MSU Law alumna is appointed as new judge in Monroe

Amanda L. Eicher, ’01, was appointed on Aug. 4 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the First District Court bench in Monroe. On Sept 6, Eicher will succeed Judge William Nichols, who was appointed to 38th Circuit Court to fill a vacancy created by the March death of Michael A. Weipert.

“I’ve been interested in the law since as long as I can remember,” Eicher said. “As a young attorney, I never aspired to be on the bench, but after 20 years of practice I saw what a positive impact good judges can have on the court system.”

Admitted to the bar in 2002, Eicher is the supervising attorney in the Monroe office of Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM). She previously worked for a number of years as a staff attorney for LSSCM, primarily representing domestic violence survivors.

Coincidentally, during her studies at MSU Law, Eicher interned for LSSCM. “Little did I know that I would spend a large chunk of my career working for this organization,” she said. “This internship reinforced my desire to work in public service.”

Eicher, who served as a judicial clerk with the Monroe County Probate Court following her MSU Law graduation, has fond memories of her law school years.

“MSU Law had such a wide variety of elective courses—sampling different areas of law really helped me decide what I did and did not want to do with my career,” she said. “Not only did MSU Law steer me in the direction of where I am now, I also I made life long friendships at MSU.”

However, the Pennsylvania State University alumna has somewhat divided loyalties when it comes to cheering for college football. “Definitely a Spartans fan, except when they play the Nittany Lions,” she said with a smile.

Before joining LSSCM and CVLAP, Eicher worked in private practice with Lambrix & Bartlett, PLLC in Monroe and Leonard K. Kitchen & Associates in Dexter, on an array of matters, including family law cases. She has handled domestic violence, family law, personal protection orders, landlord tenant cases, probate issues and expungements. She also serves on the Lenawee County Domestic Violence Task Force, Lenawee County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, and Lenawee County Sexual Assault Task Force.

A long-time resident of Monroe County, she and her family make their home in Milan.

“I am humbled and honored by Governor Whitmer's confidence in me,” Eicher said in a press release. “I have been fortunate to serve the people of Monroe County throughout my career and it will be a privilege to continue to do so in the capacity of district court judge. I look forward to this opportunity and will ensure that all parties are treated with dignity and respect.”

Eicher’s partial term will expire Jan. 2, 2025; if she seeks a six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November 2024.

On Aug. 4, Gov. Whitmer also appointed Amy C. Clapp to the 49th Circuit Court of Mecosta and Osceola Counties.

“I am proud to appoint Amy and Amanda, two skilled legal professionals with a range of experience, to the bench,” Whitmer said in a press release. “They will both serve the people of Michigan honorably and uphold the law, ensuring that our families and communities are safe and justice is delivered.”

August 24, 2022