Kalamazoo native sworn in as US attorney

Kalamazoo native sworn in as US attorney
Mark Totten. <strong> Courtesy U.S. Department of Justice </strong>

A local lawyer was sworn in as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan. 

Mark Totten was sworn in on Thursday, May 5. He was nominated by President Joe Biden in November of last year and was confirmed by the Senate on April 27. 

His oath of office was administered Thursday by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker in a ceremony at the federal courthouse in Grand Rapids. 

“I am honored to serve as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan,” Totten said. “This office has a long history of securing justice and protecting the people of Michigan with diligence and integrity. I look forward to leading this outstanding team of dedicated attorneys and support staff and working with other partners at this important moment.” 

Totten most recently served as chief legal counsel for the executive office of the governor for the state of Michigan since 2019. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she wished him good luck and he would be missed. 

“Mark has been on my team since day one,” Whitmer said. “His legal advice and leadership helped us put Michiganders first. As a former prosecutor, I cannot imagine a more qualified leader to serve as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan — the place that Mark calls home.”

Totten was born and raised in Kalamazoo. He earned his law degree and a Ph.D. in ethics from Yale University. 

A formal investiture ceremony will follow at a future date.