Upcoming events

  • 2024 Inn of Court

    • 04/09/2024
    • 05/21/2024
    • 3 sessions
    • Miller Canfield
    Register

    The IOC season will kick off on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The meetings are held monthly at Miller Canfield and begin with soft start social period at 5:30 p.m., followed by the program starting at 6:00 p.m. and last no longer than 90 minutes. 2024 dates are:

    • Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Kick Off Event Social Start/Dinner 5:30pm, program 6:00 – 7:00pm – Miller Canfield
    • Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Social Start/Dinner 5:30pm, program 6:00 – 7:00pm – Miller Canfield
    • Tuesday, April 9, 2024, Social Start/Dinner 5:30pm, program 6:00 – 7:00pm – Miller Canfield
    • Tuesday, April 30 , 2024, Social Start/Dinner 5:30pm, program 6:00 – 7:00pm – Miller Canfield
    • Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Closing Event Social Start/Dinner 5:30pm, program 6:00 – 7:00pm – Miller Canfield

    Membership and participation in the Detroit Bar IOC is an exclusive benefit available only to Detroit Bar members.  Non-members must join the Detroit Bar when they join the IOC.

    The IOC dues for the 2024 program year are $75 for Masters, $50 for Barristers and Associates, and $25 for Law Clerks. This fee covers the costs for program administration and food and beverages during the season.

    Please note that you must email your resumé to Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org by January 30, 2023. 

    Show details

  • Detroit Legal Services Clinic 2024

    • 04/16/2024
    • 12/17/2024
    • 9 sessions
    • Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on the 12th Floor room 1207

    The Detroit Legal Services Clinic provides information and advice from volunteer attorneys in the areas of: Divorce, Child Support, Domestic Relations Issues, Expungements, Bankruptcy, Probate, Real Estate, Landlord Tenant, and other Civil Law Issues.

    CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL LEGAL CONSULTATION WITH A MEMBER OF THE DETROIT BAR ASSOCIATION

    Please note that the Detroit Legal Services Clinic works with attorneys who volunteer their time to answer your questions. The response time will depend on the number of volunteer attorneys available during any given month and that individual attorney’s availability.

    If you need immediate assistance, please contact these other available resources:

    UPCOMING 2024 DATES:

    • Tuesday, April 16 - Volunteer Firm: Garan-Lucow
    • Tuesday, May 21 - Volunteer Firm: NEED
    • Tuesday, June 18 - Volunteer Firm: Butzel
    • Tuesday, July 16 - Volunteer Firm: Taft
    • Tuesday, August 20 - Volunteer Firm: Foley & Lardner
    • Tuesday, September 17 - Volunteer Firm: Bodman
    • Tuesday, October 15 - Volunteer Firm: Foley & Lardner
    • Tuesday, November 19 - Volunteer Firm: NEED
    • Tuesday, December 17 - Volunteer Firm: NEED

    We are still in need of volunteer lawyers from law firms for the months of May, November and December.

    If you would like to volunteer please email John Sier for the month you’d like to volunteer.

    John Sier email- john.sier@kitch.com

    Show details

  • May 2024 Admissions Ceremony

    • 05/29/2024
    • 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

    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 May 29, 2024. 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:
    12:30-1:30 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 May 29, 2024, 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 May 28th by 4:30 p.m.


    1. Bar Admission Letter (if you were waived by 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 (use your name), Bar Admission option - $25.00)

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

    4. 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 May 28th at 4:30 p.m.

    Detroit is preparing to host the Grand Prix downtown, May 31st June 2nd.  Set up will be occurring on the date of the Admissions Ceremony and some streets may be closed. Please allow yourself ample time for detours and parking. The Coleman A. Young Municipal Building is located between Jefferson and Larned. Jefferson will be closed. Larned will remain open and the One Detroit Garage, located across the street at 201 Larned Street will be open as well. Please click here for a a map.

    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.

