Judge Brian C. Hartwell: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Hon. Brian C. Hartwell is a judge for the Forty-Third District Court of Michigan in Oakland County. He was appointed to the bench by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. Chuck Goedert (Ret.).

The Forty-Third District includes the courts in Hazel Park, Ferndale, and Madison Heights.

Hartwell has presided in Hazel Park.

Prior to beginning his judicial career, he had managed his own private practice, the Law Office of Brian C. Hartwell, PLLC, in Madison Heights. He opened his law firm in 2013. In addition to his practice, Hartwell served as the Mayor of the City of Madison Heights, a position to which he was elected in 2015. He also served as an elected member of the Madison Heights City Council (2007 to 2011) and was the city’s Mayor Pro Tem (2009 to 2011; 2013 to 2015).

Hartwell was also a former attorney at Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, P.C. (2009 to 2013), where he handled civil litigation, creditor’s rights, and debt collection matters.

He received a B.A. in international and comparative political science from Western Michigan University in 2004. Hartwell went on to complete a J.D. at the University of Detroit, Mercy School of Law in 2008. While a law student, he served briefly as a prosecutor intern with the Wayne County Prosector’s Office (2007).

His memberships have included the Association of Chinese Americans and the Michigan Association of Mayors. Hartwell is credited with co-founding a pro-bono clinic at the Madison Heights Senior Center, created to assist low-income senior citizens with legal matters.

He has also been involved with the Michigan Municipal League (trustee) and the Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce.

Hartwell and his wife, Lingyu, reside in Madison Heights.