The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) has appointed James McGrail as the new Region 6 Administrator, starting February 5. McGrail will act as SCAO's liaison to 26 courts across Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties. He has been serving as Court Administrator/Attorney Magistrate for the 41B District Court in Clinton Township for the past seven years.
"Jim McGrail possesses the perfect combination of legal experience in a government setting and extensive knowledge of court administration," said State Court Administrator Tom Boyd. "With his time on the Michigan Judicial Council, Jim also brings a strategic approach to enhancing the work of the trial courts and developing partnerships with key stakeholders to benefit the people we serve."
As Region 6 Administrator, McGrail's responsibilities will include monitoring and providing management assistance to all trial courts within the region. He will direct the judicial assignment program, mediate funding and policy disputes, investigate complaints, and act as a resource to judges and court staff as SCAO's executive representative.
In his previous role at 41B District Court, McGrail managed dockets for three judges and supervised over 40 employees while handling budget management under three funding units. Before joining the court system, he served as city attorney and assistant city attorney for Utica, representing it in litigation and advising officials on legal matters. His private practice spanned more than 16 years focusing on pre-litigation, litigation, appellate work, and criminal defense. Additionally, he was an adjunct professor at Baker College teaching paralegal courses.
"I am excited to bring my proven track record of integrity and innovation to this new role working alongside the trial courts in Region 6," McGrail stated. "In this capacity, I aim to strengthen my existing relationships and build new ones among courts in the region while helping to improve access and efficiency in our branch."
McGrail holds a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University.