Nicole Huddleston, Running for Oakland County Circuit Court Judge (Family Division), 6th Judicial Circuit Court
2024 Election Pride Source Candidate Survey Response
The 2024 Pride Source Media Voters Guide Candidate Survey sought the responses from Michigan candidates running for office in the Nov. 5 election. We asked candidates to respond to key issues impacting the Michigan LGBTQ+ community and about their visions for the future. Visit vote411.org to learn more about the candidates and issues on your ballot.
Candidate: Nicole Huddleston
Running for Oakland County Circuit Court Judge (Family Division), 6th Judicial Circuit Court
Incumbent? No
Campaign Contact Info:
(313) 207-0381
Candidate background
Education:
BA in Communications from Oakland University (1999-2004)
JD from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (2010-2014)
Professional experience:
“I currently provide free legal services to returning citizens and court-involved individuals throughout SE Michigan in the areas of family law, housing, criminal, civil rights and debt-collection defense.”
Detroit Justice Center (4/2018-Present) - Managing Director (12/2022-Present), Managing Attorney (10/2019-12/2022), Staff Attorney - Legal Services Practice (4/2018-10/2019)
Lakeshore Legal Aid (9/2016-4/2018) - Staff Attorney
Legal Aid and Defender Association (9/2015 - 6/2016) - Staff Attorney
Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office (5/2015-9/2015) - Asst. Prosecuting Attorney
The William Booth Legal Aid Clinic (5/2013-5/2015) - Volunteer Staff Attorney (5/2014-5/2015), Student Staff Attorney (5/2013-5/2014)
Office of the Hon. Marianne O. Battani (7/2012-8/2012) - Judicial Intern
Harvey Kruse, PC (5/2012-6/2012) - Law Clerk
Office of the Hon. Helen White (1/2012-4/2012) - Judicial Intern
Office of the Hon. Victoria A. Roberts (7/2011-12/2011) - Judicial Intern
The Miller Law Firm, PC (5/2011-7/2011) - Law Clerk
What is your affiliation with the LGBTQ+ community?
In my role at the Detroit Justice Center, we executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ruth Ellis Center to provide free legal services to their members. This included assisting with name change matters, which is crucial for many transgender and non-binary individuals seeking to align their legal identities with their true selves. Moreover, as a member of the Criminal Law Section Council and the State Planning Body, I have actively supported and provided commentary in favor of requiring judges to use individuals' preferred pronouns. This effort is vital in ensuring that the judicial system respects and acknowledges the identities of all people appearing in court. Outside of my DJC capacity, I provided pro bono representation to a same-sex couple involved in a complex custody battle that also entailed CPS and criminal allegations. This case arose because the biological mother’s ex-husband opposed his children being raised in a same-sex environment. My advocacy helped protect the rights of the couple and ensured that their family could remain intact despite significant legal challenges. Lastly, I actively participate in Pride events and community outreach programs to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. My presence and support at these events are a testament to my commitment to inclusivity and equality.
Tell us about your top priorities and how you plan to achieve those goals.
This is a family court seat. My priorities will be:
1. Implementing specialized dockets and support systems to address the needs of individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues.
2. Reducing delays and backlogs by streamlining court procedures and leveraging technology to expedite case management
3. Ensuring fair and equal access to justice for all, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.
4. Upholding the law without bias and making decisions based on facts and legal principles.
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
This seat is designated as a family court seat, where 80% of individuals proceed without legal representation due to financial constraints. Throughout my career, I have primarily focused on family court cases, representing those who cannot afford legal services. My experience with the DJC and Lakeshore Legal Aid has provided me with insight into the critical nature of legal decisions regarding guardianship, custody, parenting time, and child support, particularly for children, families, and the community. In addition to my law degree, I possess strong critical thinking and analytical skills, along with the right judicial temperament. My dedication to justice is evident in my advocacy for individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring their rights are protected and voices heard. Leadership roles within legal organizations and community initiatives demonstrate my ability to make fair, informed decisions and collaborate effectively. This is why I am the best candidate for this position.
How do you plan to represent and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ community members?
