Susan Bieke Neilson

Susan Bieke Neilson (August 27, 1956 – January 25, 2006) was a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and before that, a state trial judge in Michigan. Neilson was nominated by President George W. Bush on February 14, 2005, to a seat vacated by Cornelia G. Kennedy. She was confirmed by the United States Senate on October 27, 2005, and received commission on November 9, 2005. Neilson's service was terminated on January 25, 2006, due to death. Background Neilson was born August 27, 1956, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was a lifelong Michigan resident. In 1977, she received an Artium Baccalaureus degree in political science from the University of Michigan Honors College. Neilson received her Juris Doctor in 1980 from Wayne State University Law School. Following graduation she practiced products liability, commercial litigation, medical malpractice, and general negligence law with the firm of Dickinson Wright in Detroit, making partner in 1986.