In the ever-evolving narrative of American jurisprudence, Judge Sima Patel stands as a beacon of resilience, equity, and trailblazing leadership. Appointed in 2022 to the Michigan Court of Appeals, Judge Patel’s journey has not only redefined representation on the bench but has also elevated the spirit of fairness in Michigan’s legal system. From humble beginnings to a historic seat in the appellate court, her story is a testament to the power of persistence, the value of mentorship, and the enduring belief in justice for all.
Sima Patel: A Calling Discovered Early
Long before her judicial robes, Judge Sima Patel was a law student at Thomas M. Cooley Law School, driven by a deep interest in appellate law. In her final term, she was selected for a prestigious judicial externship with the late Justice Elizabeth Weaver of the Michigan Supreme Court. It wasn’t just a résumé builder—it was a life-changing experience. Weaver, a maverick on the bench, instilled in Patel the mantra “do right, fear not,” a powerful ethos that would become the cornerstone of Patel’s legal career.
Patel’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. She was offered a full clerkship by Justice Weaver, giving her a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the state’s highest court. It was an opportunity few receive—and one Patel seized with grace, intellect, and a deep sense of purpose.
Facing Challenges, Embracing Mentorship
Following her clerkship, Patel returned to her home state of Colorado, seeking legal opportunities at the height of the Great Recession. When nothing materialised, fate had another plan. A call from newly elected Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway, based on a glowing recommendation from Weaver, brought Patel back to Michigan.
There, she met her next mentor, Janet Brandon, a veteran legal mind who taught her the grit necessary to thrive in a profession still rife with challenges for women of color. Brandon’s guidance served as both shield and compass, helping Patel build the fortitude to stand firm amidst adversity.
Sima Patel: Sharpening Her Sword at Fieger Law
Patel’s evolution as an appellate expert found its full expression at Fieger Law—one of Michigan’s few firms with a dedicated appellate practice. Over 11 years, she became a force to be reckoned with, arguing before the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. She championed everyday citizens, fighting back against powerful corporations and government systems, making sure justice was not a privilege but a promise.
Whether it was advocating for equal access to legal protection or challenging entrenched systems, Patel embodied the ideal of a lawyer as a true public servant.
A Pandemic-Driven Reflection
The global pandemic forced many to reflect, and for Judge Sima Patel, it served as a catalyst. “While I love being an appellate lawyer and an advocate,” she reflected, “I think it’s important to have judges on the court that offer a different perspective and voice.” The call to the bench was no longer a whisper—it was a thunderclap.
She realized the law needed not just advocates but stewards—individuals willing to interpret laws not only through logic but with compassion and inclusivity. When Judge Jonathan Tukel sadly passed away in 2021, creating a vacancy on the Michigan Court of Appeals, Patel didn’t hesitate. Backed by decades of preparation and a lifetime of purpose, she applied for the seat.
In March 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed her to the 2nd District Court of Appeals. In November 2022, she won the special general election to retain her seat—an affirmation not just of her qualifications, but of the hope she represents for future generations.
Historic Firsts and Lasting Legacy
Judge Sima Patel made history as the first East-Indian American to sit on the Michigan Court of Appeals and remains one of only three minority judges in that court. Her presence is more than symbolic—it’s transformative.
Her work speaks volumes. One of her early contributions includes helping to craft the dissenting opinion in MI Citizens for Water Conservation v. Nestle Waters, arguing passionately for the rights of private citizens to bring suit in Michigan courts. It’s a landmark moment that highlights her deep commitment to environmental and civic justice.
Amplifying Justice Through Collaboration
Beyond the bench, Patel’s voice continues to echo through her involvement in the Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ). As a vital part of the Amicus Committee, she pens briefs that influence appellate decisions, shaping how justice is defined and delivered across the state.
“No other organization stands up for the little guy more than MAJ,” says Judge Patel. “It’s powerful to be part of a community that pools its knowledge to make a real difference.”
Sima Patel: Representation Matters
Judge Sima Patel’s appointment isn’t just about representation—it’s about reshaping the very framework through which justice is viewed. Her experiences as a woman of color, an immigrant, a daughter of South Asian heritage, and a fierce legal advocate inform her understanding of equity in the courtroom.
“People want fairness from their judges,” she says. “They want to know that, no matter who they are, they’ll get a fair shake. I want to add to that trust—and carry it forward.”
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