Governor Brewer has appointed Pima County Superior Court Judge Michael Owen Miller to the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division II. Judge Miller has served on the Pima County Superior Court since 2002. Judge Michael Owen Miller’s appointment was made to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge J. William Brammer, Jr.
Miller presided over criminal, civil, juvenile and election law cases.
Earlier, Judge Miller worked in private practice, where his peers lauded him for his legal ability and ethics. His private practice work included time with: Quarles & Brady (2001-2002); the Law Office of Michael Owen Miller (2000-2001); Miller Smith LLP (1998-1999); and Lewis & Roca (1985-1997). He also clerked for Judge Robert Corcoran at the Arizona Court of Appeals (1984-85).
Judge Miller’s legal background includes expertise in product liability defense; commercial and tort litigation; and health care law. Prior to attending law school, he worked as a Psychologist for the Livingston County Juvenile Court in Michigan (1973-1980).
Judge Miller has been extensively involved in the area of ethics and professional responsibility. He has served on the Ethics Committee and as an Attorney Discipline Hearing Officer for the State Bar of Arizona. In 2002, the State Bar named him “Member of the Year” for his efforts to improve the ethical rules and conduct of attorneys. In 2007, Judge Miller was appointed by the Arizona Supreme Court to the Task Force on the Code of Judicial Conduct. He has been a member of the Arizona Judges Association since 2002, including a period of time on the Executive Committee.
Judge Miller graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law (1984). He received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University (1973), where he also earned a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology. He holds a doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Michigan.
Notably, Judge Miller was the principal author of the Arizona Psychological Association’s licensing law, which was adopted by the Arizona Legislature. He has conducted legal seminars, co-authored three books and been published multiple times on various aspects of the law.