Atty Jennifer Fields: Like Father, Like Daughter

Assistant public defender running for district judge in Berrien County

Jennifer E. Fields is originally from Berrien County, Michigan. She earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a law degree from Western Michigan University. She lives in Berrien County, Michigan. 

Jennifer's campaign for 5th Judicial District Court Judge in Berrien County is her first run for public office.

Jennifer currently serves as an assistant public defender at the Berrien County Public Defender's Office. She is a past president of the Berrien County Bar Association. She briefly operated her own private practice, the Law Firm of Jennifer E. Fields, specializing in criminal defense, before joining the Public Defender's Office.  She also previously externed with the Benton Harbor Law Office of Burch and Banyon. 

2026 Michigan General Election

2026 Michigan Primary Election

Democrat

Nonpartisan

Republican

As an assistant public defender at the Berrien County Public Defender's Office since 2016, provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney, appearing in court nearly every day.

As a private practice attorney at the Law Firm of Jennifer E. Fields, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients specializing in criminal defense matters including DUI, drug offenses, assault, domestic violence, family law, and license restorations.

As a legal extern at the Law Offices of Burch and Banyon in Benton Harbor, researched legal theories and precedents and assisted with case preparation.

- As an assistant public defender at the Berrien County Public Defender's Office since 2016, provided legal counsel and representation to juveniles and criminal defendants who were unable to hire an attorney, appearing in court nearly every day.
- As a private practice attorney at the Law Firm of Jennifer E. Fields, she researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients specializing in criminal defense matters including DUI, drug offenses, assault, domestic violence, family law, and license restorations.
- As a legal extern at the Law Offices of Burch and Banyon in Benton Harbor, researched legal theories and precedents and assisted with case preparation.

Legal Experience

As of May 4, 2026, Jennifer E. Fields did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Jennifer E. Fields

Pavel Tantchev

Graham Shirley

Gordon Gary Hosbein

Myrene Kay Koch

- A district court judge is an elected judicial official who serves in Michigan’s district court system, which handles many lower-level legal matters and preliminary criminal proceedings.
- District courts hear civil disputes involving claims up to $25,000, as well as landlord-tenant disputes, small claims cases, traffic violations, and civil infractions.
- District 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 their district, and under 70 years old at the time of election or appointment.
- The salary of a Michigan district court judge is approximately $181,000 per year.

A judge who handles local criminal, civil, and traffic cases.