Tanya A. Grillo
Nonpartisan · MI · Macomb County 16th Circuit Court Judge
Tanya A. Grillo is a Macomb County 16th Circuit Court judge and 2026 incumbent-position candidate, appointed in January 2026. She previously coordinated indigent defense for Southfield, served as a Mount Clemens administrative hearing officer, founded a criminal-defense and trial practice, and managed regional implementation of Michigan indigent-defense standards. She also serves in leadership roles for women lawyers' organizations.
Track record
Civil Rights
· 2 records
Grillo served as regional manager for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, helping courts implement statewide defense standards and improve access to justice.
January 6, 2026For
Source: macombgov.org · researched July 18, 2026
Before her appointment, Grillo coordinated managed assigned counsel for Southfield and oversaw delivery of indigent-defense services.
January 6, 2026For
Source: macombgov.org · researched July 18, 2026
General
· 2 records
Grillo serves as president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan executive board and on the National Conference of Women's Bar Associations board.
July 18, 2026
Source: macombgov.org · researched July 18, 2026
Grillo is one of four certified incumbent-position candidates for four Macomb County 16th Circuit Court terms in the November 2026 election.
May 29, 2026
Source: macombgovdocs.org · researched July 18, 2026
Impartiality
· 1 record
Grillo served as a Mount Clemens administrative hearing officer and founded a law practice focused on criminal defense and trial work.
January 6, 2026For
Source: macombgov.org · researched July 18, 2026
Legal Competence
· 4 records
Grillo served as regional manager for the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, helping courts implement statewide defense standards and improve access to justice.
January 6, 2026For
Source: macombgov.org · researched July 18, 2026
Grillo was appointed to the Macomb County 16th Circuit Court on January 6, 2026.
January 6, 2026For
Source: macombgov.org · researched July 18, 2026
Grillo earned a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Central Florida.
January 6, 2026For
Source: macombgov.org · researched July 18, 2026
Grillo served as a Mount Clemens administrative hearing officer and founded a law practice focused on criminal defense and trial work.
January 6, 2026For
Source: macombgov.org · researched July 18, 2026
Elections
- Macomb County Judge of Circuit Court - 16th Circuit - Incumbent Position · November 3, 2026 · Macomb County, Michigan · incumbent
Profile last researched July 18, 2026.