Judge Nicole Hughes is a proven public servant and experienced courtroom leader who proudly serves on the 12th District Court in Jackson County. Appointed to the bench in 2026, she brings over a decade of hands-on legal experience, a deep commitment to justice, and a reputation for fairness, preparation, and professionalism.

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Judge Hughes began her legal career in Jackson County, clerking for the Honorable Judge John G. McBain. That early experience shaped her understanding of the judiciary and reinforced her commitment to serving the community with integrity. Today, she returns to that same court as a judge, full circle in a career dedicated to upholding the rule of law. 

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Before joining the bench, Judge Hughes served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan, where she represented the Department of Corrections and its employees in complex federal constitutional cases. She was also entrusted with sensitive parole, commutation, and pardon matters—working closely with the Attorney General’s Office and the Michigan Parole Board to ensure careful, fair decision-making in high-stakes cases.

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Earlier in her career, Judge Hughes spent nearly nine years as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Washtenaw County, focusing on some of the most serious and challenging cases, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide. She has tried numerous jury trials in both state and federal courts, bringing a steady, thoughtful presence to even the most difficult proceedings.

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Throughout her career, Judge Hughes has worked alongside victims, law enforcement, corrections professionals, defense attorneys, and fellow judges. That broad experience gives her a balanced, practical understanding of the justice system and informs her commitment to treating every person who enters her courtroom with dignity and respect.

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As a judge, Nicole Hughes believes the courtroom must be a place where the law is applied fairly, cases are handled efficiently, and every voice is heard. She is dedicated to maintaining public trust through integrity, accountability, and impartial decision-making. She presides over the court’s Domestic Violence Treatment Court, where her extensive experience allows her to promote accountability, rehabilitation, and safer communities.

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Judge Hughes is also a devoted wife and mother of two sons. She and her family have proudly called Jackson County home for nearly a decade, and she remains deeply committed to serving the community she lives in and loves.