Episode Details

In this week's program, host Phil Tower welcomes the honorable Judge Sara Smolenski, who recently retired after 34 years as 63rd District Court Judge. Judge Smolenski retired on July 15th after 34 years on the bench. Judge Sara joined us to talk about her long career as an attorney and later judge, following in the footsteps of her father and brother, Michael. There's been a Smolenski on the bench in West Michigan for 55 years—a true family legacy.  Judge Sara Smolenski grew up as one of 10 siblings. She told us she had wanted to be a lawyer since the fourth grade. You'll hear about that story in this episode. Judge Smolenski has spent decades in West Michigan supporting numerous nonprofits…..Catholic Charities West Michigan, CASA of Kent County, Cherry Health and Mercy Central School of Nursing, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Dominican Sisters, and others.  We also learn in this conversation why she referred to the district court as “the people's court."   Judge Sara also talked about retirement and term limits for judges, especially at the Supreme Court, and the importance of adhering to a code of ethics.
Online: 63rd District Court