The Paletz Law Blog

The Changing Face of the Courts: Navigating New (and sometimes rough) Waters

April 2nd, 2025 | By: Matthew I. Paletz, Esq.

In recent years, the courts have undergone a significant transformation as experienced judges, administrators, and senior staff retire and new appointees take their places. In some cases, those retiring are not even being replaced. This shift brings both challenges and opportunities for all who interact with our court system, particularly in specialized areas like landlord-tenant law in Michigan. 

A Steep Learning Curve

The retirement of veteran court personnel means decades of institutional knowledge and experience are leaving courtrooms across the country. New judges and staff, while often bringing fresh perspectives, face a steep learning curve as they navigate complex legal frameworks that their predecessors spent years mastering.

This transition inevitably leads to inconsistencies in rulings and procedures. What once might have been a straightforward eviction proceeding can now become unpredictable as new replacements find their footing. All parties involved, from tenants to property owners, are feeling these growing pains.

The Echo Chamber Effect

As the judicial landscape changes, there’s a real risk of creating echo chambers. New judges may lack the historical context that informed their predecessors’ decisions, potentially leading to shifts in interpretation based more on current political climates than long-standing legal principles.

Tenant advocacy groups have become increasingly vocal, often pushing for significant changes to landlord-tenant relationships. While many tenant protections are valid, these vocal campaigns sometimes drown out the equally valid and legitimate concerns of property owners who after all provide essential housing resources to communities.

Advocacy in Changing Times

In this evolving environment, diligent and consistent advocacy for landlords and property owners has never been more critical. As rental assistance programs wind down from their pandemic-era peaks, courts are still working to balance the rights of tenants with those of property owners.

At Paletz Law, Matthew Paletz and his team are constantly engaging newly appointed judges and their staff, educating them on the complexities of property law and the legitimate needs of housing providers. Their persistent advocacy ensures that landlords’ voices are heard amidst this changing legal landscape.

Looking Ahead

The transition in our courts will continue to create challenges as new individuals develop their expertise. There will undoubtedly be missteps along the way, but engaged legal advocacy plays a crucial role in helping shape a balanced approach.

The Bottom Line: By maintaining a consistent presence in courtrooms and actively engaging with new judicial and administrative appointees, Paletz Law will not stop in its efforts to help ensure that the rights of housing providers aren’t overlooked as the courts navigate these changing waters.