James M. Biernat, Sr. graduated with honors from St. Josephs College, Indiana in 1963, received a Masters Degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1964 and a Law Degree with honors from the University of Detroit in 1968. Prior to assuming his duties as Circuit Judge, he served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for over four years and engaged in the private practice of law for 25 years. He served for 25 years on the State Bar's Character and Fitness Committee, the Clinton Township Civil Service Commission for 12 years, and is a past member of the Macomb County Community Corrections Commission. Judge Biernat was an adjunct faculty member of Macomb County Community College where he taught law related courses for 11 years. Judge Biernat and his wife Donna (nee Notarangelo) are the proud parents of six children and six grandchildren.