5 Key Endorsements And Achievements That Define Judge Curt Benson's Judicial Career
The judicial landscape in Kent County, Michigan, has been significantly shaped by the presence of Judge Curt A. Benson on the 17th Circuit Court bench. As of late 2024, Judge Benson continues to serve the community, having secured his position through a successful election and subsequent judicial appointments, which serve as the ultimate 'endorsements' of his professional capabilities.
The journey to the bench is often paved not just with political support, but with decades of professional experience and peer recognition. For Judge Benson, his tenure is a testament to the trust placed in him by the electorate and his judicial colleagues, highlighted by a career that spans over 30 years as both a litigator and a distinguished law professor.
Judge Curt Benson: A Comprehensive Biography and Career Profile
Judge Curt A. Benson’s career is marked by a deep commitment to legal education and complex litigation before his transition to the judiciary. His background provides the foundation for his current role and is, in essence, his most compelling "endorsement."
- Full Name: Curt A. Benson
- Current Judicial Role: Kent County Circuit Court Judge (17th Circuit Court)
- Special Appointment: Kent County Business Court Judge (Appointed July 27, 2022)
- Judicial Tenure Start: January 1, 2019
- Key Election: Elected to the Kent County Circuit Court in November 2018, taking one of two available seats.
- Professional Experience: Over 33 years as a litigator and educator prior to taking the bench.
- Academic Role: Distinguished Law Professor at Cooley Law School, specializing in complex commercial litigation.
- Family: Married to Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Jane Markey.
- Past Judicial Candidacy: Ran for the 17th Circuit Court in 2016, but was defeated.
- Docket Assignment: Initially assigned to the civil/criminal docket before his Business Court appointment.
The Professional Endorsements: A Career Built on Peer Respect
While a public list of endorsements from political action committees or unions for judicial races can be elusive, the most significant "endorsements" for a judge are often found in their professional history and the high-profile positions they achieve. Judge Benson's career demonstrates a clear and consistent pattern of peer-level support and professional trust.
1. The Litigator's Endorsement: 33 Years of Experience
Before his successful 2018 election to the Kent County Circuit Court, Curt Benson spent more than three decades as a practicing attorney. This extensive legal career, specializing in complex commercial litigation, serves as a powerful professional endorsement.
The respect earned over 33 years as a litigator is crucial for a judicial candidate. It signifies a deep understanding of courtroom procedure, a mastery of various legal fields, and a reputation among fellow attorneys—all factors that heavily influence bar association ratings and peer support during an election.
2. The Academic Endorsement: Law Professor at Cooley Law School
Judge Benson is widely recognized as a distinguished law professor at Cooley Law School. This role is a significant endorsement of his legal knowledge and ability to interpret and teach the law.
Teaching law indicates an advanced level of legal scholarship and an authority that few candidates possess. His work as an educator, including hosting a popular legal radio program, demonstrates a commitment to public legal discourse and a capability to clearly articulate complex legal principles, a vital trait for a judge.
The Judicial Endorsements: Trust from the Bench and Public
The highest forms of endorsement for a sitting judge come not from campaign literature, but from the judicial system itself—through election results and subsequent appointments by higher courts.
3. The Electorate's Endorsement: The 2018 Circuit Court Victory
Judge Benson’s successful 2018 election to the Kent County Circuit Court is the most direct public endorsement. He was one of the top vote-getters for two open seats, demonstrating strong public confidence in his candidacy.
This victory was a clear signal from the Kent County voters that they preferred his blend of litigation experience and academic authority over other candidates. The 17th Circuit Court handles a high volume of crucial cases, and his election validated his judicial philosophy and qualifications to the community.
4. The Peer Endorsement: Appointment as Kent County Business Court Judge
Perhaps the most compelling endorsement of his judicial competence came on July 27, 2022, when the Michigan Supreme Court appointed Judge Benson to serve as the Kent County Business Court Judge.
This specialized assignment is reserved for judges with a deep understanding of complex commercial litigation and corporate law. The appointment by the Supreme Court signifies a high level of trust from the state's highest judicial body and an acknowledgment of his expertise in a critical area of law. This role requires managing high-stakes, intricate business disputes, further cementing his reputation as a jurist capable of handling the most challenging cases.
5. The Family Endorsement: Partnership with Judge Jane Markey
While not a public campaign endorsement, Judge Benson’s personal partnership with Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Jane Markey is a powerful entity in the state's judicial community.
Their shared life in the legal profession, with two distinguished judges in one family, suggests a deep, ongoing commitment to the law and a shared understanding of the judicial process. This connection places him firmly within the established and respected judicial circles of Michigan, providing a strong, implicit endorsement of his character and legal acumen from a highly regarded peer.
Curt Benson's Continuing Role in the Kent County Judiciary
Judge Curt Benson’s career trajectory—from a seasoned litigator and educator to a Circuit Court Judge and specialized Business Court Judge—is a powerful narrative of professional success and judicial trust. His "endorsements" are not just a list of names, but a collection of high-level professional achievements and appointments that validate his qualifications for the bench.
As the Kent County Circuit Court continues to address a diverse docket of civil and criminal cases, Judge Benson’s experience in complex commercial litigation and his commitment to legal education remain vital assets. The community's decision to elect him, and the Supreme Court's decision to appoint him to a specialized role, are the definitive statements on his fitness for judicial office.
The focus on judicial integrity, legal expertise, and a balanced judicial philosophy ensures that Judge Benson remains a key figure in the Michigan 17th Circuit Court. His continued presence on the bench represents a strong, lasting endorsement of his impact on the Kent County legal system.
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