The Class of 2024 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Judge Schipper grew up in Barry County (Middleville). He graduated with an economics degree from Hope College in 1985.  He then attended The Ohio State University College of Law graduating in 1988.

Judge Schipper began his legal career in Grand Rapids with the law firm of Clary Nantz Wood Hoffius Rankin and Cooper in their civil litigation unit. During his tenure at Clary Nantz he also acted as the prosecutor for the city of Kentwood. In 1990 he accepted a position at the United States Attorney’s Office in Grand Rapids and was there until 2010. During his first 12 years, he practiced in the civil division, where he handled a variety of cases, including tort, medical malpractice, and employment discrimination. He received several awards including a personal thank you letter from Attorney General Janet Reno.

In 2002, he moved to the criminal division and began prosecuting violent crimes and large white-collar crimes.  He received awards for his prosecution of cases from the Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Postal Service, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Internal Revenue Service. In 2006 he successfully tried the largest case that had ever gone to trial in the Western District of Michigan, a $20 million dollar Ponzi scheme case with over 600 victims. For this, he was awarded the prestigious Case of the Year award.

Judge Schipper was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to the Barry County District Court in July of 2011. He was elected by the people of Barry County in 2012 and is serving a 6-year term.

Judge Schipper is very active in the community. His most cherished accomplishments include his work with kids. He has coached sports for over 20 years, and currently coaches both football and swimming at Hastings High School. He also is a regular speaker at all schools throughout the county, as well as high schools and colleges throughout the state. He speaks about topics such as teen crime, leadership, the proper role of a judge in our system of government, and the Constitution. Judge Schipper and his brother, Jim, also speak together at schools about bullying, racism, and diversity. Both brothers were adopted and Jim is bi-racial.

Judge Schipper and his wife, Lori, live in Middleville and have three adult children.