LANSING, MI — On Oct 12th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Nicole N. Goodson to the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County and Michael J. McClory to the Wayne County Probate Court.  

“I am honored to appoint Nicole and Michael to the circuit and probate courts in Wayne County,” said Governor Whitmer. “Nicole and Michael bring a wealth of experience with them to the bench and they will work to ensure access to justice for the residents of Wayne County.” 

3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County 

Nicole N. Goodson currently serves as the president and CEO of Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc., a position she has held since 2017. In her role, Goodson oversees the operations of the organization and specializes in the representation of survivors of domestic violence in family law matters and Wayne County residents facing homelessness.  Goodson has been with Legal Aid since 2009, previously serving as a staff attorney, managing attorney, director of litigation, and chief counsel and COO. She previously served as a compliance officer and partner with The Bingham Law Group and as an attorney with Trott & Trott, P.C. Early in her career, Goodson was an attorney with Legal Aid & Defender Association and with the UAW-GM Legal Services Plan.  

Goodson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Detroit, and she earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is the secretary of the board for the SASHA Center and a former trustee for the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan. Goodson is also a founding member of the Michigan Racial Justice Committee and treasurer of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter. Nicole lives in Northville with her husband, Rocelious, and their children, Shelby and Ryan.    

“This appointment affords me the opportunity to continue my work as a public servant albeit in a different capacity,” said Goodson. “I look forward to serving the people of Wayne County and I pledge a commitment to equal access and the fair administration of justice.  I thank Governor Whitmer for this honor.” 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the retirement of Judge Lynne A. Pierce effective August 31, 2022. Ms. Goodson’s term will commence on November 7, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025. If Ms. Goodson wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Pierce’s term, expiring January 1, 2027, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2024. 

Wayne County Probate Court 

Michael J. McClory currently serves as the chief deputy probate register for Wayne County, a position he has held since 2005. He has been with the probate court since 1991, having served as a court attorney and then director of special projects. McClory was instrumental in the drafting and implementation of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code in 2000 and the Michigan Trust Code in 2010. He previously worked as an associate with Plante & Moran, assistant vice president and trust officer for the Ann Arbor Bank and Trust, and as a trust officer for Citizens Bank in Flint. Early in his career, McClory worked as an associate attorney with the Law Office of Jerome M. Goldman.  

McClory earned his Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University and Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Oakland University. He has served as an adjunct professor for probate practice at Thomas M. Cooley Law School and conducted training presentations for the UAW Legal Services Program. He previously served as the chair of the State Bar of Michigan Probate and Estate Planning Section. Michael is a resident of Northville. 

“I am humbled and honored by the Governor’s appointment of me to the Wayne County Probate Court bench,” said McClory. “I will work to the best of my ability to serve the citizens of Wayne County in this position.  It will permit me, in a new capacity, to continue my work assisting Wayne County residents dealing with challenging situations.”  

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the retirement of Judge Lisa Marie Neilson effective May 3, 2022. Mr. McClory’s term will commence on November 1, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023. In order to serve a full six-year term beginning January 1, 2023, he must be elected in November of 2022.  

Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

Nicole N. Goodson headshot 

Michael J. McClory headshot