Judge Jacob James Cunningham: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

6th Circuit Court of Michigan, Department - Courtroom 5C

Biography

The Hon. Jacob James Cunningham is a judge for the 6th Circuit Court of Michigan. He was elected to the bench in 2018.

The 6th Judicial Circuit encompasses Oakland County. Over the course of his judicial career, Cunningham has held assignments in the Civil/Criminal Division and the Family Division. He holds the distinction of being the first openly LGTBQ judge on the court.

Prior to his election, he was a judicial staff attorney for the Hon. Mary Ellen Brennan in the Family Division of the 6th Circuit Court, a position to which he was named in 2014. Before that, he spent time as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. Wendy Potts in the General Civil Division (2012 to 2013) and the Business Court (2013 to 2014) of the 6th Circuit Court.

Cunningham earned a B.A. in sociology from Oakland University in 2007. He then completed a J.D. at Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, in 2012. As a law student, Cunningham clerked at Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett (2011).

He is licensed to practice in Michigan (2012).

His memberships have included the Oakland County Bar Association, the Michigan Judges Association, the American Judges Association, the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers, the Armenian American Bar Association, the International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges, the Eastern District of Michigan Federal Bar Association, the Michigan Inter-Professional Association, the American Inns of Court (vice-chancellor), and the Oakland County Bar Foundation (Fellow).

Cunningham has also served as a member of the Oakland County Bar Association Professional Development Committee (chair) and the Child Welfare Leadership Workgroup of the Michigan Supreme Court. In addition, he has been a presenter for the ICLE Family Law Institute, and he has taught as an adjunct professor at Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Recent Cases by Hon. Jacob James Cunningham

GREAT LAKES CIRTICAL POWER & C vs. STRAITH HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL S

On June 15, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

Jun 15, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Case Last Refreshed

Jun 17, 2026

ETTERS MICHAEL vs. PASCIAK KAREN MARIE

On May 29, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 29, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

PEOPLE vs. JONES BRUCE DAVID III

On May 28, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

STATE TREASURER vs. BROTHERTON ROBERT A

On May 28, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

MACKINAW ADM vs. ANAGONYE CLARE UZDAMAKA

On May 28, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

LAFONTAINE CADILLAC BUICK GMC vs. HOWARD GLENN

On May 28, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

BARNES DAVID vs. STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE I

On May 28, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

MULLINS JASON vs. KHAN TOFAYEL AHMED

On May 28, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

FARM BUREAU GENERAL INS CO OF vs. KASHINDI MADELEINE

On May 28, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 28, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Insurance

Matter Type

General Insurance

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

MANNING LAKEYA vs. DOE JOHN

On May 26, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 26, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

FOSTER VICKY vs. TEAM REHABILITATION PHYSICAL T

On May 22, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 22, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

PEOPLE vs. ALANIZ DANIEL ANTHONY

On May 21, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

FISHER JOHN vs. HARB JOHN

On May 21, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

GORMAN ROBERT vs. WALMART SUPERSTORES

On May 21, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Personal Injury

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

FORWARD FINANCING vs. CELL PHONE PLUS

On May 21, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

HARLOW MICHELE vs. ROCHESTER INTERNISTS

On May 21, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Malpractice

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

PEOPLE vs. WESTRY DALLAS MARQUISE

On May 21, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

SHAMOUN ROBERT vs. FCA US

On May 21, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

HUNTINGTON NATIONAL BANK vs. ABBOTT PATRICK

On May 20, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 20, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

PERKEY TIMOTHY M vs. MICH ST SECRETARY OF ST

On May 19, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 19, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

JACKSON SHNESHIA vs. HUFF MARKUS

On May 19, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 19, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

PEOPLE vs. ROBINSON JATONYA COLICQUA

On May 19, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 19, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Criminal

Matter Type

General Criminal

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

JOUHEIR ALI vs. FCA US

On May 19, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 19, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

General Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

EHRENBERG JEANNE vs. MICH ST ATTORNEY GENERAL UNEMP

On May 19, 2026 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Oakland County. Judge Jacob James Cunningham presiding.

Filed

May 19, 2026

Judge

Hon. Jacob James Cunningham 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Jacob James Cunningham

Court

Oakland County

County

Oakland County, MI

Case #

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Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 02, 2026

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About

Jacob James Cunningham
Current Appointment 6th Circuit Court of Michigan, Department - Courtroom 5C	6th Circuit Court of Michigan, Department - Courtroom 5C
Election/Appointment 2018 - Oakland County Circuit Court	2018 - Oakland County Circuit Court
Education J.D., Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School - 2012 B.A., Oakland University - 2007	J.D., Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School - 2012 B.A., Oakland University - 2007
Official Website www.oakgov.com	www.oakgov.com

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	MI - 6th Circuit Court of Michigan
Clerk phone:	+1 (248) 858-0365
Fax:	+1 (248) 975-9787

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Judicial Law Clerk	6th Circuit Court of Michigan	Oakland County, Michigan
Judicial Staff Attorney	6th Circuit Court of Michigan	Oakland County, Michigan
Judge	6th Circuit Court of Michigan	Oakland County, Michigan