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Nicole N. Goodson earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

Nicole previously worked as a compliance officer and partner for a law firm.

Nicole has served a circuit court judge in Judicial District 3 since 2022.

2026 Michigan General Election

Nonpartisan

3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County

Nicole N. Goodson currently serves as the president and CEO of Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc., a position she has held since 2017. In her role, Goodson oversees the operations of the organization and specializes in the representation of survivors of domestic violence in family law matters and Wayne County residents facing homelessness.

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench

3.1 Judicial Candidate Resource Guide

Served as president and chief executive officer of Legal Aid and Defender Association, overseeing its operations and its work representing domestic violence survivors and residents facing homelessness.

As a state circuit court judge, she oversees civil cases involving disputes with alleged damages over $5,000, the prosecution of criminal offenses and felonies, the administration of divorce, adoption, and domestic abuse proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

- Served as president and chief executive officer of Legal Aid and Defender Association, overseeing its operations and its work representing domestic violence survivors and residents facing homelessness.
- As a state circuit court judge, she oversees civil cases involving disputes with alleged damages over $5,000, the prosecution of criminal offenses and felonies, the administration of divorce, adoption, and domestic abuse proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

Legal Experience

“This appointment affords me the opportunity to continue my work as a public servant albeit in a different capacity,” said Goodson. “I look forward to serving the people of Wayne County and I pledge a commitment to equal access and the fair administration of justice.  I thank Governor Whitmer for this honor.”

Legal News > Your source for information behind the law

Pledges to support equal access and fair administration of justice in Wayne County.

- Pledges to support equal access and fair administration of justice in Wayne County.

Judicial Administration

As of September 14, 2026, Nicole N. Goodson did not have a website or any information online.

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Serves as secretary of the board of the SASHA Center.

Goodson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Detroit, and she earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is the secretary of the board for the SASHA Center and a former trustee for the Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan.

Community Involvement

Nicole N. Goodson

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Nicole N. Goodson to the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County and Michael J. McClory to the Wayne County Probate Court.

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- Served as president and chief executive officer of Legal Aid and Defender Association, overseeing its operations and its work representing domestic violence survivors and residents facing homelessness.

As of September 14, 2026, Nicole N. Goodson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Goodson has been with Legal Aid since 2009, previously serving as a staff attorney, managing attorney, director of litigation, and chief counsel and COO. She previously served as a compliance officer and partner with The Bingham Law Group and as an attorney with Trott & Trott, P.C. Early in her career, Goodson was an attorney with Legal Aid & Defender Association and with the UAW-GM Legal Services Plan.

Appointments to the Justice For All Commission
On order of the Court, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 2021- 1, the following members are reappointed to serve on the Justice for All Commission for full terms commencing on January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2028:
James Bacarella (on behalf of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan)
Ashley Lowe (on behalf of the Legal Services Association of Michigan)
In addition, Honorable Nicole N. Goodson (on behalf of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan) is appointed to serve on the Commission for a first full term commencing January 1, 2026, and expiring on December 31, 2028.

Michigan Bar Journal

Bradley L. Cobb

Carla G. Testani

Chandra W. Baker-Robinson

Charlene M. Elder

Chris Dingell

Christopher M. Blount

Cylenthia LaToye Miller

David J. Allen

Don Knapp

Edward J. Joseph

Helal A. Farhat

Margaret M. Van Houten

Mary Beth Kelly

Nicole L. Castka

Shannon Nicol Walker

- A circuit court judge is an elected judicial official who serves in Michigan’s circuit court system, the state’s trial court of general jurisdiction.
- Circuit courts handle major legal matters, including felony criminal cases, large civil lawsuits, family law matters, juvenile cases, and appeals from lower courts and some administrative agencies.
- Michigan circuit court judges are elected in nonpartisan elections and may also be appointed to fill vacancies.
- Judges serve six-year terms and may run for reelection.
- Candidates must be licensed attorneys authorized to practice law in Michigan, admitted to practice for at least five years, qualified electors within the judicial circuit, and under 70 years old at the time of election or appointment.
- The salary of a Michigan circuit court judge is approximately $183,000 per year.

A judge who handles major criminal, civil, and family court cases.