The race for a 41A District Court judge seat features two sons of judges seeking to replace one of their fathers.
Eric Shepherd, son of retiring Judge Douglas Shepherd, faces Patrick Sierawski, son of Judge Stephen Sierawski of 41-A District Court for a six-year term on the bench. The winner will serve as the only judge at 41-A’s Shelby Township location at Van Dyke Avenue and 24 Mile Road. The district court also has a Sterling Heights location on Dodge Park Road near Utica Road where three judges sit.
Both candidates have been attorneys for eight years and both reside in Macomb Township, which along with Shelby Township and Utica fall under the Shelby Township division. The Sterling Heights division hears cases from the city.
A district court judge has jurisdiction of all misdemeanor cases and the initial stages of felony cases, including capital cases such as murder and rape. The judges also handle civil infractions (mostly traffic tickets) and civil matters involving less than $25,000, small claims and evictions.
A district court judge earns an annual salary of $180,741.35.
The candidates responded to a request for their profile information and replies to four questions. Here are their questions followed by their responses.
1. Why do you want to be a judge and how did your father’s position as a judge impact your decision to run for judge?
2. Describe your expected judicial demeanor and philosophy.
3. How will your experience impact your decisions, and how will you make up for any lack of experience?
4. How involved in the community would you be as a judge? Please provide one or two organizations with which you might be involved.
THE CANDIDATES
Pat Sierawski
Age: 35
Family: Wife – Rebecca Sierawski
Past elected offices held: n/a
Occupation/Jobs: Macomb County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Chief of the Human Trafficking Division. Chief of Internet Crimes. Chief of the Environmental Protection Unit.
Deputy Chief Juvenile Unit. Circuit Court Prosecutor. District Court Prosecutor.
Education/Degree: St. Lawrence Elementary School; De La Salle Collegiate High School; University of Michigan-BSA; Wayne State University Law School-JD
- I believe that this is the best way for me to continue to serve and protect my community. Like most young men, my father was my first role model. His serving as judge for the last 26 years is one of the reasons that I chose to pursue this position; but most importantly, I feel that if elected I can do the best for the community that I am a part of.
- To be a judge that I would want to practice or appear in front of. To treat everyone that appears before me with dignity and respect; as I have done my entire career as a prosecutor. To bring back balance to the criminal justice system and give victims a voice in the courtroom.
- There is not a single offense from traffic tickets to life offenses that I have not handled as a prosecutor. Any issues that I may have less experience with I am already preparing for. I am enhancing my knowledge and solidifying my expertise so that I can hit the ground running on day 1 as the next 41-A District Court Judge.
- Extremely. I have volunteered with the Shelby Township Lions Club (father presently lifetime member) since I was a child and plan to continue that as an official member next year. I plan to be involved with VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, and Wounded Warriors with the hope of establishing a Veteran’s Treatment Court to give back to those who have sacrificed for our freedom.
Eric D. Shepherd
Age: 34
Family: Wife, Brianna Shepherd, L’Anse Creuse Public Schools teacher. My daughter’s name is Sawyer Jean Shepherd and she is 4 years old.
Past elected offices held: None
Occupation(s)/job(s), current and recent past: Shepherd Law, PLLC – Attorney; Ihrie O’Brien Albright Perakis – Attorney; Assistant City Attorney for St. Clair Shores, Eastpointe and Grosse Pointe Farms.
Education/degree: Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Juris Doctor; Oakland University, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences; Dakota High School, Diploma
- I am running for judge because I believe I have the knowledge, experience and temperament necessary to be effective in this position. I am dedicated to upholding safety, protecting victims’ rights, and ensuring fairness in our courts. My father, Judge Douglas Shepherd, greatly influenced my decision to seek this office as I grew up watching him serve our community and treat all litigants with dignity and respect.
- My judicial philosophy prioritizes community safety while upholding constitutional rights. As a judge, I will balance both effectively.
- As a City Attorney, I’ve prosecuted thousands of criminal violations, while also representing individuals charged with crimes, thereby giving me a unique background in criminal law. In addition, I am the only candidate for this position that has an extensive background in civil litigation, which constitutes a large portion of a district court judge’s duties and responsibilities.
- I am a member of Macomb County Connect, Italian Chamber of Commerce, Macomb County Bar Foundation and the Italian American Chamber of Commerce. I will remain active in these organizations and continue giving back to the community in every way I can.
