Hon. Jennifer L. Smith

Jennifer Smith-DenDooven is originally from Chelsea, Michigan. She earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Wayne State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. She lives in Lincoln Township, Michigan with her husband and their three children.

Jennifer previously worked at the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office, serving as an assistant prosecuting attorney, chief trial attorney, and chief assistant prosecuting attorney.

Jennifer currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge for the 2nd Judicial Circuit in Berrien County. She was appointed and subsequently elected in 2018 and is serving her second term. 

2026 Michigan General Election

2026 Michigan Primary Election

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Republican

As a Circuit Court Judge for the 2nd Judicial Circuit since September 2018, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts. Currently assigned to the criminal division; previously served in the family division.

As Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Berrien County from 2013 to 2018, prosecuted civil and criminal actions under state law and presented cases before grand juries.

As Chief Trial Attorney for Berrien County from 2007 to 2013, prosecuted civil and criminal actions under state law, overseeing the trial division's major prosecutions.

As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Berrien County from 1997 to 2007, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the prosecutor's office and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

- As a Circuit Court Judge for the 2nd Judicial Circuit since September 2018, oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts. Currently assigned to the criminal division; previously served in the family division.
- As Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Berrien County from 2013 to 2018, prosecuted civil and criminal actions under state law and presented cases before grand juries.
- As Chief Trial Attorney for Berrien County from 2007 to 2013, prosecuted civil and criminal actions under state law, overseeing the trial division's major prosecutions.
- As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Berrien County from 1997 to 2007, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the prosecutor's office and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

Legal Experience

As of May 4, 2026, Jennifer L. Smith-DenDooven did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Jennifer L. Smith-DenDooven

As of May 4, 2026, Jennifer L. Smith-DenDooven’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Pavel Tantchev

Graham Shirley

- A circuit court judge is an elected judicial official who serves in Michigan’s circuit court system, the state’s trial court of general jurisdiction.
- Circuit courts handle major legal matters, including felony criminal cases, large civil lawsuits, family law matters, juvenile cases, and appeals from lower courts and some administrative agencies.
- Michigan circuit court judges are elected in nonpartisan elections and may also be appointed to fill vacancies.
- Judges serve six-year terms and may run for reelection.
- Candidates must be licensed attorneys authorized to practice law in Michigan, admitted to practice for at least five years, qualified electors within the judicial circuit, and under 70 years old at the time of election or appointment.
- The salary of a Michigan circuit court judge is approximately $183,000 per year.

A judge who handles major criminal, civil, and family court cases.