Detroit - MI (November 21, 2025) — On November 14, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed the Hon. Edward Ewell, Jr. as Chief Judge of the Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan effective January 1, 2026, for a two-year term. Judge Ewell will succeed the Hon. Patricia Perez Fresard, who has served as Chief Judge since January 1, 2023. The Supreme Court also appointed the Hon. Helal A. Farhat as Chief Judge Pro Tem during the 2026-27 term.
Judge Fresard concludes her term as Chief Judge on December 31, 2025, and will continue her distinguished service on the court as a member of the Civil Division Bench.
“It has been an honor to lead the Third Circuit Court during a challenging and transformative period as we emerged from the COVID era,” Chief Judge Fresard said. “I am proud of the resilience our judges and staff have shown in delivering justice for the people of Wayne County. I look forward to supporting and working alongside the court’s new leadership as I continue my service on the Bench.”
Judge Ewell was originally appointed to the Third Circuit Court in August 2003 by then Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm. He currently serves in the Civil Division as a Business Court Judge. He previously served on the court’s Criminal Division Bench and spent five years as the Criminal Division’s Presiding Judge.
“I am honored to serve as Chief Judge of the Third Circuit Court and am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me,” Judge Ewell said. “Our Court’s mission - providing accessible and equal justice for all - will continue to guide every decision I make. I look forward to working alongside members of our Bench, dedicated staff, and community partners on behalf of Wayne County residents.”
Prior to his judicial appointment, Judge Ewell worked in the U.S.
Attorney’s Office, handling both criminal and civil matters. He later worked as General Counsel for Wayne County. He is active with numerous non-profit and educational institutions, serving as a board member of Sobriety House, and as a past board member of Henry Ford Health Systems, Wayne State University Alumni Association, the Association of Black Judges, The Youth Connection and more. He earned J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.
As Chief Judge of Third Circuit Court, Judge Ewell will lead the court’s administrative functions. This includes overseeing docket management, and working collaboratively with colleagues, staff, and the Bar to further the court’s mission in providing accessible and equal justice to all.
Judge Farhat was appointed to the Third Circuit Court March 2019 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. He is the Presiding Judge of the court’s Family- Domestic Division. Before his appointment, Judge Farhat was in private practice, establishing and managing a litigation firm handling business, family, and criminal matters.
“I look forward to working with Judge Ewell in this leadership role and appreciate the opportunity to support’s the court’s goals,” Judge Farhat said. “As Chief Judge Pro Tem I remain committed to upholding the values of this court as we work to serve the citizens of Wayne County with fairness, dedication, and integrity.”
Judge Farhat has served in numerous judicial and non-profit roles, including having served as a member of the Michigan Judicial Council. He earned his J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.
The Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan is the largest circuit court in the state, with 60 judges and three operating divisions. It has jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and family matters arising in Wayne County. Learn more at www.3rdcc.org.