Snyder names Chief Legal Counsel Beth Clement to Michigan Supreme Court

Paul Egan
Detroit Free Press
Beth Clement

LANSING — Gov. Rick Snyder sent his chief legal counsel to the Michigan Supreme Court Friday, continuing his history of looking beyond Michigan's judiciary for such appointments.

"It's a personal loss for me," Snyder said of his appointment of Elizabeth (Beth) Clement, who has worked in his executive office since 2011. "I had a great legal counsel."

Clement, who will have to seek election to the court in 2018, will join the judicial branch after working in both the legislative and executive branches.

"She'll now complete the trifecta," Snyder said.

Snyder’s appointment fills the vacancy created when the U.S. Senate recently confirmed President Donald Trump's appointment of Justice Joan Larsen to the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Larsen, who was a law professor at the University of Michigan after working in the administration of former President George W. Bush, had also never served as a judge prior to Snyder's appointment.

"I will be committed to a fair and impartial interpretation of the law as written," said Clement, surrounded by her husband, Tom, and three of their four children.

"I will treat all people who come before the court with respect, patience and my utmost attention."

Clement, 40, of East Lansing worked in the executive first as a deputy legal counsel and, starting in 2014, as deputy chief of staff. In 2015, Clement was promoted to cabinet secretary while continuing to hold the deputy chief of staff post.

Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday named his chief legal counsel, Beth Clement, to the Michigan Supreme Court

She was named Snyder's chief legal counsel in April 2016.

Clement has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and a degree from the MSU College of Law.

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Clement was Snyder's fifth appointment to the high court.

Snyder's fourth appointment, of Justice Kurtis Wilder in May, made Snyder the first Michigan governor since election of justices began in 1850 to name a majority of justices to the court who all held their positions at the same time, according to Ballenger Report publisher William Ballenger.

Friday's appointment didn't expand the Snyder majority, since Clement replaced an earlier Snyder appointee.

Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman said he's pleased Clement will join the court in time to participate in oral arguments scheduled for December.

"As a lawyer and counselor to our state’s Governor, as well as to legislative branch leaders, Beth brings remarkable legal experience, respect for the rule of law, and a reputation for judiciousness to the Court," Markman said in a news release.

Republican nominees and appointees hold a 5-2 edge on the Michigan Supreme Court, where Larsen's departure left the court with only one woman — Democratic nominee Bridget Mary McCormack.

Clement's husband was named general counsel to the Michigan Supreme Court in May 2016.

Michigan Supreme Court justices are paid $164,610 a year — a salary that has not increased since 2002.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4.