Patrick J. Conlin, Jr.
MI · 22nd Circuit Court Judge (Chief Judge, Washtenaw County Trial Court)
Patrick J. Conlin, Jr. is chief judge of the Washtenaw County Trial Court and presiding judge of its family division, hearing civil, criminal and juvenile cases. A Wayne State law graduate and former family law attorney, he stresses candor from lawyers and creative settlements.
Track record
Track record — General
General · 3 records
Was endorsed for 22nd Circuit Court judge by the Washtenaw County Democratic Party at its August 15, 2026 endorsement meeting.
August 15, 2026
Source: washtenawdems.org
Sentenced Justen Watkins, leader of the white supremacist group The Base, to 56 months to 20 years in prison. Watkins had pleaded guilty to gang membership felonies over threats against a Dexter family's home.
August 18, 2022
Source: michigan.gov
Won election to the 22nd Circuit Court in Washtenaw County, beating Veronique Liem with 52.5 percent of the vote. He had been a partner at the law firm Keusch, Flintoft & Conlin since 1998.
November 4, 2014
Source: ballotpedia.org
Track record — Legal Competence
Legal Competence · 2 favorable · 2 unfavorable
Dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Ann Arbor city clerk's approval of petitions for a public power ballot question, ruling the clerk followed the law. The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld his ruling.
September 8, 2026Favorable on Legal Competence
Source: michiganadvance.com
Was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals after he refused to follow a plea deal in an assault case (People v Derrick Smith) and denied the defendant's request to withdraw his plea. The court vacated the convictions and sentences.
November 18, 2024Unfavorable on Legal Competence
Source: a2independent.com
Was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals in a child custody case (Frost v Frost). The court said his orders let a father keep the children in violation of court orders, and it sent the case to a different judge.
June 22, 2023Unfavorable on Legal Competence
Source: courts.michigan.gov
Won election to the 22nd Circuit Court in Washtenaw County, beating Veronique Liem with 52.5 percent of the vote. He had been a partner at the law firm Keusch, Flintoft & Conlin since 1998.
November 4, 2014Favorable on Legal Competence
Source: ballotpedia.org
Past race Patrick J. Conlin, Jr. ran in:
- 22nd Circuit Judge of Circuit Court - Incumbent Position · November 3, 2026 · Washtenaw County, Michigan · incumbent