Fort Wayne, former Magistrate, to hear cases in Small Claims Court
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Michael T. Douglass, a Fort Wayne native and graduate of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, has been named a Magistrate in the Allen Superior Court Civil Division.
Douglass, 40, is currently an attorney with the law firm of Eilbacher Fletcher LLP. He also serves as a deputy Allen County Public Defender. As Magistrate, Douglass will serve in the Court’s Small Claims Division deciding a variety of civil cases, including landlord-tenant issues, protective order requests, contract disputes and other matters.
He is a 2001 graduate of Indiana University and a 2006 graduate of the Cooley Law School. Douglass was admitted to the Indiana and Colorado Bars in 2006.
Douglass began his law career as a deputy Allen County Prosecutor and previously served as Magistrate in the Family Relations Division from 2016 until 2018. During 2018, Douglass gained invaluable experience toward his new role while serving as Judge Pro Tempore in Small Claims Court, handling a broad range of civil matters.
Douglass has served as Judge pro-tem in both Allen Superior and Circuit Courts. His first day as Small Claims Magistrate will be Jan, 22, 2019. He replaces Judge Jennifer DeGroote, who served as Magistrate until being appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb to succeed retiring Judge Stanley A. Levine.
“Michael Douglass is a highly-regarded and talented individual with experience in many facets of law, including having already served as a Magistrate” said Judge Craig J. Bobay, Administrative Judge of Allen Superior Court’s Civil Division. “It’s hard to find someone who can walk in on day one and provide excellent service to the community. We look forward to the contributions Michael will make to the court in the years to come.”
“Serving as Magistrate is among the greatest opportunities an attorney can hope for,” Douglass said. “This is a chance to help people navigate the legal system, settle disputes and deliver justice. I appreciate this opportunity to join the Superior Court Civil Division and look forward to the challenges ahead.”