Vision and Purpose in Turbulent Times

About this episode

Judge Michelle Rick discusses vision and purpose in the judiciary during turbulent times with host Shawndrica Simmons.

In this episode, Host Shawndrica Simmons talks with Judge Michelle Rick of the Court of Appeals for a timely and candidconversation on vision and purpose in turbulent times. Judge Rick reflects on her extensive career across every level of Michigan’s legal system and discusses the growing challenges facing the judiciary, including public distrust, political pressure, and threats to judicial independence. Theconversation explores access to justice, the importance of serving underserved communities, and the role women lawyers—particularly women in leadership—mustplay in safeguarding the rule of law. Listeners gain insight into the human side of judicial service, the responsibility of legal professionals during uncertain times, and the values necessary to lead with integrity, courage, and clarity in today’s legal landscape. Judge Michelle Rick was elected to the Michigan Court ofAppeals in November 2020. In 2026, she will run for re-election. Judge Rick previously served as a trial judge from 2007–2020. Prior to that, Judge Rick worked as a public servant in the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office, theMichigan Department of Attorney General, and the office of Governor Jennifer M…

People in this episode

Host: Shawndrica Simmons

Guest: Judge Michelle Rick

Topics covered

• judicial independence
• access to justice
• women in leadership
• public trust
• legal profession challenges
• serving underserved communities

Keywords

• judiciary
• legal system
• women lawyers
• public distrust
• political pressure
• rule of law
• integrity
• courage
• clarity

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Michigan Court of Appeals, Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office, Michigan Department of Attorney General, National Association of Women Judges, Michigan Judges Association

Places: Michigan

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