Served from 1982 through 1999
Chief Justice: 1995, 1996
James H. Brickley was born on November 15, 1928, in Flint, Michigan. He was raised in Detroit and received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Detroit. Brickely received a master’s degree in law from New York University.
Brickley’s career in public service extended through all levels of government, from Special Agent with the FBI, to Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Wayne County, and from United States Attorney for Eastern Michigan to Lieutenant Governor of Michigan. It is clear that he dedicated his professional life to public service.
Brickley also served the academic community with his knowledge of the law. From 1975 until 1978, he was the President of Eastern Michigan University.
Throughout his career, he served as an adjunct professor at several Michigan universities lecturing on the government and law.
Brickley was sworn in as a member of the Michigan Supreme Court on December 27, 1982. He was elected for a four-year term in November of 1984, and re-elected to an eight-year term in November of 1988. He served as Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court from 1995 to 1996. (Michigan Manual : Ed. 1995 – 1998. Lansing, Michigan: Legislative Council, State of Michigan.)
Justice Brickley retired from the court in 1999 and died on September 28, 2001.
Portrait presented on:
January 14, 2003
Portrait Artist:
Petroskey, Frederick
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Dimensions:
30″ x 40″
Owned by:
State of Michigan
Current location:
Hall of Justice – 4th Floor:
Clerk’s Office Lobby