Sean Perkins
Sean B. Perkins is an American attorney and judge serving on the 36th District Court in Detroit, Michigan. He was appointed to the court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2021 and was subsequently elected to a full six-year term in 2022.
Early life and education
Perkins is a native of Detroit, Michigan. His brother, Todd Perkins, is a Detroit attorney who heads Perkins Law Group.
Before attending law school, Perkins worked at the Ford Motor Company Woodhaven Stamping Plant, where he held positions including assembly-line worker, Hi-Lo driver, journeyman and pipefitter. He later served as a benefits representative for United Auto Workers Local 387.
Perkins earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Wayne State University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Legal career
Before joining the judiciary, Perkins practiced with Perkins Law Group in downtown Detroit, which was headed by his brother, attorney Todd Perkins. His practice included felony and misdemeanor criminal cases, personal injury and no-fault civil litigation, and bankruptcy cases.
Judicial career
Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Perkins to Detroit's 36th District Court on May 5, 2021, following the death of Judge B. Pennie Millender. The appointment filled the remainder of Millender's term, which expired on January 1, 2023.
Perkins subsequently sought a full term on the court. He appeared on the November 2022 ballot as an incumbent candidate for one of seven six-year positions on the 36th District Court. Perkins received 55,443 votes and was elected to a six-year term.
Virtual courtroom proceedings
Perkins received media attention in June 2025 following a virtual court proceeding involving Asja Outerbridge, who appeared before the court on a misdemeanor charge. During the proceeding, Outerbridge prepared a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while wearing a robe, prompting Perkins to question her attire and remove her from the virtual hearing. The incident was subsequently covered by CBS News Detroit and People after footage of the exchange circulated online.
Perkins again received widespread media attention in October 2025 during a virtual hearing in which Detroit police officer Matthew Jackson appeared on camera wearing his uniform shirt but without uniform trousers. After Jackson identified himself, Perkins asked whether he was wearing pants; Jackson responded that he was not and repositioned his camera before the hearing continued.
The incident was covered by news organizations in and outside Michigan, including The Guardian, and prompted a response from the Detroit Police Department. Police Chief Todd Bettison apologized to the court and said department officers were expected to present themselves professionally during court proceedings. Chief Judge William McConico of the 36th District Court later said that Perkins had been surprised by the incident and noted that Jackson had previously conducted himself professionally in court.
In April 2026, Perkins appeared on WJBK's "The Weatherboys" podcast to discuss the virtual court proceedings that had received media attention.
External links
- Sean B. Perkins at the 36th District Court