Governor Makes Court of Appeals Appointment

Liz Gullett

Mar 18, 2022

Judge Christopher Yates has been appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals – District 3, by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. He currently serves as a judge with the 17^th Circuit Court of Kent County, a role he’s had since 2008. Prior to his time on the bench, Judge Yates had a number of roles including a private practice attorney, chief defender for the Federal Public Defender’s Office, an assistant U.S. Attorney, and as an attorney and advisor for the U.S. Department of Justice.

Judge Yates earned his Juris Doctor degree and Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois and Bachelor of Arts Degree from Kalamazoo College. He is the current president of the Michigan Judges Association (an MLC client), vice president of the American College of Business Court Judges, a member and former president of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and an appointed council member of the judicial section of the State Bar of Michigan.

The appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will commence on April 18, 2022, and expire at noon on January 1, 2023, after Judge Jane Beckering was appointed to the United States District Court. If Judge Yates wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Beckering’s term, expiring January 1, 2025, he would be required to run for reelection in November 2022.

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