Detroit Bar Association upcoming events

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

Co-hosted by

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.

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:

Dinner Sponsor:

Lunch Sponsor:

Dinner Reception Sponsor:

Drink Ticket Sponsor:

Golf Ball Sponsor:

Prize Sponsor:

Printing Sponsor:

Hole Sponsors:

Butzel
Colovos Law Firm
CURE Auto Insurance
Dickinson Wright
Edmonds Law
Flood Law
Hickey Hauck Bishoff Jeffers & Seabolt PLLC
McKeen & Associates, PC
Padilla Law Group
Taft
Veritext Legal
Wealth Strategies Financial Group
Whitlock

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: