ABOUT MONEKA SANFORD
Experienced Attorney & Advocate
Mother, Social Worker, Attorney
Moneka Sanford’s career has always been centered on service. Before becoming an attorney, she served the people of Michigan as a Social Worker with the State of Michigan, working directly with individuals and families facing illness, instability, and limited access to critical resources.
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Through this work, Moneka witnessed firsthand the challenges people encounter when navigating systems that deeply affect their lives. Those experiences shaped her understanding of community trauma and inspired her to pursue a legal career, allowing her to help others through advocacy, representation, and the fair application of the law.
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Her path to the bench is a natural progression of a life dedicated to public service. Today, Moneka combines her background in social work with decades of legal experience, bringing perspective, empathy, and sound judgment to every case she handles.
Commitment to Community
Michigan is facing significant public health and social challenges, including issues related to mental health, addiction, housing instability, and economic hardship.
Through her combined experience State of Michigan trained social worker, Moneka brings a deep understanding of how these challenges intersect with the court system.
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Her perspective allows her to approach each case with an understanding of the broader context, while remaining firmly grounded in the law and the responsibilities of the bench.
Judicial Philosophy
Moneka Sanford believes that justice must be fair, impartial, and grounded in respect for every individual.
As Judge of the 47th District Court, she will be guided by the following principles:
Fairness and Accountability
Every person deserves a fair hearing and decisions based solely on the law and the facts. Moneka is committed to applying the law consistently while ensuring accountability within the legal framework.
Dignity
and Respect
Moneka believes that how people are treated in the courtroom matters. Listening carefully and treating individuals with dignity strengthens trust in the justice system and reinforces respect for the rule of law.
Impartiality
and Integrity
A judge must remain neutral and independent. Moneka is committed to deciding cases without bias, guided by the law, evidence, and ethical responsibility of the judiciary.
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Equal Access To Justice
Equal access to justice is a cornerstone of Moneka Sanford’s career.
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As a court‑appointed advocate, she has represented individuals who lacked the financial means to secure legal counsel, ensuring that their voices were heard and their rights protected. This work reflects her belief that justice should never depend on income, race, or background.
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Moneka is committed to ensuring that every person who comes before the 47th District Court is treated with fairness, dignity, and respect and that decisions are made based on law, facts, and careful consideration.
Experience & Qualifications
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Moneka Sanford brings extensive, hands-on legal experience that prepares her to serve as Judge of the 47th District Court on day one. Moneka started her legal career clerking for the Honorable Judge Joan Young, at the Oakland County Circuit Court. She later on worked as a Law Clerk for the United State Attorney’s Office - Eastern District of Michigan.
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​As the owner of her private law practice, Moneka actively represents clients in Oakland County and practices in the same courtroom she seeks to serve. Her legal experience spans a broad range of matters that come before district court. In addition to her private practice, Moneka has served as a court‑appointed advocate, providing indigent defense services to individuals who could not afford legal representation.
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This work reflects her long‑standing commitment to ensuring equal access to justice for all. Moneka is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor School of Social Work Masters Program. She received her Juris Doctor (JD) from Wayne State University Law School and is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
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With more than 20 years of legal experience, Moneka understands courtroom procedure, judicial responsibility, and the importance of efficient, fair case management. Her depth of experience gives her the perspective necessary to make thoughtful, well‑reasoned decisions that uphold the law and respect the people before the court.