Detroit Bar Association upcoming events

Law Day of Action (05/01/2026)

Fri, 01 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Event website:

https://actionnetwork.org/events/detroit-stands-for-the-rule-of-law-2

National website:
https://lawdayofaction.org

Event Flyer:
LawDayofAction2026.pdf

2026 Legal Scholars Call for Submissions (05/11/2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The deadline for submission is May 11, 2026. A submission fee of $25.00 US payable electronically is required to begin the evaluation process. By way of providing a submission, the author(s) agree that Detroit Bar in its sole discretion may without restriction or expense reproduce, publish, and use in an electronic or written format any such submission.

Please visit https://www.detroitlawyer.org/legal-scholars/ for more information.

For questions, contact Darlene Trudell at dtrudell@detroitlawyer.org.

Joint DBA/DBAF Board Meeting (05/20/2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Locations are as follows:

June 12, 2025 – Annual Dinner
September 17, 2025 – In person (at Dickinson Wright, 500 Woodward 40th Floor Suite 40000, Detroit)
October 15, 2025 – Zoom
November 19, 2025 – In person (at Miller Canfield)
January 21, 2026 – Zoom
February 18, 2026 – In person
March 18, 2026 – Zoom
April 15, 2026 – In person
May 20, 2026 – Zoom

(No meetings in July, August, or December)

June 2026 Admissions Ceremony (06/03/2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Join us for this unique opportunity to celebrate the success of qualifying attorneys who are entering the legal profession.

The Detroit Bar and Third Circuit Court will conduct an Admissions Ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The orders of admission will be sent to the State Bar of Michigan from the Wayne County Clerk’s Office after the ceremony.

Event Timeline:

12:00- 12:30 p.m. check in
12:30-1:30 p.m. Ceremony
1:30-2:00 p.m. Light Refreshments

The admissions ceremony marks the commencement of individuals beginning the practice of law and is celebrated with friends and family as the venerated lawyers and judges welcome the new lawyers into the profession.

Newly admitted attorneys to the Bar are eligible for a one-year free Detroit Bar Association membership. Click here to join.

If you wish to participate in the Swearing-In Ceremony in person on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, in the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, 13th Floor auditorium located at 2 Woodward, Detroit, MI 48226, please provide the following documents to the Wayne County Clerk’s Office, room 201 of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center no later than Friday, May 29, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.

1.Bar Admission Letter (if you waived the Bar in Michigan, please provide both letters you received)

2. Receipt from GovPay (www.govpaynow.com, use code 6223, Civil Action Filing Fees, Case #26-006914-PZ, Bar Admission option - $25.00)

3. A completed New Attorney Affadavit

4. Name of Sponsor (if applicable, but not required)

5. Address of New Attorney

NOTE: You must allow us at least 24 hours to prepare your paperwork. You must e-mail all the above documents/information to wcbaradmission@waynecounty.com no later than Friday, May 29, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

If you wish to be sworn in in a Private Ceremony, have questions, or want to register, please contact Cynthia Depaulis of the Wayne County Clerk’s Office at wcbaradmission@waynecounty.com or call 313-224-5509 or 313-224-5510. Office Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

For more information about the Detroit Bar, please contact Sheena Law Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.

"Raising the Bar" 2026 Annual Dinner (06/11/2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

"Raising the Bar" 190th Annual Dinner

June 11, 2026
Detroit Golf Club
5–8 p.m.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Raising the Bar 2026, the Detroit Bar Association's annual meeting—held at the iconic Detroit Golf Club.

Join us for an evening of celebration and recognition, including the installation of Detroit Bar officers and awarding those who have shown exceptional dedication to the outreach and growth of the law, within both the Detroit Bar and community.

Nonmembers welcome. Tickets are $105 per person.

Click here for sponsorship information. For more information, contact Darlene Trudell at dtrudell@detroitlawyer.org or 248-408-6919.

DIAMOND SPONSORS:

EMERALD SPONSORS:

SAPPHIRE SPONSORS:

ANNUAL SPONSORS:

PRINTING SPONSOR:

PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR:

Young Lawyer Awards Nomination Deadline (06/19/2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Detroit Bar Barristers are pleased to once again present the Outstanding Young Lawyer Awards. These awards will recognize the accomplishments of young attorneys who, despite being in the early stages of their career, have demonstrated great potential as future leaders of the legal community.

