Edit

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench - December 14, 2022

Government and Politics

December 14, 2022

From: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

LANSING, Mich. — On Dec 14th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Shawn Jacque to the 36th District Court - City of Detroit and Jeremy Bowie to the 50th District Court – City of Pontiac.   

“Shawn and Jeremy are committed public servants who will serve Michigan admirably and uphold justice,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am proud to appoint them on Dec 14th, and will continue working with our judicial system to protect the rule of law and stand strong for every Michigander.” 

36th District Court – City of Detroit 

Shawn K. Jacque currently serves as general counsel for the 36th District Court of Detroit. He has been with the court since 2020 and began as deputy general counsel. In his current role, Jacque manages the legal affairs of the court and serves as the legal advisor to the chief judge and the various court departments. Prior to his current role, Jacque was a private practice attorney specializing in contracts, criminal law, real property, landlord-tenant, and consumer protection. He also worked as the corporate counsel for the Detroit Diesel Corporation and litigation attorney for State Farm Insurance Company. Early in his career, he was an assistant United States attorney, assistant prosecutor in Wayne County, and assistant corporation counsel for the City of Detroit.  

Jacque earned his Juris Doctor degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, and he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Michigan. He is a member of the Wolverine Bar Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Jack & Jill of America Dad’s Auxiliary, and the NAACP. 

 “I want to thank Governor Whitmer for appointing me to the 36th District Court bench,” Jacque said. “As a lifelong Detroiter, serving the citizens of Detroit has always been paramount to me. Being given the opportunity to serve the citizens and the city as a judge, is truly a great honor.”   

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Lydia Nance Adams effective October 14, 2022. Mr. Jacque’s term will commence on December 27, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025. If Mr. Jacque wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Adams’ term, expiring January 1, 2029, he would be required to run for reelection in November of 2024.  

50th District Court – City of Pontiac  

Jeremy D. Bowie currently works as a criminal defense attorney with The Perkins Law Group, PLLC. In this role, Bowie is the head of legal research and writing as well as the head of the federal criminal case docket. He previously worked as an attorney with Merry, Farnen & Ryan, P.C. where he practiced civil law and served as an assistant prosecutor in Wayne County. While attending law school, Bowie served as a judicial extern for Judge John H. Gillis, Jr. and a judicial intern for Judge Rosemarie Aquilina.  

Bowie earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Prelaw) from Michigan State University. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, initiated in the Gamma Lambda chapter. He is also a member of The National Black Lawyers and was named one of their Top 40 Under 40 for 2022. Bowie volunteers his time as a mentor for the FIRST Robotics Team (Wings of Fire – Team 51) at Pontiac High School/International Technology Academy. He lives in Pontiac and is a proud graduate of Pontiac Northern High School.  

“I'm so thankful to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for appointing me to the 50th Judicial District Court,” Bowie said. “I am excited and energized to serve my fellow citizens of the city of Pontiac. Every day will have purpose because I am giving back to the city that made me who I am today.” 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the retirement of Judge Michael C. Martinez effective December 31, 2022. Mr. Bowie’s term will commence on January 9, 2023 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025. If Mr. Bowie wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Martinez’s term, expiring January 1, 2027, he would be required to run for reelection in November of 2024. 

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

Shawn K. Jacque headshot

Jeremy D. Bowie headshot