We need a judicial system that reflects the community it serves while being equipped to advance equal justice for all under the law. So, in order to help the LGBTQ+ community, I will work to remove the bias ever-present in the court. One’s sexual orientation and gender identity should have no bearing on the decision they receive in court. Too often, criminal justice is achievable only for the well-to-do. We need empathetic justices who understand the experiences of the individuals who find themselves in the courtroom – who don’t let racism, sexism, or other forms of bigotry dictate decision making. We can’t achieve that if we don’t have a court that looks like those who too often find themselves in the courtroom, or who have no experience providing legal services to those who can’t afford it. That is why I will promote diversity initiatives to ensure that the judiciary reflects the communities it serves, fostering greater trust and confidence in the legal system among all individuals, including those belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
State your position on transgender rights and how your office would work to protect this vulnerable population — particularly Black trans women, who are overrepresented in stats related to violence, the judicial system, homelessness, substance abuse and other serious issues.
There is no room for discrimination or bias in court, and that is why I believe it is essential for me to promote diversity and ensure that everyone receives equal treatment under the law. I have been advocating for justice for people of all backgrounds my entire career, and have consistently worked with individuals in minority groups who were consistently mistreated and not given a fair shot at justice. This also extends beyond the courtroom itself; I will remain active on commissions aimed at ensuring our systems and processes are geared towards achieving 100% access for all. Having dedicated my legal career to safeguarding the rights of every individual, particularly those in underrepresented communities, I pledge to uphold impartiality and equality for all if elected.
Homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults is a persistent issue in Michigan. How would your office make a positive impact for young LGBTQ+ people facing housing insecurity?
This issue is unfortunately outside the purview of my position as a judge in the family division court, and I cannot delve into issues that can be construed as partisan or political per judicial canons, regardless of how important these issues may be. With that said, I do think we can examine our court fee and fine structure to eliminate the disproportionate impact they have on low-income individuals, including members of the LGBTQ community.
Further, strengthening funding for legal aid organizations and encouraging pro bono work among legal professionals to provide affordable legal assistance would help our underserved communities.
State your position on abortion and other issues related to women’s reproductive health.
As a judicial candidate, I cannot share my personal opinions on this manner, as it could appear as though I have bias regarding an issue that could come before me in the court. Generally speaking, all individuals need to be treated with dignity and respect when seeking healthcare, including our trans and gender diverse community. Failure to do so will contribute to our rising mental health care epidemic.
How do you feel about drag queens?
Drag queens are talented individuals who use their creativity, artistry, and bold expression to entertain and celebrate diversity. Their presence adds vibrancy and inclusivity to the LGBTQ+ community.
On Marriage Equality: After the overturning of Roe v Wade, many question if the U.S. Supreme Court will revisit their 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Would you support any legislation that undermines the rights of same-sex couples to marry? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
I cannot weigh in on this matter due to judicial canons.
On K-12 School Curriculum: States such as Florida have passed legislation preventing teachers, counselors and coaches from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity with their students, dubbed "Don't Say Gay" bills. Other states have passed legislation requiring LGBTQ+ inclusion in K-12 curricula, often determined by the local school district to determine how to effectively integrate learning materials throughout.
Michigan currently has neither a ban nor a requirement. Would you support legislation requiring Michigan schools to teach about LGBTQ+ people and identities in history and social sciences? (Yes or No — feel free to elaborate)
I cannot weigh in on this matter due to judicial canons.
How would your office help people struggling financially?
My entire career has been based around helping people who are struggling financially receive justice. I have several court reforms that I would like to advocate for and implement in order to help people who struggle financially receive better and more equitable access to the judicial system. They include:
Legal Aid and Pro Bono Services: Strengthen funding for legal aid organizations and encourage pro bono work among legal professionals to provide affordable legal assistance to underserved communities.
Simplified Court Procedures and Self-Help Resources: Simplify court processes and provide accessible self-help resources, such as online guides and forms, to aid individuals navigating the legal system without extensive legal representation.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Promote alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration to offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional litigation, particularly in civil cases.
Elimination of Court Fees and Fines: Reduce or eliminate court fees and fines that disproportionately impact low-income individuals, removing financial barriers to accessing justice.
Community Legal Clinics: Establish community legal clinics, staffed by legal professionals and law students, to offer guidance and support on various legal matters to marginalized communities.
Technology and Innovation: Embrace technological advancements to enhance accessibility, such as virtual court proceedings and online dispute resolution platforms, ensuring efficiency and convenience for all participants.
Criminal Justice Reform: Advocate for systemic changes within the criminal justice system, including bail reform, addressing overcriminalization, and promoting fair sentencing practices to uphold equal justice under the law.
Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
I would be honored to earn your support in the election and will strongly work towards a more equitable and diverse judicial system.
Visit vote411.org and michiganvoting.org to learn about the candidates and issues on your ballot and to make a voting plan.
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