Megan K. Cavanagh has been unanimously selected by her colleagues to become the next Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, succeeding Beth Clement when she steps down. Cavanagh expressed gratitude for the support and looks forward to assuming her new role.
"For the past six years, I have been honored to serve on the bench with my dear friend Beth Clement, and now, my colleagues have unanimously chosen me to succeed her as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court when she steps down," said Cavanagh. She emphasized that the decision was made in advance "to ensure that the transition will be as smooth as possible" and to maintain commitment to the court's current direction.
Cavanagh is prepared to take on the administrative duties associated with being Chief Justice. She plans to focus on technological advancements within the court system, including statewide case management and e-filing expansion. "Technology implementation will remain central to our efforts to help our court system be more efficient and better able to meet the needs of the people we serve," she stated.
Her priorities also include fostering collaboration through initiatives like the Michigan Judicial Council. "My focus will be on strengthening collaborative efforts like the Michigan Judicial Council in which justice system stakeholders come together to weave a shared agenda that combines the best ideas and experiences," Cavanagh noted.
Cavanagh joined the Michigan Supreme Court in 2018 and has held various roles related to child welfare issues, tribal courts, and legal well-being. She co-led the Child Protective Legal Representation Task Force. Her appointment follows Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement's announcement on February 19 that she intends to step down no later than April 30, 2025.