Hon. Michael G. Gotsch, Sr.

Date of Appointment: August 12, 2016

Date of Recall Appointment: October 1, 2024

Education:

University of Notre Dame, B.A. 1979
University of Notre Dame Law School, J.D. 1987
Indiana Graduate Program for Judges 2009
Indiana Judicial College 2012

Previous Employment:

Adjunct faculty University of Notre Dame Law School 2010-2020
St. Joseph Circuit Court Judge 2004-2016
St. Joseph County Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney 2003-2004
St. Joseph County Office of Family and Children Attorney 2000-2002
Meridian Title Corporation Counsel 1999-2000
CASIE Center Executive Director 1996-1998
St. Joseph County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney 1987-1998
Commissioned Officer, U.S. Army 1980-1984

Professional Organizations:

American Bar Association
American Judges Association
Federal Magistrate Judges Association
7^th Circuit Bar Association
Indiana State Bar Association
St. Joseph County Bar Association
Robert A. Grant Inn of Court
Fellow, Indiana Bar Foundation

Professional Distinctions:

Commissioner, U.S. Presidential Task Force on Nonsupport.
Official Observer, Uniform Parentage Act, Natl. Conf. of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.
Commissioner, Governor’s Task Force on Abused and Neglected Families.
Commissioner, Indiana Supreme Court Committee on Evidence Based Pretrial Release.
Outstanding Judge Award, Indiana State Bar Association 2015.
Outstanding Judge Award, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2010.
Lifetime Achievement Award, YWCA of North Central Indiana, 2025.
Man of the Year, YWCA of North Central Indiana, 2013.
Making Democracy Work Award, League of Women Voters of South Bend Area 2015.
Lifetime Achievement Award, Indiana Child Support Alliance 1999.
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels 1996.
Distinguished Service Award, Indiana Department of Public Welfare 1991.

Other:

• While on active duty with the U.S. Army, Judge Gotsch was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal.
• An Eagle Scout, Judge Gotsch has served as National Service Territory Chair, Area President, and Lasalle Council President of the Boy Scouts of America. He has also served as a Youth Protection Champion at the Area and Council levels.
• Judge Gotsch has regularly presented and lectured at various national, state, and local continuing judicial and legal education seminars, and has addressed national, regional, and state child welfare conferences.