MSU Law Alum Granted Judicial Appointment by Governor Whitmer

By Jake Jenkins

Sept 29, 2022

Christina V. Kennedy, ’05, was recently appointed to the 36^th District Court in Detroit by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a role that she said allows her to continue to serve her city.

“This appointment is significant because I am a Detroiter through and through,” Kennedy said. “My legal career has centered around helping others, particularly the citizens of Detroit.

“I am thrilled to be able to continue my career in public service as a judge in the city that raised me,” she said.

Kennedy currently serves as senior assistant corporation counsel with the City of Detroit’s Law Department, as general counsel to the city’s board of ethics, and chief union steward for United Auto Workers Local 2211.

She has also worked as a solo practitioner in family and criminal law as well as juvenile court proceedings.

Kennedy, a graduate of Detroit Public Schools and Wayne State University, is a natural mentor and role model to law school students.

“While I was in law school, someone gave me this advice, and I offer it to current law students: In dealing with your classmates, remember that your professional reputation begins in school, as do your professional relationships,” she said. “The person sitting next to you in class today could one day be your colleague, a business referral, or your boss. So, treat your classmates well. In fact, treat people well, in general.