MARQUETTE – Following 25 years of private practice in state and federal courts, most recently as the managing partner of the Northern Michigan office of Plunkett Cooney in Marquette, Karl Weber was appointed to the bench as District Court Judge of the 96th Judicial Court of Marquette County in 2015. Judge Weber filled the position opened by the retirement of Hon. Dennis Girard in July of 2015.

As part of the appointment process, Judge Weber was thoroughly vetted both personally and professionally by the State Bar of Michigan Judicial Qualifications Committee. Judges and attorneys from around the Upper Peninsula were interviewed regarding his preparedness, timeliness, and temperament. Judge Weber was selected from a substantial field of Marquette County applicants.

“I am honored to serve the residents of Marquette County as District Court Judge, ” says Judge Weber. “I love the law and enjoy the challenges that are associated with the position, especially the ability to make a difference in someone’s life.”

The District Court handles all criminal arraignments, criminal misdemeanors, and civil disputes involving money damages less than $25,000.Weber says the greatest challenge within the District Court caseload is our community’s significant substance abuse problem. “Alcohol and drugs have always been contributing factors in criminal behavior, but recently our county’s methamphetamine epidemic has impacted all courts in the county. Finding creative, effective methods of intervention presents an ongoing challenge for our court system.”

Judge Weber was raised in Negaunee and graduated from Negaunee High School in 1982. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from The University of Michigan (’86 & ’90). Although he had opportunities in larger cities, Judge Weber wanted to come home to the U.P. to practice law and raise his family. He and his wife, Peggy, reside in Marquette with their son, John, 12. Their two oldest boys, Nick and Joe, attend The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Judge Weber enjoys hunting, fishing, and skiing.

Judge Weber is a member of the State Bars of Michigan and Minnesota and the Marquette County Bar and has served our community in many legal capacities including:

– Special Assistant Attorney General for the Jacobetti Home for Veterans

– Grievance Panel Member for the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board

– Board Member and Speaker for the Upper Michigan Legal Institute

– Executive Committee Member for the Federal Bar Association – Western District of Michigan

– Marquette County Public Administrator

– Chief Appellate Judge – Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

He also found time to serve the community outside of the office:

– Community Foundation of Marquette County (current) – Board Member

– Northern Michigan University – Board Member and Chair of Board (twice elected)

– Range Bank – Director

– Marquette-Alger Youth Foundation – Board Member

– Marquette Area Chamber of Commerce – Board Member

– Lake Superior Community Partnership – Chair of Law Day

– Rotary of Marquette West – Board Member

– St. Peter’s Cathedral – Board Member (Finance Committee)

Judge Weber is honored to have the endorsement of the three retired Marquette County District Judges: Hon. Patricia Micklow, Hon. James Collins, and Hon. Dennis Girard. Judge Dennis Girard states, “Based on Judge Weber’s experience, work ethic, and temperament, he has my utmost support in continuing as our District Court Judge.”

At the end of the year, with the retirement of Circuit Court Judge Thomas Solka, Marquette County will go from five to four judges. “Our court staff is dedicated and hard-working, and I am prepared to work closely with them and the other judges to assume any additional duties needed to continue our long history of providing prompt access to the court system,” says Weber. “I understand that the courts exist not for the judges, or the lawyers, but for the people.”

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