Alterity ADR, a national provider of mediation, arbitration, and dispute management services, is excited to announce the addition of the honorable Cynthia Stephens, retired Michigan Court of Appeals judge, to its panel. Stephens specializes in a range of areas including matters related to appellate, civil rights, and commercial litigation.

Stephens was appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals in 2008 and served on the bench until retiring in April. Before her appointment, Stephens served as a Judge for the Third Circuit Court and the 36th District Court. Stephens’ experience as a judge for 40 years has allowed her to harness a unique approach to effectively resolve disputes. Stephens has been admitted to practice in Georgia, Texas, and Michigan.

Stephens is an active member of several professional organizations and associations in Metro Detroit, including her role as Commissioner of the State Bar of Michigan for 16 years. During her tenure as Commissioner, Stephens chaired its Justice Initiatives Committee, Communications Committee, and Children’s Task Force. Additionally, Stephens is a former chair of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan and a former member of the Executive Board of the National Bar Association and its Judicial Council. 

In addition to her work as a judge, mediator, arbitrator, and special master, Stephens serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy Law School. She has also served as a faculty member at Wayne State University Law School and the Detroit College of Law. 

To learn more about Judge Stephens, see her profile here.