| Judge Robertson is in good company Judge Robertson steps down from Probate Court bench By Rhonda Westfall
Now, it’s time for a little rest and relaxation – and the beginning of new endeavors for the highly respected adjudicator. His retirement was effective April 16. "The time is right," Judge Robertson said as he concluded a day filled with hearings during his last week on the bench. "There are 107 probate judges in the state of Michigan – I’ve served longer than 100 of them." Longevity may be noteworthy, but most important is the high degree of professionalism that Judge Robertson displayed during his tenure on the bench. "The job of a probate judge is to protect those least able to protect themselves," Robertson says, quoting a mentor from his early years on the bench. "I've always tried to live up to that responsibility." It's been good advice, which the Judge has taken to heart. A 1976 graduate of the Detroit College of Law, Robertson began his judicial career in the Clinton County Prosecutor's office before going to work for the State Attorney General. He was on staff at the Ingham County Prosecutor's office at the time of his appointment as Clinton County Probate Judge. "Judge (Timothy) Green had run successfully for the circuit court judgeship in 1978, leaving an unexpired term at the probate court," Judge Robertson says. "I was appointed by Governor Milliken to fill out that term, and then ran unopposed in the regular 1980 election." The Judge began his current six-year term in January 2001, following the General Election of 2000. He says his years on the bench have been "interesting and fulfilling." "Attempting to make a positive difference in the cases involving child abuse and neglect, personal protection orders, adoption and the like has been personally and professionally fulfilling - and I've often said that I have a great staff who make me look good." Judge Robertson has earned many accolades over the years, but recognition from his colleagues and peers holds a special place of honor. He received the St. Thomas More Award in 2000 from the Catholic League of Lawyers, being cited as the most respected and compassionate jurist of the court. Judge Robertson was also honored by the Michigan Supreme Court for his efforts in the formation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution which provides a means for parties to work through difficult cases using a mediator, rather than going through a lengthy court trial. He was named Probate Judge of the Year by the State of Michigan in 1995-96, and is an adjunct professor of juvenile law at the Detroit College of Law through Michigan State University. He will continue in that capacity after his retirement. While the varied professional accomplishments are gratifying, his role as a husband, father and grandfather provides the greatest satisfaction for the "farm boy" who spent his childhood years on his grandfather's farm near Lapeer. He and his wife, Tita, will celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary this year. "I hope to spend some time this summer with my two grandsons, Dimitri and Ivan – they’re practically perfect in every way," the Judge says of the sons of his eldest daughter, Monica Leikert, and her husband, Jim. "Monica is a teacher at St. Johns High School, so we see her and the family on a regular basis," the doting grandfather says, noting that the Robertson's younger daughter, Rachel Dawkins, and her husband, Ed, are also frequent visitors from their home in nearby Berkley. Judge Robertson is also well known in the community for his service as a deacon. He was ordained in 1990 in the Diocese of Lansing, and is assigned to the St. Joseph Catholic Church parish in St. Johns. His future plans include an expansion of those duties. "Perhaps by late summer or early fall, my role may expand at St. Joseph," the judge said, noting that a pilgrimage to Ireland with Fr. Eoin Murphy is also on the agenda. While the future holds much promise for the Judge, retirement from the bench is "bittersweet." "I will miss a wonderful staff that are also good friends," he said. "Many of them have been with me for a number of years – I will miss seeing them on a daily basis. This county is truly blessed to have such dedicated and professional workers in the juvenile and probate court systems." Judge Robertson also had high praise for the Clinton County commissioners and his fellow judges. "I've enjoyed an excellent relationship with the commissioners throughout the years - they've always found a way to fund our necessary programs, even when times are tight," he said. "I am especially pleased to have been a colleague of some truly fine judges – Judge Martlew, Judge Tahvonen and Judge Wells. I’ve enjoyed my personal and professional relationship with each of them." Judge Robertson is in good company The names of former judges in Clinton County Probate Court are familiar to local history buffs - and to area residents who travel on roads or attended schools names in their honor. Following is a listing of all judges of probate from 1841 to Judge Robertson.
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A total of 25 years on the bench of the
Clinton County Probate Court has provided countless memories for Judge Marvin Robertson
– some heart-warming and some heart wrenching – along with the creation of many,
many friendships at both the personal and professional levels.