Nominees for these awards must have been in practice for 10 years or fewer. Recipients will be announced and honored at Summer Breeze on July 14, 2026, 5:30-8:30 pm, at Supergeil Detroit.

The Barristers President’s Award – This award recognizes a young attorney whose early career has exhibited high standards of service to the profession, his or her clients, and the public.
The Barristers Pro Bono Award – This award is given to the young attorney who has made extraordinary accomplishments through their participation in pro bono activities.
The Community Impact Award – This award goes to a young attorney whose integrity, competence and accomplishments have significantly impacted the local community, or have had a demonstrable impact on the broader state or national landscape.
The “One to Watch” Award – The recipient of this award will be chosen based on outstanding professional accomplishments that demonstrate not only their legal acumen and talent, but also their potential for future professional growth and achievements.

Nominations for the Barristers Awards must be received by Friday, June 19, 2026, and must include the name of the nominee, their firm/organization, years in practice, as well as a brief (not more than one page) statement explaining the basis for the nomination. Supporting documentation may also be attached. Award recipients are required to be active Detroit Bar Association members.

Submit nominations and questions to Patrick Masterson at PMasterson@dickinson-wright.com.

Medical Malpractice Plaintiff Section Event (06/22/2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Mastering the Art of Negotiation

Presented by the Medical Malpractice Plaintiff Section

Monday, June 22, 2026
5:30-8:00 p.m.

Location: Detroit Athletic Club
The Gearing and Kahn Rooms

The inaugural Medical Malpractice Plaintiff Section event will kick off with an evening dedicated to mastering the art of negotiation, where strategy meets real-world insight.

Featuring powerhouse presenters, The Honorable David Viviano and Pete Palmer, this program delivers unmatched perspective from two of the most respected voices in dispute resolution. Viviano, a former Michigan Supreme Court Justice and founder of Viviano Mediation Group, brings decades of experience resolving thousands of high-stakes disputes. Known for fostering open dialogue and driving toward fair, equitable outcomes, he offers a masterclass in effective, principled negotiation. Joining him is nationally recognized mediator Pete Palmer, whose 30+ years in medical malpractice, products liability, and personal injury on both sides of the aisle give him a rare and powerful edge. Celebrated for his creative, compassionate, and relentless approach, Palmer will share strategies that move even the toughest cases toward resolution.

Expect practical insights, candid perspectives, and techniques you can put to work immediately. Whether you're a seasoned litigator or building your practice, this is a can't-miss opportunity to sharpen your negotiation game.

Moderator:

Brian McKeen, Chair of the Detroit Bar’s Medical Malpractice Plaintiff Section

Presenters:

Pete Palmer, Founder of Pete Palmer Law
Hon. David Viviano, Former Michigan Supreme Court Justice and founder of Viviano Mediation Group

Event Timeline:

5:30-6:30 PM Drinks and Appetizers
6:30-7:30 PM Presentation

Members $25
Nonmembers $45

To update your membership status or to join, visit https://www.detroitlawyer.org/join/ or contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.

The information provided in this programming does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available are for general informational purposes only.

SPONSORS:

2026 Summer Breeze (07/14/2026)

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:30:00 GMT

July 14, 2026, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Supergeil Detroit
2442 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

It’s time for the 37th Annual Barristers' Summer Breeze and Law Clerk Party! This year’s Summer Breeze will be held at Supergeil Detroit, where guests can enjoy networking with members of the judiciary and other legal professionals. Summer Breeze is an ideal opportunity for new attorneys, summer associates and law clerks to meet and mingle with various members of the legal community in a relaxed and informal setting.

The Summer Breeze also provides the perfect opportunity to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of some of our best and brightest young attorneys who have, in the early stages of their career, demonstrated great potential as future leaders of the legal community.

Click here to view the award categories and to nominate an outstanding young Lawyer!

Registration: $45 Detroit Bar Members; $65 for non-members and includes appetizers. There will also be a cash bar available. Free admission for Detroit Bar Law Student Members and Members of the Judiciary. We look forward to seeing you on July 14!

For more information, contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.

