Judge McNamara
Judge Michael McNamara was elected by the citizens of Westland on November 5, 2024 for a six year term starting on January 1, 2025. Judge McNamara earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School in December 1993 and was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in May 1994. Prior to attending law school he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Eastern Michigan University. Judge McNamara began his legal career at one of Michigan’s Top-Ten largest law firms and established a solid foundation in trial practice. His practice included medical malpractice, product liability and municipal law. In 2003 he began representing the city of Westland as an Assistant Westland City Attorney and Prosecutor in the 18th District Court. He held those positions for over 20 years.
Judge McNamara practiced before state and federal courts since 1994 and argued cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States in 2014. His municipal law experience includes drafting and enforcing ordinances, contract review, Freedom of Information Act, Open Meeting Act and negotiating collective bargaining agreements. He was legal counsel for the William P. Faust Public Library of Westland from 2003 through 2024.
Judge McNamara has represented clients in alternative dispute resolution including facilitation and arbitration. He has administrative law experience and has appeared before the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR), Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and the Driver’s License Appeal Division (DLAD) of the Michigan Secretary of State.
Judge McNamara is a lifelong resident of Michigan and involved in the Westland community. He volunteers for the Westland Blues Brews and BBQ and Relay for Life events. He is a lifetime member of the Friends of the Westland Library, sat on the Westland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and is a mentor with the Westland Youth Assistance Program. He is the recipient of the Westland Youth Assistance 2023 Spirit of Giving Award.