Wayne County officials have cut ties with a newly hired juvenile referee after questions about the attorney's disciplinary history, lawsuits and finances sparked an outcry. The decision removes Daniel Mercier from the Third Judicial Circuit Court roster less than a month after he started, following recent media reporting and an administrative review of his hire.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Mercier began work with the Third Judicial Circuit on Jan. 21, and his referee appointment was approved by the State Court Administrative Office on Feb. 9. The Wayne County Circuit Court informed the administrative office on Feb. 20 that it was asking for the appointment to be rescinded, and Mercier was separated from the court that same day. The Free Press also reports that Mercier removed his Wayne County contact information from his State Bar listing after the reporting surfaced.
Why the Hire Drew Scrutiny
Recent investigative coverage has highlighted a string of professional and personal issues that critics say should have been caught during vetting. Reporting by M.L. Elrick at Deadline Detroit notes that three women accused Mercier of beating them and that two states previously found him unfit to practice law. The same coverage recalls Mercier's unsuccessful 2024 run for a judgeship in Wayne County.
Disciplinary Record
Public records show that Mercier was subject to formal disciplinary action that resulted in an initial disbarment order, later reduced to a three-year suspension, with the suspension effective in April 2013, according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Those records became central to questions about his fitness for a role that presides over juvenile matters.
Pending Litigation and Financial Issues
Mercier is listed as a defendant in a federal lawsuit filed Dec. 26, 2024, according to court dockets reviewed on Justia Dockets. Earlier investigative reporting also documents lawsuits over unpaid bills and notes that the state placed liens on Mercier's properties for unpaid income taxes, adding to the controversy around the hire as the court moved to act.
What the Court Did and Next Steps
The Third Judicial Circuit said it was aware of recent media reports and moved administratively to separate Mercier while seeking to have his appointment rescinded, according to the Detroit Free Press. The paper reports that the final vacant referee post had been filled in December 2025 when Mercier accepted an offer. The referee's job pays roughly $102,000 to $140,000 a year.
Legal Implications
Lawyers and court-watchers say the episode highlights gaps in how referees and other quasi-judicial appointees are vetted, particularly for roles dealing with vulnerable youth. Given Mercier's disciplinary history and pending cases, the administrative review could prompt changes to vetting procedures or make the State Court Administrative Office more cautious about future referee approvals, observers told reporters.
The reporting cited here was published by M.L. Elrick for the Detroit Free Press and by Deadline Detroit, and court dockets and disciplinary notices are public records. The Third Judicial Circuit did not immediately provide additional comment beyond its statement that it was aware of recent media reports.
