In 2011, she was appointed as a United States magistrate judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, a capacity in which she served until her elevation as a district court judge on March 14, 2014.[1][2]
On July 25, 2013, President Barack Obama nominated Michelson to serve as a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, to the seat vacated by Judge George Caram Steeh III, who assumed senior status on January 29, 2013.[1] On January 16, 2014, her nomination was reported out of committee by a voice vote.[3] On March 11, 2014, the United States Senate invoked cloture on her nomination by a 56–43 vote.[4] On March 12, 2014, her nomination was confirmed by a 98–0 vote.[5] She received her judicial commission on March 14, 2014.[2]