WEXFORD COUNTY — A longtime judge is hanging up her robe after 30 years working in a Northern Michigan court system.
84th District Court Judge Audrey Van Alst is retiring at the end of the year, after being on the bench in Wexford County for more than 11 years. She said she wants to spend more time with her husband and 11 grandchildren.
Van Alst started her career as a public defender in probate court, working her way up to judge after serving in various roles. She said she’s proud of the legacy she leaves behind and the impact she’s had on people’s lives to make positive changes.
“I have had contact with families and people for a couple generations now. And, sometimes in public, people will come up to me and say, thank you for treating me kindly. One time I was at a restaurant and somebody came and hugged me and said, you saved my life. You just can’t beat that as a work reward and nothing can top that. So, I’m going to miss that for sure,” said Van Alst.
During her time working in the court system, Van Alst said the biggest changes came during the pandemic when people started appearing in court over Zoom.
She said it makes the courts more accessible to more people, but she prefers in-person appearances.