Board of Directors Nomination Deadline

NOTICE TO THE MEMBERSHIP FOR OPEN BOARD SEATS

For the last 190 years and true to its roots as the oldest bar association in Michigan and one of the three oldest in the country, the Detroit Bar Association has served Detroit’s legal community through networking, practice development and community service.  Members of all ages and experiences continue Detroit’s tradition of the ethical, successful practice of law and fair administration of justice.

Now, we welcome nominations of lawyers and judges to fill open positions on our Board of Directors to lead us into the future. 

Self-nominations are accepted.  All nominations must be received no later than the end of business day on January 30, 2026. To be eligible, you must be an Active, Judicial or Public Service Member of the Detroit Bar Association. Associate Members are not eligible per by-laws.

Please email your CV and a brief description why you would like to serve on the Board of Directors to Executive Director at tcooley@detroitlawyer.org no later than January 30, 2026.

Benefits of serving as a volunteer leader:

• Play a significant role in advancing the profession.
• Mentor young attorneys and students.
• Have an opportunity to enhance the value of the Detroit Bar Association and the Detroit Bar Association Foundation to the Detroit community.
• Access up-to-date information about the challenges facing the profession.
• Exchange ideas and perspectives with other volunteer leaders.
• Build your professional network.
• Enhance your leadership development.

Desired Attributes Applicants Should Possess:

• Positive leadership attributes, emotional intelligence, ability to work collaboratively and engage in appropriate debate and discussion when needed, and visionary and strategic drive are required.
• Demonstrated ability to create and implement new, innovative programs within their sphere of influence. We will consider evidence of strategic thinking, leadership, a future focused approach, smart risk taking, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Recognized leaders in the legal community will be considered. Examples include but are not limited to serving as chairman of an allied society; Detroit Bar committee, section, council, commission or task force; or philanthropic organizations.

Director Responsibilities & Expectations:

• Strategic direction: Provide strategic leadership to the association to attain its goals and objectives.
• Meeting attendance: Attend monthly meetings of the Board of Directors regularly. May not accrue more than 3 consecutive unexcused absences.
• Meaningful involvement in Board goals: Accept assignment to at least two Board responsibilities and attend meetings related to these responsibilities, participate in the planning and implementation of the related goals and support the execution of those goals.
• Prompt response to communications and requests: Communicate regularly with the leadership and staff of the Bar since prompt and relevant responses to such communication are critical to the efficient operation of the Bar and to supporting the staff and leadership in discharging their responsibilities.
• Membership development: As a representative of the Detroit Bar, become knowledgeable about the accomplishments and member benefits of the Detroit Bar. Make every effort to identify and enroll new members.
• Support events and sponsorship: Make regular financial commitments to the events and programs of the Detroit Bar and its Foundation. It is the Directors' responsibility to secure financial support and to work to identify other sponsoring organizations to underwrite the Detroit Bar events and programs.
• Support of strategic partners: As a member of the Board of Directors, help to utilize the services of our strategic partners wherever possible and to create opportunities for them and the Detroit Bar.

Any questions, please email the Executive Director at tcooley@detroitlawyer.org.