--- title: "Wanda M. Stokes | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wanda-m-stokes-mi-circuit-judge-30th-circuit-court" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Wanda M. Stokes 30th Circuit Court · Circuit Judge ## Profile - Court: 30th Circuit Court - State: Michigan - Role: Circuit Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### videoconferencing Scope: statewide Michigan courts may determine the manner and extent of videoconferencing technology, subject to participant requests and suitability factors under MCR 2.407. Evidence excerpt: courts may determine the manner and extent of the use of videoconferencing technology and may require participants to attend court proceedings by videoconferencing technology [Michigan Court Rule 2.407, Videoconferencing](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/rules-instructions-administrative-orders/michigan-court-rules/court-rules-book-ch-2-responsive-html5.zip/Court_Rules_Book_Ch_2/Court_Rules_Chapter_2/Court_Rules_Chapter_2.htm?rhtocid=_2) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### remote access notice Scope: statewide If a Michigan proceeding will be held by videoconferencing technology, the court must provide reasonable notice of how to access it. Evidence excerpt: If a proceeding will be held using videoconferencing technology, the court must provide reasonable notice of the way(s) to access that proceeding. [Michigan Court Rule 2.407, Videoconferencing](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/rules-instructions-administrative-orders/michigan-court-rules/court-rules-book-ch-2-responsive-html5.zip/Court_Rules_Book_Ch_2/Court_Rules_Chapter_2/Court_Rules_Chapter_2.htm?rhtocid=_2) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### recording and broadcasting Scope: statewide Michigan prohibits photography, audio or video recording, broadcasting, or live streaming in a courtroom unless allowed by the presiding judge, subject to the separate media-coverage order. Evidence excerpt: In a courtroom, no one may use a portable electronic device to take photographs or for audio or video recording, broadcasting, or live streaming unless that use is specifically allowed by the Judge presiding over that courtroom. [Michigan Court Rule 8.115, Courthouse Decorum and Portable Electronic Devices](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/rules-instructions-administrative-orders/michigan-court-rules/court-rules-book-ch-8-responsive-html5.zip/Court_Rules_Book_Ch_8/Court_Rules_Chapter_8/Court_Rules_Chapter_8.htm?rhtocid=_25) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### device use Scope: statewide Michigan allows courtroom use of portable electronic devices for information retrieval, storage, internet access, and messaging, but requires silence and bars calls or other audible functions without court permission. Evidence excerpt: Attorneys, parties, and members of the public may use a portable electronic device in a courtroom to retrieve or to store information (including notetaking), to access the Internet, and to send and receive text messages or information. [Michigan Court Rule 8.115, Courthouse Decorum and Portable Electronic Devices](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/rules-instructions-administrative-orders/michigan-court-rules/court-rules-book-ch-8-responsive-html5.zip/Court_Rules_Book_Ch_8/Court_Rules_Chapter_8/Court_Rules_Chapter_8.htm?rhtocid=_25) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/api/directory/county/33) - [Official roster](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/api/directory/county/33) - [Michigan Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/api/directory/county/33) - [Michigan Court Rule 2.407, Videoconferencing](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/rules-instructions-administrative-orders/michigan-court-rules/court-rules-book-ch-2-responsive-html5.zip/Court_Rules_Book_Ch_2/Court_Rules_Chapter_2/Court_Rules_Chapter_2.htm?rhtocid=_2) - [Michigan Court Rule 8.115, Courthouse Decorum and Portable Electronic Devices](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/rules-instructions-administrative-orders/michigan-court-rules/court-rules-book-ch-8-responsive-html5.zip/Court_Rules_Book_Ch_8/Court_Rules_Chapter_8/Court_Rules_Chapter_8.htm?rhtocid=_25) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wanda-m-stokes-mi-circuit-judge-30th-circuit-court", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wanda-m-stokes-mi-circuit-judge-30th-circuit-court", "name": "Wanda M. Stokes | KnowJudges", "description": "Wanda M. Stokes, 30th Circuit Court. Source-linked judicial identity, courtroom procedures, and presentation guidance.", "dateModified": "2026-07-26", "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/#website" }, "mainEntity": { "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wanda-m-stokes-mi-circuit-judge-30th-circuit-court#judge" } }, { "@type": "Person", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wanda-m-stokes-mi-circuit-judge-30th-circuit-court#judge", "name": "Wanda M. 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Stokes", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/wanda-m-stokes-mi-circuit-judge-30th-circuit-court" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - She has been featured in The Chronicle News’ Women Making History 2026 series, highlighting her leadership, service, and impact on justice and equity in Michigan - Additionally, she was Director of the Michigan Talent Investment Agency and Deputy Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs ### Education - Michigan State University — B.A. - University of Detroit Mercy School of Law — J.D. ### Additional information - Joined the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County in 2018 and subsequently elected to a six-year term in 2020, presiding over civil and criminal matters, including complex litigation such as class actions, medical malpractice, auto negligence, property disputes, and constitutional issues. - overseeing large teams and multi-million-dollar budgets - Before her judicial appointment, Judge Stokes had a 35+ year career in law and public service. - She handles appeals from district courts, administrative agencies, and special equitable matters, demonstrating a broad and deep legal expertise - Began at Ford Motor Company’s Office of the General Counsel, gaining experience in products liability, and later worked with Auto-Owners Insurance Company and a private law firm in Southfield, Michigan. - She served 16 years as an Assistant Attorney General, holding leadership roles including Chief of Staff, Bureau Chief, and Division Chief. - She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has received numerous awards, including the Carolyn Stell Award, recognizing her accomplishments in the legal community. - Beyond the courtroom, Judge Stokes is a dedicated community leader and mentor, actively involved in civic engagement, youth advocacy, and initiatives to strengthen families and communities. ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Michigan Court Rule 8.115, Courthouse Decorum and Portable Electronic Devices](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-2f4be1384a246c5cc0b6bc97) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/rules-instructions-administrative-orders/michigan-court-rules/court-rules-book-ch-8-responsive-html5.zip/Court_Rules_Book_Ch_8/Court_Rules_Chapter_8/Court_Rules_Chapter_8.htm?rhtocid=_25). Collected 2026-07-26. - [Michigan Court Rules — Circuit Court appellate proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-a75753f265346674eb8ae5f8) — Michigan Circuit Court appellate proceedings only; retained September 2, 2026 compilation. Source exceptions and later amendments apply. [Official source](https://www.courts.michigan.gov/siteassets/rules-instructions-administrative-orders/michigan-court-rules/michigan-court-rules.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.