LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh is stepping into the national spotlight after being named president-elect of the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ), an organization representing top judicial officials from across the country. Cavanagh’s new position gives Michigan a prominent voice in shaping judicial policies nationwide.
The Michigan Supreme Court announced her new leadership position on November 6.
From Michigan to the National Stage
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The CCJ, founded in 1949, brings together the nation’s highest-ranking state judicial officers to improve court operations, promote judicial independence and strengthen state justice systems.
“I am deeply honored to serve as president-elect of the Conference of Chief Justices and work alongside such dynamic judicial leaders from across the nation,” Cavanagh said.
Cavanagh, who joined Michigan’s Supreme Court in January of 2019 and was elected chief justice by her colleagues in March 2025, is only the second Michigan justice positioned to lead the organization. Former Chief Justice John Dethmers served as its president from 1957 to 1958.
Cavanagh was recently re-elected to the Michigan Supreme Court in the November 3 election, securing another eight-year term on the state’s highest court. Her victory means she will continue serving on the bench through 2034.
Court Security and Access to Justice
Among Cavanagh’s priorities are expanding access to legal services in underserved communities, examining law school accreditation and alternative pathways to becoming an attorney. She also plans to continue to advance the organization’s Safer Courts initiative, which focuses on protecting judges and court personnel through improved security measures, training and national threat reporting.
