Shelby lawyer named to vacancy on Macomb circuit court

Shelby Township lawyer Joseph Toia has been named to fill a vacancy on the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County.

Toia will fill the seat that is open after Judge John C. Foster retired.

“Throughout his career, Joseph has distinguished himself as an excellent lawyer and as a leader in community service,” Gov. Rick Snyder said in making the appointment.

Toia also serves as the prosecuting attorney of Orion Township in Oakland County. He has handled cases that include business, family, criminal and municipal law, according to a release from the governor’s office.

He’ll have to run for re-election in November 2016 to complete his term, which expires Jan. 1, 2021.

Toia started a charitable organization called Friends of Foster Kids, which provides holiday gifts for local children in foster care. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Wayne State University and a degree from the Detroit College of Law.