Judge Travis Reeds was elected district judge in 2014. Judge Reeds received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Michigan University in 1994, and his Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School in 1997. During his years as a practicing attorney, he worked with his father, Michael, at the law firm of Reeds & Reeds in Walled Lake, handling a variety of cases from real estate and probate estates to family law and criminal law.
For lawyers who have never been in your courtroom, what is your check-in process?
As with most courts, checking in with the chambers/judicial clerk inside the courtroom is a good first step.
Is there anything unique about your motion call process that lawyers should know?
Providing a proposed order with your motion is an often-overlooked part of motion practice. It makes it easier on the judge and counsel to avoid the extra step of submission under MCR 2.602(B)(3).
What are your preferences for how lawyers handle proposed and stipulated orders?
Try and get stipulated orders submitted as far in advance of the next scheduled hearing as possible. And follow up after a day or two to make sure it was processed. Don’t just assume that because it was stipulated that it was signed and accepted.
Are there particular members of your staff that lawyers should contact about certain things?
The chambers/judicial clerk is the main point of contact for most issues. Contacting the main civil clerks is the first step to obtain motion dates for Notice of Hearing.
What types of pretrial conferences do you hold, and what information and forms do you require at them?
Generally, there are pretrials on civil cases that are fairly informal where there is an initial request to open dialogue about possible settlement and initial need for discovery. A pretrial statement form is submitted by each party to give a summary of the case, issues that remain unresolved, potential discovery, or evidentiary issues.
What can lawyers expect about your expectations and approach to ADR?
I encourage use of mediation usually through the Oakland County Bar Association Mediation program if the parties cannot agree on a mediator.
What do you think makes a written motion or brief compelling or persuasive?
I appreciate a motion that lays out in a logical and chronological way the facts that support the requested relief. A good brief gets to the point and provides accurate citations. It is very frustrating when cases are miscited or the holdings are not accurately relayed. In other words, don’t interpret the holding; make sure the case stands for the proposition you are stating.
What are some common mistakes lawyers make during oral argument?
Oral argument is a delicate balance of making a good record and not just restating what’s already in written submissions. A quick summation of the written brief followed by a more nuanced oral presentation is the most effective.
Is there anything in particular lawyers should know about how you conduct trials?
I try to let the lawyers conduct most, if not all, of the voir dire in jury trials.
What is the best advice you got from a mentor?
Be the most prepared person in the room. Know the facts, law, rules of evidence that are most likely going to come into play for your motion, pretrial, hearing, trial, better than anyone. Preparedness leads to confidence and success in legal practice.
Are there particular practice resources you think lawyers should consult?
ICLE’s products of course!
What is something interesting you do off the bench?
I enjoy woodworking as a hobby.
Is there anything else you would like Michigan lawyers to know?
Practicing law has changed quite a bit over the past six years or so. Remote proceedings are very useful tools, but they have had the unintended consequence of limiting the interaction between more experienced attorneys and newer lawyers trying to find their way. I would suggest embracing the opportunities to interact with other lawyers in the in-person proceedings you do have, at seminars and conferences, and even in online forums and listservs.