Judge Susan Bieke Neilson was appointed to the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan in June 1991 by Governor John M. Engler, and was reelected in 1992, 1996 and 2002. The 3rd Judicial Circuit Court serves Wayne County, Michigan, and is the largest trial court in the State of Michigan. She presently is assigned to the criminal division of the Court. During her tenure on the Court has served in the civil and family divisions and on several Court administrative committees.

Prior to her appointment, Judge Neilson was a partner at Dickinson Wright PLLC, one of the oldest and most prestigious law firms in Michigan. She specialized in products liability claims (automotive, pharmaceutical and industrial components), general negligence claims, medical malpractice claims and commercial litigation.

Judge Neilson received her J.D. degree (cum laude) from Wayne State University School of Law in 1980 and was a member of its law review. She graduated with high distinction from the University of Michigan Honors College in 1977 and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Judge Neilson has written numerous articles and was co-editor and author of Michigan Civil Procedure, a two-volume treatise on all areas of Michigan civil practice. This treatise was selected by the Michigan Judicial Institute for purchase on behalf of every trial court judge in the State of Michigan and received the "Plain English Award" from the State Bar of Michigan. She is a member of the advisory board of the Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

Judge Neilson is also active in numerous community service organizations, including the Catholic Lawyers Society and Soroptimist International (where she has served as President). She also serves as Chairperson of the Worship Commission at her local Catholic church.

Judge Neilson is a lifelong Michigan resident having grown up predominantly in Portage, Michigan. She has been married for 25 years and has two children.