    Show details

  • Lunch & Learn Volunteer Training Session #21

    • 06/04/2024
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Virtual Zoom Presentation
    Register


    Session #21: 
    Probate Training for Pro Bono Attorneys

    June 4, 2024

    12 p.m. – 1 p.m. 
     Virtual Zoom Presentation 
    Free – online Zoom 

    The Access to Justice/Pro Bono Committee and the Probate Section of the Detroit Bar Association invite you to attend a webinar focused on probate issues for pro bono attorneys, especially those who wish to volunteer with Lakeshore Legal Aid’s Homes for Generations Program. There are upwards of 5,500 homes in Detroit with clouded titles. The Lakeshore clinic is one resource for low income citizens to clear that title so that homeowner can access resources that the city and state have available.

    Presenters:

    • Macie Tuiasosopo Gaines, Gaines & Gaines Law Firm,  Chair of the Detroit Bar Probate Section
    • Robert Donald, Lakeshore Legal Aid

    Moderator:

    • John Sier, Chair, Detroit Bar Foundation Access to Justice Committee 

    Attend and receive a Certificate of Completion. Approved for State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Honor Roll hours. Training hours can be put toward the Detroit Bar Pro Bono award with recognition at the annual Archer Award Gala in November. For full details, please visit https://www.detroitlawyer.org/probonoaward/

    Brought to you by:

    DETROIT BAR PRO BONO/ACCESS TO
    JUSTICE COMMITTEE

    Show details

  • In-House Counsel Section Webinar

    • 06/05/2024
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Aligning Expectations with Outcomes: The In-House Perspective

    Wednesday, June 5
    Online via Zoom
         12-1 p.m.

    Join us for the Detroit Bar Association's In-House Counsel Section’s inaugural webinar, “Aligning Expectations with Outcomes: The In-House Perspective.” This session will be moderated by Luis E. Gomez, In-House Counsel for Global Class Actions at Ford Motor Company. Current in-house counsel from Ford, General Motors, and FORVIA, along with Christopher Webb, former General Counsel of the Jervis B. Webb Company, will explore effective strategies for setting expectations with outside counsel, enhancing communication, and aligning legal approaches to meet corporate objectives. Gain invaluable insights into optimizing collaborations between in-house and outside counsel to achieve successful legal outcomes. This webinar is essential for both in-house and outside counsel committed to elevating their practice and fostering stronger client relationships.


    Moderator: Luis E. Gomez, In-House Counsel for Global Class Actions at Ford Motor Company, Chair of the In-House Counsel Section

    Panelists:

    • Michael Gruskin, General Motors
    • Everado Tapia, FORVIA
    • Christopher Webb, Law & ADR Offices of Christopher Webb
    • Whitney Stefko, Ford Motor Company

    Members $10
    Nonmembers $25

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

    Show details

  • Medical Malpractice Defense Section Event

    • 06/06/2024
    • 5:30 AM - 7:00 AM
    • 500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 2500, Detroit, MI 48226
    Register

    Current Status of the Caps on
    Non-Economic Damages

    Presented by the Medical Malpractice Defense Section

    Thursday, June 6th
          5:30-7 PM
         Location: Kerr Russell 

    Join the Detroit Bar Association’s Medical Malpractice Defense Section for a panel discussion regarding the current status of caps on non-economic damages. Patricia Schabath of Kerr Russell and Co-Chair of the Medical Malpractice Defense Section will moderate the discussion with panelists representing several viewpoints on the issues at hand.


    Moderator: Patricia Schabath of Kerr Russell, PLC 

    Panelists:

    • Timothy Diemer of Jacobs and Diemer, PC – Appellate Attorney
    • James Tamm of Kerr Russell, PLC – Medical Malpractice Defense Litigator
    • Hon. David Groner – Retired Wayne County Circuit Court Judge
    • Robert Riley of Riley & Hurley, PC – Facilitator

    Event Timeline:
    5:30 PM Drinks and Appetizers
    6:15-7 PM Panel Discussion

    Registration:
    $15 members
    $35 non-members

    Location:
    Kerr Russell
    500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 2500
    Detroit, MI 48226

    Registration includes drinks and appetizers and there will be a brief social period before the start of the program.

