The State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners has voted unanimously to honor former Michigan Chief Justice Conrad Mallett, Jr. for his public service career. Justice Mallett recently retired from the bench to return to private practice.

The Board adopted a resolution praising Mallett for the leadership he provided for the justice system in Michigan, and especially for the excellent working relationship he fostered between the State Bar and Supreme Court.

The full text of the resolution:

WHEREAS Conrad L. Mallett, Jr. has resigned from the Supreme Court of the State of Michigan after eight years of service, including two years as Chief Justice of Michigan. His tenure on the Court has been marked by vision, a dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession, and an unswerving devotion to the fulfillment of the American promise of "Equal Justice Under Law."

Justice Mallett was named to the Court in December, 1990 by Governor James J. Blanchard. He was elected to a two-year term in 1992, and to a full term in 1994. On January 2, 1997, he was unanimously elected by his colleagues as Chief Justice, the first African American to be so honored in Michigan.

Prior to his membership on the Court, Justice Mallett was a partner in one of southeast Michigan's most respected law firms, Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss P.C. He had earlier served as Director of Legal and Governmental Affairs for the Governor of Michigan, Senior Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Detroit, and as an attorney in Michigan's oldest law firm, Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone P.C.

Justice Mallett is an exemplary product of Michigan's parochial elementary and public middle and senior high school systems. He attended Wayne State University for two-and-a-half years before completing his undergraduate degree at the University of California at Los Angeles. His post-graduate studies were at the University of Southern California Law School where he earned M.P.A. and J.D. degrees.

His tenure as Chief Justice has been marked by his leadership in advancing the administration of justice in Michigan. He has led the effort to merge probate courts with circuit courts which has served to strengthen the justice system by reducing administrative and jurisdictional conflicts. He also was a leader in obtaining legislative approval of construction of a Michigan Hall of Justice which will bring together the Supreme Court, Lansing-based Court of Appeals offices, and the State Court Administrator's Office in a single facility.

Chief Justice Mallett will long be remembered by the State Bar of Michigan for his tireless efforts towards fostering greater cooperation and understanding between the Supreme Court and the State Bar's leadership. He has been a friend, a motivator and an inspiration to the leadership of the State Bar. The benefits of that strengthened relationship will continue to be seen for many years.

Now, Chief Justice Mallett has returned to the private sector after a long and noteworthy career in public service. He leaves with the thanks of all lawyers in Michigan, and their best wishes for a healthy and prosperous future.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the State Bar of Michigan, that the highest commendation and thanks be accorded to the Honorable Conrad L. Mallett, Jr. for his remarkable leadership as the 60th Chief Justice of Michigan, and that a copy of this tribute be conveyed to him as a symbol of the high esteem and affection in which he is held by the State Bar of Michigan.