In this episode of Seeing Clearly, I sat down with Michael Sawicky, a candidate for the 47th District Court in Farmington and Farmington Hills, to focus on a question many voters have but do not always ask. What actually qualifies someone to become a judge?
At the most basic level, the requirements are straightforward. As Sawicky explained:
“you have to have graduated from an accredited law school… and practiced law for at least five years.”
But as this conversation made clear, the real question is not just eligibility. It is experience.
Sawicky emphasized the importance of time spent inside the courtroom, not just behind a desk.
“When you’re a litigator, that means you’re actually in the court system doing trials… speaking to juries and presenting cases,” he said.
That kind of hands on work, he noted, builds a deeper understanding of how cases unfold and how decisions are made.
That experience spans decades. With nearly 31 years practicing law, his career has included work as a prosecutor, a defense attorney, and a magistrate, along with years of public defender work across Oakland County. It is a path that has exposed him to both sides of the courtroom and a wide range of cases.
One part of the conversation that stood out was the discussion around client relationships and expectations.
“I’m here to give you advice… I’m not here to necessarily tell you what you want to hear,” he said.
It is a perspective that speaks to both professionalism and accountability.
Beyond traditional courtroom work, Sawicky also pointed to the growing role of problem solving courts. These include programs focused on mental health, addiction, and veterans, designed to give participants tools that extend beyond the legal process. The goal is not only resolution, but long term stability.
This conversation offers a detailed look at what experience means in the context of the 47th District Court. It highlights the difference between meeting the minimum requirements and building a career shaped by years of real courtroom work.
For those who want to explore more or verify the information discussed, reviewing the candidate’s official materials is an important step:
https://www.sawickyforjudge.com/
Understanding a candidate’s background is one of the clearest ways to understand how they may approach decisions that affect the community.