    Please email slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org with any questions you might have regarding registration. 

    To become a Detroit Bar Association Member, please visit https://www.detroitlawyer.org/join/

    SPONSORS:


    Show details

  • "Raising the Bar" 2024 Annual Dinner

    • 06/13/2024
    • 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Detroit Golf Club, 17911 Hamilton Rd., Detroit MI
    Register

    June 13, 2024
         Detroit Golf Club,     17911 Hamilton Rd., Detroit
         5–8 p.m.

    Don’t miss your chance to be a part of Raising the Bar 2024, the Detroit Bar Association's annual meeting—held at the iconic Detroit Golf Club. Attendees may choose from an elegant indoor setting or the outdoor patio. 

    The evening of celebration and recognition features 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.

    Registration fee includes generous appetizers and a drink ticket; a cash bar (credit card only) will be available throughout the evening. Judicial officers may attend free of charge.

    Help grow the Detroit Bar Association!  When you bring a guest (in practice at least one year) who becomes a member on site, you will each receive an additional drink ticket. 

    Nonmembers are welcome. Tickets are $90.

    To sponsor, please contact Darlene Trudell at dtrudell@detroitlawyer.org or 248 408-6919. Download sponsorship form (right-click to download Word doc) or PDF sponsorship form.


    DIAMOND SPONSORS:





    EMERALD SPONSORS:










    SAPPHIRE SPONSORS:


    Kramer, Corbett, Harding & Dombrowski




    PRINTING SPONSOR:


    ANNUAL SPONSORS:


    Show details

  • New Lawyer Boot Camp 2024

    • 06/18/2024
    • 06/20/2024
    • 2 sessions
    • Zoom and CAYMC
    Register

    Tuesday, June 18th, 11a.m. - 2 p.m. Zoom Webinar 
         Thursday, June 20th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 

    Join the Detroit Bar Association in this immersive 1.5-day workshop covering everything a new attorney practicing in Wayne County needs to know to hit the ground running.

    Tuesday, June 18th 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Zoom Webinar 

    The Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan will give a procedural overview of Wayne County Courts and their respective divisions, followed by practical guidance from a group of experienced attorneys practicing regularly within the Criminal, Family, Juvenile and Civil Divisions.

    The half-day virtual workshop will conclude with a discussion led by the Detroit Bar’s Executive Director, Tracey Cooley, on the perils and pitfalls of applying Artificial Intelligence to your legal services. 

    Thursday, June 20th 9 a.m. - 4p.m. Coleman A Young Municipal Center

    This will be an in-person session including a tour of CAYMC and Phases of Litigation covering everything from discovery and depositions to juggling multiple hearings and introduction to trial practice. Experienced Detroit attorneys will lead you through the specifics of motion filing, discovery and depositions, successful trial practice, appeals, alternative dispute resolution and settlement conferences. 

    The day will also include presentations focused on starting your career with wellness in mind, professional presence via zoom and a practical guide to interacting with the courts, judges and staff. 

    Presenters: 

    • Sarah Gale-Barbantini, CURE Auto Insurance
    • Aaron Burrell, Dickinson Wright
    • Tom Grden, State Bar of Michigan Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program 
    • Chief Judge Patricia Perez Fresard, Third Circuit Court
    • Sue Stanczyk, Suzanne C. Stanczyk, PLLC 
    •  L. Pahl Zinn, Dickinson Wright 
    • Esther Flowers, Rose Legal Services, PLLC

    Cost: $55 (includes both workshop sessions, lunch on June 20th and course materials) 

    You must be a Detroit Bar Association member to participate. Registration deadline June 17, 2024. To join the Detroit Bar Association, please visit https://www.detroitlawyer.org/join/

    Please reach out to slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org with any questions regarding registration and membership.

