RELEASE: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

December 16, 2020 

Contact: press@michigan.gov   

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today appointed Yasmine Isshak Poles to the 6th Circuit Court of Oakland County and Miriam A. Perry to the 15th District Court of Ann Arbor.  

“I am honored to appoint Judge Poles and Judge Perry to both the Circuit and District courts,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am confident that they will both serve their court, their community, and the state well.” 

6th Circuit Court of Oakland County 

Yasmine Isshak Poles currently serves as the principal of the Law Offices of Yasmine I. Poles, PLLC. In her practice, she specializes in criminal defense, custody, and employment matters. She also serves as corporate counsel and director of human resources for Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. and Title Partners, Inc. Prior to her private practice, Poles served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Macomb County for 12 years.   

Poles is a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect, Chaldean Chamber of Commerce, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Michigan Association of Justice, and Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University School of Law. Yasmine lives in Birmingham with her husband Paul and their two children.    

“I'm incredibly honored and humbled to receive this appointment from Governor Whitmer,” Poles said. “I want to thank the Governor for her confidence in me and for this tremendous opportunity to serve the people of Oakland County. I am truly the epitome of the American Dream and I will dedicate myself to impartiality and fairness.” 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023, to fill the seat of Judge Hala Y. Jarbou who stepped down effective September 25, 2020 following her appointment to the United States District Court of the Western District of Michigan. If Poles wishes to seek a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022. 

15th District Court of Ann Arbor 

Miriam A. Perry currently serves as a clinical teaching fellow in the University of Michigan Law School’s Veterans Legal Clinic. Prior to the fellowship, Perry worked as an assistant public defender for Washtenaw County, representing clients in a wide range of criminal proceedings. She has also served as a judicial attorney for the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County and a law clerk for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.   

Perry is a member of the Black Women Lawyers Association, National Bar Association, Washtenaw County Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association, NAACP, and Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Spelman College and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Miriam is a life-long resident of Ann Arbor. 

"I am humbled, honored, and grateful for the appointment to the 15th District Court,” Perry said. “My life's work has revolved around serving people in this community. I am looking forward to helping ensure that a culture of fairness and impartiality exists for all people, in all cases.” 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023, after Judge Elizabeth Pollard Hines stepped down effective November 1, 2020. If Perry wishes to seek a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022. 

Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. 

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