About Paula Manderfield

A portrait of a woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, wearing a black blazer and pearl earrings.

Hon. Paula J. Manderfield (Ret.) offers clients the benefit of more than 40 years of legal experience, including 20 years on the bench as a Circuit and District Court Judge and 20 years in private practice. Now serving as a full-time mediator, arbitrator, and special master, she brings judicial insight, neutrality, and professionalism to each case — helping parties resolve conflict with efficiency and integrity.

Paula’s broad legal perspective includes work in civil, criminal, family, and administrative law. Her time on the bench, combined with years in private practice, has equipped her to understand the needs of both attorneys and litigants when navigating complex cases outside the courtroom.

In addition to her legal credentials, Paula was a registered nurse for over 45 years. This unique dual perspective makes her particularly effective in mediating cases involving health care, elder care, and medical issues.

She continues to serve her community through board and committee work, including the Board of Blue Care Network, and various roles with the State Bar of Michigan and other professional associations.

A blue banner featuring the text 'Rated by Super Lawyers' and 'Paula J. Manderfield,' with the website 'SuperLawyers.com' at the bottom.
Super Lawyers badge showing Paula J. Manderfield with 5 years of recognition.

    • Fraser Trebilcock - Shareholder (2013-2025)

    • Ingham County Circuit Court Judge (2001–2013)

    • 54-A District Court Judge, City of Lansing (1992-2000)

    • Private Practice Attorney (1982–1992)

    • Registered Nurse (over 40 years)

    • Michigan Retired Judges Association, Member (2013-Present)

    • Michigan Judges Association, Member (2001-2013)

      • Executive Committee Member (2005-2013)

      • Judicial Response Committee Member (2005-Present, Chair 2012)

    • Michigan Judicial Conference, Executive Committee Member (2007-2013)

    • State Bar Of Michigan, Criminal Law Council, Board Member

    • Hon. Paula Manderfield Endowed Scholarship, MSU College of Nursing

      • Principal Donor (1997-Present)

    • American Judges Association, Member (1994-1999)

    • Michigan District Judges Association, Member (1993-2000)

    • Ingham County Bar Association

    • Community Corrections Advisory Board, Board Member & Chair (1994-2003)

    • Women Lawyers Association, Mid-Michigan Chapter

      • President (2003-2004)

      • Treasurer (2004)

    • The Oldham Project, Board Member (2011)

    • Blue Care Network of Michigan, Board Member

      • Healthcare Quality and Service Improvement Committee

    • MSU College of Nursing, Board of Visitors (2005-Present)

    • MSU Alumni Association (1994-Present)

    • Ronald McDonald House of Michigan, Board Member (1998-2001)

    • American Heart Association, Lansing Metro Board

      • Board Member (1998-2002), President (2001)

    • Elder Law of Michigan, Board Member (2002-2008)

    • Advent House Ministries, Board Member

    • YMCA Metropolitan Board, 1995-2000

Contact us

Whether you're seeking mediation, arbitration, or special master services, we're here to help move your matter toward resolution with fairness, efficiency, and judicial insight.

Use the form to send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 1–2 business days.

Prefer email? You can also reach us directly at:
info@manderfieldmediation.com

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