    SPONSOR:

    Show details

  • Outstanding Young Lawyer Awards Nomination Deadline

    • 06/24/2024

    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 15, 2024, at Brew Detroit.

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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 Monday, June 24, 2024, 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 Jeffrey Turner     jturnerj92@gmail.com

    To make sure your nominee is an active Detroit Bar Association member, please reach out to Sheena Law-Killinger slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org  

    Show details

  • 2024 Summer Breeze

    • 07/15/2024
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Brew Detroit
    Register

    July 15, 2024, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
    Brew Detroit

    It’s time for the 35th Annual Barristers' Summer Breeze and Law Clerk Party! This year’s Summer Breeze will be held at Brew 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; $55 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 15th!




    Show details

  • Detroit Bar Association Golf Outing

    • 09/09/2024
    • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • Glen Oaks Golf Club


    VIEW THE PHOTO GALLERY

    SAVE THE DATE:
    September 9, 2024

    Glen Oaks Golf Club
    Farmington Hills, MI

    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, along with 2 on-the-course drink tickets.

    9:30 a.m. – Shotgun start

    For more information contact:

    Darlene Trudell
    dtrudell@detroitlawyer.org 
    248 408-6919

    LAST YEAR'S SPONSORS

    Presenting Sponsor:


    Prize Sponsor:

    Hon. Timothy M. Kenny, Retired Chief Judge

    Lunch Sponsor: 




    Dinner Reception Sponsor:

    Drink Ticket Sponsor:


    Golf Ball Sponsor: 



    Printing Sponsor:

    Hole Sponsors:

    Berri Azakir, PLLC
    Butzel
    Charters, Tyler, Zack, and Shearer

    Dickinson Wright, PLLC

    Fortz Legal Support, PLLC

    Fraser Trebilcock

    Foster Swift
    Hanson Court Reporting

    Honigman
    Kirsch Daskas Law Group PLLC
    Kitch Attorneys & Counselors
    Lingual Interpretation Services 

    N1 Discovery

    Records Deposition Service (2)

    The Sargent Consulting Group, LLC
    U.S. Legal Services 

    Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center
    Zausmer


    Gift Sponsor:

    Kirsch Daskas Law Group PLLC


    Show details

  • Night Out With the Bench & Bar

    • 10/07/2024
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • Brew Detroit
    Register


    October 7, 2024
    Brew Detroit
         5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

    Meet the Judges! The Detroit Bar Association welcomes you to join us at Brew Detroit on October 7th 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:

    Brew Detroit
    1401 Abbott Street
    Detroit, MI 48216

    COST: 

    $45 Detroit Bar Member
    $55 Non-Members
    $25 Students
    Judges are complimentary

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

    ANNUAL SPONSORS:


    Show details

  • 2024 Legal Scholars Call for Submissions

    • 10/15/2024
    Register

    The deadline for submission is October 15, 2024. 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.

    Show details

  • 2024 Jingle Mingle Holiday Celebration

    • 12/03/2024
    • 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    • 400 Renaissance Center Detroit, MI 48243
    Register



    December 3, 2024

    5:30-8:30 pm

    Andiamo’s Riverfront Detroit
         400 Renaissance Center
         Detroit, MI 48243

    Ring in the holiday season with the Detroit Bar Association in the GM Wintergarden with Andiamo’s Riverfront. Share conversations, memories and laughs with colleagues and friends as everyone looks back at the best of 2024 and forward to 2025. 

    Registration is $45 for Detroit Bar members, $55 for non-members and $25 for students and includes hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.  Members of the judiciary are welcome to join us as our guests. 

    Parking is available at the Beaubien Garage, located on Beaubien between Jefferson and Atwater. 

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


    ANNUAL SPONSORS:
    Show details