Judicial Experience

Experience Really Matters on the Supreme Court

A lifelong resident of Michigan, Judge Boonstra graduated from high school in West Michigan, received his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and two graduate degrees from the University of Michigan (JD and Economics). After a successful legal career in private practice with Miller Canfield, he joined Michigan’s second highest court in 2012.

Experienced Judge

Judge Boonstra joined the Court of Appeals in March 2012, and he was subsequently elected in 2012, 2014, and 2020.


In addition to his appellate duties, Judge Boonstra served a two-year term on the Michigan Court of Claims, by appointment of the Michigan Supreme Court, from May 2015 to May 2017, where his docket included cases arising out of the Flint Water Crisis.  


He serves on the Court's Rules Committee, Quality Review Committee and Technology Committee. He also is one of four judges who handle the Administrative Motion Docket.

Law Firm Experience

Prior to serving on the Court, Judge Boonstra was a senior principal in the law firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., where he practiced law for 27 years, including serving as a Deputy Chair of the firm’s Litigation practice group and as Co-Chair of its Appellate Practice section.


At the time he joined the Court, he was recognized in Best Lawyers in America in the areas of:

  • Antitrust Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Litigation - Antitrust
  • Litigation - First Amendment
  • Litigation - Securities.


He previously also served as a Law Clerk to Hon. Ralph B. Guy, Jr. in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan from 1983 to 1985. 

Active Michigan State Bar Member

Judge Boonstra has been active in the State Bar of Michigan, including:

  • Serving in the Representative Assembly: 2005–2011
  • Chair of the Section on Antitrust, Franchising, and Trade Regulation: 2000–2001
  • Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation: 2013-Present 


In addition, Judge Boonstra has also served as:

  • Chair of the Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions: 2015-2020

Bar Associations

Judge Boonstra is, or has been, a member of the following Bar Associations:

American Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan
Detroit Bar Association
Oakland County Bar Association
Washtenaw County Bar Association
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