s Lawyers Association of Mid-Michigan for excellence on the bench and contributions to the legal profession.
Featured ICLE Contributions:
|