2026 Michigan General Election

2026 Michigan Primary Election

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Christopher Trebilcock earned a bachelor's degree in political science and business administration from Alma College and a law degree from Wake Forest University. He lives in Royal Oak, Michigan.


Christopher is a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, District 2. He works at the Court of Appeals, where he has served since April 2025. He previously practiced law as an attorney at the firm Clark Hill and served as the chapter editor for the “Election Law” section of the ICLE Michigan Municipal Law Manual.

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Michigan Supreme ...

Christopher currently serves as a Judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals. He previously served as a partner at Clark Hill Law in Detroit. He previously served as senior principal and co-practice group leader for employment and labor at Miller Canfield in the Detroit area. He began his career as an attorney-advisor at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.. Christopher served as a guest lecturer in election law at Wayne State University Law School and has served as a chapter editor and contributing editor for legal publications including the Michigan Municipal Law Manual and BNA's Developing Labor Law treatise. He also previously served as Press Secretary for the Democratic nominee for Michigan Secretary of State in 2002, and as Policy and Field Director for the James Blanchard for Governor campaign from in 2002.

Christopher M. Trebilcock is currently a Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals, District 2. He was appointed in 2025 by Governor Whitmer.

As a senior principal at Clark Hill, PLC, worked on employment litigation, administrative litigation, traditional labor law, and election law.

As a Member at Clark Hill Law from February 2018 to May 2025, litigated labor and employment disputes in federal and state courts and administrative agencies on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, governmental agencies, and public bodies, specializing in wage and hour litigation, civil rights, FOIA and Open Meetings Act compliance, student disciplinary matters, and election law. 


As a Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals since May 2025, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of law by lower appeals and trial courts, and hears applications for court orders that require and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.

As Senior Principal and Co-Practice Group Leader at Miller Canfield from 2003 to 2018, litigated labor and employment disputes in federal and state courts and administrative agencies, managed collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of private and public sector clients, and specialized in election and administrative law, including high-profile litigation involving Congressman Gary Peters and the Flint Water Rate litigation.

As an Attorney-Advisor at the U.S. Department of Labor from 2000 to 2001, researched legal theories and precedents, drafted court memos and judicial opinions, and reviewed the findings and citations of the court's opinions for Associate Chief Administrative Law Judge Thomas Burke.

- As a Member at Clark Hill Law from February 2018 to May 2025, litigated labor and employment disputes in federal and state courts and administrative agencies on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, governmental agencies, and public bodies, specializing in wage and hour litigation, civil rights, FOIA and Open Meetings Act compliance, student disciplinary matters, and election law. 

- As a Judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals since May 2025, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of law by lower appeals and trial courts, and hears applications for court orders that require and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.
- As Senior Principal and Co-Practice Group Leader at Miller Canfield from 2003 to 2018, litigated labor and employment disputes in federal and state courts and administrative agencies, managed collective bargaining negotiations on behalf of private and public sector clients, and specialized in election and administrative law, including high-profile litigation involving Congressman Gary Peters and the Flint Water Rate litigation.
- As an Attorney-Advisor at the U.S. Department of Labor from 2000 to 2001, researched legal theories and precedents, drafted court memos and judicial opinions, and reviewed the findings and citations of the court's opinions for Associate Chief Administrative Law Judge Thomas Burke.

Legal Experience

As of May 11, 2026, Christopher M. Trebilcock’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Previously served as a board member for Voices for Michigan's Children.

Previously served as president of the DIA Founders' Junior Council.

- Previously served as a board member for Voices for Michigan's Children.
- Previously served as president of the DIA Founders' Junior Council.

Community Involvement

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Christopher M. Trebilcock

Pavel Tantchev

Graham Shirley

Sima earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado, and law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Sima previously worked as an appellate attorney at Fieger Law, and a judicial clerk for the Michigan Supreme Court.

Sima G. Patel is currently a judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals representing the 2nd District. She was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and assumed office on March 1, 2022. Patel subsequently won a special general election on November 8, 2022 to fill the remainder of the term expiring January 1, 2027, and she has declared her candidacy for re-election in the August 4, 2026 primary.

Sima Patel - Ballotpedia

Hon. Sima G. Patel - Contributor Biography

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Michigan Court of Appeals

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Sima G. Patel is currently a judge of the Michigan Court of Appeals. She was appointed and assumed office on March 1, 2022. Patel subsequently won a special general election on November 8, 2022 to fill the remainder of the term expiring January 1, 2027.

As an appellate attorney, Judge Patel has written hundreds of briefs and argued in the Michigan Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Michigan Supreme Court.

As a state court of appeals judge for 4 years, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of fact or law by lower appeals and trial courts, and hears applications for court orders that require and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.

- As an appellate attorney, Judge Patel has written hundreds of briefs and argued in the Michigan Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and Michigan Supreme Court.
- As a state court of appeals judge for 4 years, ensures the law has been applied correctly in state criminal and civil cases, exercises the authority to correct procedural errors or misinterpretations of fact or law by lower appeals and trial courts, and hears applications for court orders that require and prohibit certain actions by lower courts and government officials.

As of May 11, 2026, Sima G. Patel did not have a website or any information online.

Said, "I am a rule of law judge. That means I look at the statutes and rules, common law precedent, and apply and interpret them to the unique facts of each case."

- Said, "I am a rule of law judge. That means I look at the statutes and rules, common law precedent, and apply and interpret them to the unique facts of each case."

Sima G. Patel

As of May 11, 2026, Sima G. Patel’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

- A court of appeals judge is an elected judicial official who serves on the Michigan Court of Appeals, the state’s intermediate appellate court.
- The Court of Appeals reviews decisions made by lower courts and administrative agencies to determine whether legal errors occurred during the original proceedings.
- Most appeals are decided by panels of three judges, who issue written opinions explaining the court’s decision and interpretation of the law.
- Court of appeals 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, and under 70 years old at the time of election or appointment.
- The salary of a Michigan Court of Appeals judge is approximately $192,000 per year.

A judge who reviews appeals from lower court decisions.

Court of Appeals Judge

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