The Hilda Gage Judicial Excellence Award is named in honor of the late Judge Hilda Gage (1939-2010). A graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School, Judge Gage was appointed to the Oakland County Circuit Court in 1978. She served Oakland County for 18 years and was chosen by her 15 colleagues as the first female Chief Judge. Judge Gage was appointed to the Court of Appeals in 1997, where she served until her retirement in 2006. She blazed a trail for women in the profession becoming the first female chairperson of the Judicial Tenure Commission (1986) and the National Conference of State Trial Judges of the American Bar Association (1987-1988).  She was also the first female President of the Michigan Judges Association (1987).  Judge Gage was voted one of the Most Respected Judges in a statewide lawyers’ poll and received the Award of Achievement and Leadership from the National Association of Women Judges.

The Hilda Gage Judicial Excellence Award recognizes a sitting or retired circuit or court of appeals judge that has demonstrated competence in docket and trial management, and who has made contributions to the legal profession through legal scholarship and community service. Nominees must have been a member in good standing with MJA at the time of their service on the bench. The nominations will be evaluated by a blue-ribbon committee consisting of attorneys, as well as current and former judges. Nomination packages should include the completed nomination form, the nominee’s curriculum vitae, and any supporting letters or other information.