The Michigan Judges Association (MJA) has awarded Van Buren County Chief Judge Kathleen Brickley the prestigious Hilda Gage Judicial Excellence Award.

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 are evaluated by a blue-ribbon committee consisting of attorneys as well as current and former judges.

“The Van Buren County Courts’ mission is to serve and administer justice in a manner that inspires public trust. Each day our judges and court staff work to make that mission a reality. We are honored by this recognition,” noted Judge Brickley.

According to the MJA, 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. 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).