Hon. Michael G. Gotsch Sr.

Judge Michael Gotsch's efforts to improve the lives of women and children have been recognized by many. He has received the Outstanding Judge Award from the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the Spirit of Giving Award from the Family & Children's Center, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Indiana Child Support Alliance, all recognizing his leadership and sense of community both on and off the bench. Judge Gotsch was presented with the 2013 Man of the Year Tribute by the YWCA of North Central Indiana for his work addressing the needs of both children and victims of domestic violence, the first man to be so honored in the 110-year history of the organization. Gotsch's honors also include the Indiana Department of Public Welfare's Distinguished Service Award. He is also been enrolled in the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels.

The Honorable Michael G. Gotsch, Sr., is a Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, South Bend Division. Previously, he served as the judge of the St. Joseph Circuit Court in Indiana's 60th Judicial Circuit (St. Joseph County, Indiana) from 2004 until 2016. Before his selection to the bench, he served as chief deputy prosecuting attorney and chief of staff in the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office (2003-04), and counsel for the St. Joseph County Office of Family and Children (2000-02). He has also prior professional experience as a deputy prosecutor attorney, corporate counsel for Meridian Title Corporation, and executive director for the CASIE (Child Abuse Services, Investigation & Education) Center.

Prior to beginning his legal career, he served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. During his military career, he was awarded the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Award. He left active military service with the rank of captain.

Admitted to practice in Indiana, Michigan and federal courts, Judge Gotsch had the honor of serving as an official observer on the Uniform Parentage Act Drafting Committee of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Law. He has also had the distinction to serve as a commissioner on the Presidential Task Force on Criminal Nonsupport, the Governor's Task Force on Abused and Neglected Families and their Children, and the Governor's Committee on the Indiana Child Support Tracking System.

Gotsch is committed to legal education and public service, and he has spoken and lectured at national, state, and local continuing judicial and legal education seminars, as well as national, regional, and state child welfare conferences. Gotsch is an adjunct faculty member and a Moot Court/Mock Trial Judge at Notre Dame Law School. He has also lectured at the University of Notre Dame, St. Mary's College, Bethel College, and Indiana University at South Bend.