Former Judge Disbarred

A former judge has consented to disbarment by the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board

Respondent and the Grievance Administrator filed a Stipulation for Consent Order of Discipline, which was approved by the Attorney Grievance Commission and accepted by the hearing panel. The stipulation contained respondent’s acknowledgment that she was convicted of perjury, a felony, in violation of MCL 750.423, in People of the State of Michigan v Theresa Marie Brennan, Livingston County Circuit Court Case No. 19-025735-FH. In accordance with MCR 9.120(B)(1), respondent’s license to practice law in Michigan was automatically suspended, effective December 3, 2019, the date of her felony conviction. In addition, the stipulation contained respondent’s acknowledgment that she was removed from judicial office on June 28, 2019, in a matter titled In The Matter of Theresa M. Brennan, Judge, 53rd District Court, Supreme Court Case No. 157930.

Michigan Lawyers Weekly reported on the high-profile matter

A judicial watchdog agency has recommended the Michigan Supreme Court remove a Livingston County judge for misconduct.

The Judicial Tenure Commission on April 11 also asked the high court to order District Court Judge Theresa Brennan to pay costs, fees and expenses of more than $35,000 because of “her intentional representations and misleading statements” to the commission.

The agency found Brennan tampered with evidence in her own divorce case, lied under oath and failed to disclose her relationship with a Michigan State Police detective who was a witness during a murder trial before her.

Brennan was barred from hearing cases last June after the commission filed its formal complaint. She has continued to receive pay and benefits.

A message seeking comment was left for her attorney.

Our prior coverage is linked here. (Mike Frisch)