KENT COUNTY, Mich. — After 34 years serving on the bench, Judge Sara J. Smolenski has announced she is retiring from the Kent County 63rd District Court. Her retirement will be effective July 15, 2024.
A Grand Rapids native, Smolenski was first elected in 1990, her career spanning 34 years on the bench. She also served as Chief Judge from 1996 to 2023.
“I have really enjoyed my career at the 63rd District Court but I believe the time is right to retire,” said Smolenski. “Judge Jeffrey O’Hara and the staff at the 63rd District Court are exceptional people, and I will miss them. I am grateful for all the support the community has shown me throughout my career.”
Smolenski is not the first of her family to serve on the Michigan District Court Bench, as the Smolenski family has a 56-year legacy of doing so.
Her father, J. Robert Smolenski, served from 1969 to 1984 and her brother, Michael Smolenski, served from 1984 to 1994 at the 61st District Court.
"It has been an absolute pleasure serving our community with Judge Smolenski. She has been an excellent judge and the consummate professional, respected by everyone including the entire community she has served," said 63rd District Court Chief Judge Jeffrey O'Hara. "Judge Smolenski has always put our community first, giving her time to so many wonderful organizations to help those in need with humor and laughter along the way. She’s funny….she’s really funny! Judge Smolenski has dedicated her life to serving our community and our community is better for it."
Since she was first elected, Smolenski has seen society and her role in it, shift dramatically.
She said Wednesday, "there were so many years I could never say I was gay," continuing, "being gay is part of who I am, like being a Michigan Wolverine," and, "we need diversity on the bench."
She told 13 ON YOUR SIDE her favorite part of being a judge has been impacting lives.
"When you see people that get off track, for whatever reason, and it doesn't mean that they're bad people, they could be just going through a very rough time. When you can work with them, talk with them, listen to them and you can make a difference where they actually take actions to change their lives for the better, that is a wonderful feeling to have."
According to her biography on the 63rd District Court's website, Smolenski earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Grand Rapids Junior College, now Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan. In 1982, she earned a Juris Doctorate Degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
In 2020, Smolenski told GRCC that her story began at the junior college and her parents even met there.
“If it wasn’t for Grand Rapids Community College, I literally wouldn’t be in this world!” Smolenski told GRCC in an interview.
Before Smolenski began her judicial career, she worked as an attorney for Smith Haughey, Rice & Roegge and as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Grand Rapids.
Outside of serving the community from the bench, Smolenski has also contributed her time and expertise to various boards and organizations.
Some of those include the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Michigan, Kent County Literacy Council, RAVE (Resources Against Violent Encounters) to Women of West Michigan, St John's Home for Children, YWCA, and Encore Plus YWCA Program.
For her work on the bench and in the community, Smolenski has received a plethora of awards.
Those awards include, but are not limited to:
- The Michigan District Judges Presidents Award
- Mabel Boardman Spirit of Volunteerism Community Hero Award - American Red Cross
- Giving Girls A Voice Volunteer Award - Girls Choral Academy
- Grand Rapids Catholic Central Distinguished Alumni Award
- 50 Most Influential Women of West Michigan - Grand Rapids Business Journal
- Donald R. Worsfold "Distinguished Service Award" - Grand Rapids Bar Association
- Jean King Leadership Award - Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
- Athena Award- Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will appoint Smolenski's successor, as laid out by the Michigan Constitution.
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