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

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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.

2026 Michigan General Election

2026 Michigan Primary Election

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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.

Legal Experience

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

Judicial Administration

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."

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

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Sima G. Patel

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

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- 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.