After more than two decades at the helm, Circuit Court Judge Paul H. Chamberlain has stepped down as the chief judge in Isabella County, though he will remain on the circuit court bench.
Within hours of Chamberlain’s announcement Friday, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed Judge Eric Janes as chief judge through the end of Chamberlain’s term in 2019.
Initially Chamberlain had handed the leadership spot to Probate Court Judge William Ervin in advance of a supreme court decision.
An email sent to Isabella County Court staff Friday morning from Kerri Curtiss, the court administrator, indicated that Chamberlain plans to focus on his courtroom duties.
“Judge Chamberlain has asked me to inform all of you that after 22 years as Chief Judge, he has decided that it is time for another judge to take the leadership role for the court,” the email reads.
Chamberlain said Friday that it’s time for a change in leadership and now feels like the right time.
“The court is in a really good spot as far as administration,” Chamberlain said. “I’ve done it for 22 years...it’s a demanding job...it’s time for me to slow down a bit.”
As chief judge, Chamberlain said he has never taken a reduction in his own case load, which often meant many early mornings, late nights or weekends of work.
“I’m not getting any younger,” he said. “It’s just time. Let somebody else come in. “