He was born in Mount Clemens, Michigan and graduated from Ferndale High School with Honors in 1972, a year ahead of his class. Judge Serra has a Bachelor's Degree with a double major in Psychology and Communication (with Honors) and a Master's Degree in Communication, as well as a Doctorate in Law. He completed the two-year master's program in one year.

Judge Serra is a former school board member, a former County Commissioner and a former Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Detroit. He was selected as a Michigan "Lawyer of the Year" for 2000, and received the Rev. Martin L. King Jr. Freedom Award in 2001. He was a Torch Bearer in the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Judge Serra served as a Referee for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and was a member of the State Bar of Michigan Open Justice Commission. He wrote the Civil Rights survey for The Wayne State University Law Review (published in 2005) and co-authored Chapter 3 of the latest edition of Michigan Family Law. His writing had been published by The Journal of Psychology and Christianity and by The Journal of Intergroup Relations (National Association of Human Rights Workers). Judge Serra's book, "Bag A Fag" (published by the Triangle Foundation), is recognized as one of the most authoritative sources of information about anti-gay police misconduct.

Judge Serra is a former Adjunct Professor of Communication Studies at The University of Detroit Mercy and Adjunct Instructor in Health Law at Mercy College. In addition to practicing Law for 23 years, Judge Serra has a license to practice Social Work and is a Certified Clinical Psychopathologist.

Judge Serra served on The Nursing Specialty Task Force in the Michigan Department of Licensing under former Governor James J. Blanchard and was appointed to The Correction Officer's Training Advisory Council before being appointed Judge. He served as a founding member as Chair of the Royal Oak Township Downtown Development Authority, and as an Officer-At-Large in the Michigan Democratic Party.

Judge Serra is a 4th generation Detroiter. His great grandparents, grandparents and parents were all born and raised here. His parents attended Cass Tech. high School. He has been rated “OUTSTANDING” by those who know the court best – The Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. To be rated “outstanding” an individual must stand at the top of their profession and rank among the best qualified judges or lawyers available for judicial service.

According to the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, Judge Serra has outstanding legal ability and background, as well as wide experience, wisdom, intellect, insight and impartiality. His preeminence in the law and as a citizen is widely acknowledged and his qualifications are virtually hailed by judges and lawyers.”

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