Snyder appoints Washtenaw County GOP chairman to Michigan Court of Appeals

"Mike and Mark both bring tremendous legal experience to the courts," the Republican governor said in a statement. "These individuals are highly respected by the legal and judicial communities and I am confident they will serve as excellent judges."

Boonstra has served as senior principal for the Miller Canfield law firm, located on Main Street in downtown Ann Arbor, since 1985. He previously worked as a law clerk for Judge Ralph B. Guy Jr. of the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan.

Riordan has served as an assistant U.S. attorney since 1998. He previously worked as an attorney for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and as general counsel for Northwestern Mutual Financial.

Boonstra is filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Richard Bandstra, while Riordan is filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Brian Zahra, who was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court. Both appointments run through Jan. 1, 2013, and both judges will have to seek election in 2012 to keep their seats.

Boonstra has a bachelor's degree in political science from Michigan State University and both a master's degree in applied economics and a law degree from the University of Michigan.

He works with numerous professional organizations, including the State Bar of Michigan, Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions, Michigan Judges Retirement Board, Federal Bar Association, and the Washtenaw County Bar Association.

Riordan is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners and the Fraternal Order of Police. He also serves as secretary for the University of Detroit Mercy Law Alumni Association and president of the Federal Bar Association.

He is past president of the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers and holds a bachelor's degree from MSU and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy.