Endorsements
Michael is Endorsed By...
We are pleased to announce that Michael is endorsed by the following people & organizations.
The Farmington Hills Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2659, is proud to endorse Magistrate Michael Sawicky for 47th District Court Judge.
As firefighters and paramedics, our members serve this community every day. We understand the importance of public trust, accountability, professionalism, and a justice system that works fairly for everyone. These same qualities are reflected in Magistrate Sawicky's service to the residents of Farmington and Farmington Hills.
As first responders, we value leaders who possess sound judgment, professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to public service. We believe Magistrate Michael Sawicky embodies these qualities and will continue the tradition of fairness, impartiality, and integrity that the residents of Farmington and Farmington Hills expect from their District Court.
For these reasons, the Farmington Hills Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2659, proudly endorses Magistrate Michael Sawicky for 47th District Court Judge and encourages residents to support his candidacy.
In Solidarity,
Nicholas Newcomb
President
Farmington Hills Firefighters Association L2659
Farmington Hills Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 2659
Police Officers Association of Michigan
Magistrate Michael E. Sawicky is honored to have the endorsement of the Police Officers Association of Michigan.
"As a former prosecutor, practicing defense attorney, and current magistrate, I have always worked closely with law enforcement and seen how public safety concerns affect the justice system.
The professionalism and integrity of our law enforcement officers is crucial to maintaining fairness and respect for everyone. I appreciate their trust and recognition of my commitment to serving our community, protecting rights, and upholding the rule of law.'
Video Testimonials
Mark Berke
Law Office of Mark B. Berke, PLLC
Mark Berke is a lifelong Farmington Hills resident and Michigan attorney who has practiced law since 1997. Through the Law Office of Mark B. Berke, PLLC, his practice includes criminal defense, traffic matters, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil litigation. He has also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General handling child support prosecutions across Michigan and, in 2024, was appointed an attorney magistrate for the 47th District Court.
Having worked closely with Michael and looked to him as a mentor, Mark describes the qualities that come to mind when he thinks of Magistrate Sawicky: “Knowledge, experience and commitment.”
Listen as Mark shares why Michael’s experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, magistrate, and mentor makes him exceptionally qualified to serve as Judge of the 47th District Court.
Richard Small
Attorney, Small Law, PLLC.
Richard Small has built a diverse legal career representing clients in criminal defense, personal injury, immigration, traffic matters, and expungements. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the Wayne State University Law School, he brings firsthand courtroom experience and a respected perspective on the qualities that make an effective judge. Listen as Richard shares why he believes Magistrate Michael Sawicky has the experience, temperament, and commitment to fairness needed to serve as Judge of the 47th District Court.
Listen as Richard shares offers a his endorsement of Magistrate Michael Sawicky.
Jack Kramer
Attorney, The Law Offices of Jack J. Kramer, P.C.
Jack is an attorney and founder of the Law Offices of Jack J. Kramer, P.C., with practice areas that include misdemeanors, felonies, traffic offenses, expungements, and driver’s license appeals.
He is licensed in Michigan, Arizona, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and he has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in criminal defense from 2017 through 2023.
Listen as Jack shares offers a strong endorsement of Magistrate Michael Sawicky.
Nick Hannawa
Attorney, Hannawa Sheena Law, PC
Nick Hannawa is an attorney with Hannawa Sheena Law, P.C., whose practice focuses primarily on criminal defense, real estate and business law matters.
Licensed in Michigan since 2014, Nick has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Criminal Defense from 2021 through 2026.
Listen as Nick shares why he believes Magistrate Michael Sawicky has the experience, temperament, and integrity to serve as District Court Judge.
Justin Zayid
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Justin Zayid is a Metro Detroit criminal defense attorney and founder of ZAYID LAW, with practice areas that include criminal defense, drunk driving, felonies, expungements, juvenile law, and real estate. He handles cases in Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw counties, giving him direct experience with the local court system and the qualities that matter in a judge.
From Justin: "Michael is uniquely qualified for this position, primarily because he has worn every single hat. He has worked as a prosecutor, he's worked as a public defender, and he's worked as a magistrate. And most importantly, he has the respect from everybody in this community as well as in this court."
Listen as Justin shares his perspective and offers a strong endorsement of Magistrate Michael Sawicky.
Vincent Pinti
University of Michigan Student & Advocate
As a University of Michigan student and award-winning advocate, he received the prestigious James T. Neubacher Award for advancing disability rights and inclusion, an honor given to individuals who significantly improve accessibility and equity for people with disabilities. Through his work in student government, he has led initiatives to expand caregiving access and support systems, while also pursuing a future in law and public policy to reform systems that impact vulnerable populations. His perspective reflects not only personal experience, but also meaningful, recognized contributions to improving how institutions serve others.
From Vincent: "I think a community is judged by how it treats those people, and Michael treats those people with with absolute dignity, respect, encouragement, love, and support. Everyone deserves to be heard and treated fairly. I believe Michael understands that."
Listen to the video to here Vincent's Complete Endorsement
Sara Bowman
Former Mayor, City of Farmington
I am proud to endorse Attorney Michael Sawicky for 47th District Court Judge serving Farmington and Farmington Hills. I previously served as Mayor of Farmington, a non-partisan elected position, where I worked across differing viewpoints to serve the community with fairness, integrity, and respect for the law. Professionally, I am an ABA-educated litigation paralegal with more than 30 years of experience and a deep, firsthand understanding of how our court system functions and the critical role judges play in ensuring justice is administered impartially.
I am a strong supporter of non-partisan elections and firmly believe that an independent judiciary and unwavering respect for the rule of law are essential to public trust in our courts. Candidate Sawicky’s campaign statement rings loud and strong: “Politics have no place in the courtroom. Every person who appears before a judge deserves decisions grounded in the facts, the law, and a commitment to fairness—not political influence or personal bias.”
My qualifications for offering a judicial endorsement include long-standing involvement in the legal and labor communities:
- American Association for Paralegal Education, member in good standing
- American Bar Association, Paralegal Section, member in good standing
- Detroit Bar Association, Paralegal Section, member in good standing Oakland County Bar Association, Paralegal Section, Vice-Chair
- Oakland County Bar Foundation, member in good standing
- State Bar of Michigan, Paralegal Section Councilmember
- Teamsters Local 214, Chief Steward of the Oakland Community College Union representing state, county and municipal workers
Candidate Sawicky and I are also Fellows of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, reflecting a shared commitment to service, professionalism, and the advancement of justice. Further, Attorney Sawicky is the only candidate who has served as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, and currently serves as a Magistrate in the 47th District Court. The relevance and importance of this experience cannot be understated. His knowledge and understanding of our community, his proven compassion from the bench, and legal acumen are unmatched in this judicial race.
Based on his legal experience, temperament, and dedication to the rule of law, I believe Michael Sawicky possesses the integrity, judgment, and fairness required of a District Court Judge. He will continue to serve the Farmington and Farmington Hills community with independence, respect for the law, and a clear understanding of the responsibility entrusted to the bench.
Pati & Dave Bartlett
Pati and Dave Bartlett have known Michael Sawicky for over 20 years. Pati met him while working with other district Courts in Oakland County. Listen as Pati and Dave explain why Michael Sawicky if the best person for the District Court Judge role in District 47.
Julie McCowan, Esq.
Julie McCowan, Esq., is a respected attorney serving Oakland County, focusing on elder law, probate, guardianship, and conservatorship. Recognized as a top-rated attorney by Super Lawyers, she brings both legal expertise and a background in social work to her practice, advocating for some of the community’s most vulnerable individuals.
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