2026 Detroit Bar Association Golf Outing (08/06/2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Detroit Bar Association
Golf Outing

August 6, 2026

Mystic Creek Golf Course
1 Champion Circle
Milford, Michigan

Join us in supporting the Detroit Bar and Foundation’s education and community outreach activities.

Registration includes golf, cart, lunch at the turn, dinner and reception with open bar, 2 on-the-course drink tickets, and prizes.

8:30 a.m. – Registration
9:30 a.m. – Shotgun start, four-person scramble, lunch at the turn
2:00 p.m. – Cocktails, Dinner, and Prizes (approximate time)

Individual Golf $170
Foursome $640
Dinner only $50

No cancellations or refunds accepted after July 24, 2026. No refunds for rain.

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE

Dinner Sponsor $3,000

Exclusive sponsor of Buffet Dinner
Signage at Outing
Logo on all promotional materials sent to 27,000 lawyers & judges in SE Michigan

Lunch Sponsor $2,500

Exclusive sponsor of Lunch at the Turn
Signage at Outing
Logo on all promotional materials sent to 27,000 lawyers & judges in SE Michigan

Dinner Reception Sponsor $2,000

Exclusive sponsor of open bar dinner reception
Signage at Outing
Logo on all promotional materials sent to 27,000 lawyers & judges in SE Michigan

Golf Ball Sponsor $1,500

Provide golf balls to all golfers with name or logo
Signage at Outing
Logo on all promotional materials sent to 27,000 lawyers & judges in SE Michigan

Hole Sponsor $250

Sponsor sign at a hole
Logo on all promotional materials sent to 27,000 lawyers & judges in SE Michigan

GAMES

Men’s & Women’s Closest to the Pin
Men’s & Women’s Longest Drive
Mulligans & Puttigans

Thank you for supporting the Detroit Bar!

For more information contact:

Darlene Trudell
dtrudell@detroitlawyer.org
248 408-6919

Presenting Sponsor:

Photography Sponsor:

Drink Ticket Sponsor:

Prize Sponsor:

Printing Sponsor:

Hole Sponsors:

CURE Auto Insurance
Dickinson Wright
Flood Law
McKeen & Associates, PC
Taft

Night Out with the Bench & Bar (10/05/2026)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

October 5, 2026

The Social Brews Detroit
211 W Fort St #100, Detroit, MI 48201

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Meet the Judges! The Detroit Bar Association welcomes you to join us at The Social Brews Detroit on October 5th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. for a post-work happy hour. Relax and connect with fellow lawyers and jurists outside of the courtroom; no programs, no briefs, no motions—only friendly debates, drinks and appetizers. Appetizers will be included with a cash bar available.

LOCATION:

The Social Brews Detroit
211 W Fort St #100, Detroit, MI 48226

COST:

$45 Detroit Bar Member
$65 Non-Members
$25 Students
Judges are complimentary

For questions, contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.

ANNUAL SPONSORS:

2026 Annual Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award Gala (11/12/2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 22:00:00 GMT

November 12, 2026
Detroit Yacht Club
5:00 – 8:00 pm

Join the judges and mayors at the 22nd Annual Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award Gala.

Archer Award winners all have one thing in common – each is an attorney or jurist who exemplifies the ideal of the law as public service. Proceeds will fund free legal clinics and community outreach programs.

90% of funds raised are directly allocated to pro-bono legal services, educational and student activities.

Download sponsorship information. Please contact Darlene Trudell at 248 408-6919 or dtrudell@detroitlawyer.org for sponsorship information.

DIAMOND SPONSOR:

SILVER SPONSOR:
Taft

IN-KIND SPONSOR:
Detroit Legal News

2026 Jingle Mingle (12/07/2026)

Mon, 07 Dec 2026 22:30:00 GMT

December 7, 2026

The Whitney Ghost Bar
4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit 48201
5:30-8:30 pm

Celebrate the season at the Whitney Ghost Bar in Detroit, a historic favorite known for its Detroit history food and elegant atmosphere. Enjoy an evening of connection and cheer as you share conversations, memories, and laughter with colleagues and friends—reflecting on the highlights of 2026 and looking ahead to 2027.

Guests will be treated to heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and festive holiday musical entertainment, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

$45 member
$65 non-member
$25 student
Judges may attend for free.

Includes hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.

Contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org.

ANNUAL SPONSORS: