My guest today is Sima Patel, a judge in the Michigan Court of Appeals. Sima is the first Indian American female judge appointed to the Michigan State of Appeals.
Sima graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2005 and was selected for a prestigious judicial externship followed by a a clerkship which introduced her to the world of appellate law and the inner mechanics of a state’s Supreme Court.
Sima’s career includes a decade as a Fieger Law attorney where she received more boots-on-the-ground experience in appellate law before she was applied for and was appointed to the Court of Appeals when a seat opened up unexpectedly
Sima’s mentors taught her the importance of tenacity, hard work, and fortitude to deal with any pushback, denigration or gaslighting she may face. One of Sima’s mentors instilled in her the mantra of “do right, fear not’.
Sima believes that representation matters and as an Indian American, she offers a different perspective and voice to the court.
Her message to young aspiring minds is “be curious and attentive” and “don’t limit yourselves”.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts. And contact me if you or someone you know would like to be interviewed and featured on this site.
