Locations are as follows:
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 recognizing the Honorable Edward Ewell, Jr., Chief Judge, Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan.
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.
Emcee: Darren Cunningham, 7 News Detroit Reporter (WXYZ)
Tickets: $175
90% of funds raised are directly allocated to pro-bono legal services, educational and student activities.
Download sponsorship information. Please contact Sheena Law-Killinger at 810-923-2333 or slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org for sponsorship information.
PLATINUM SPONSOR:
DIAMOND SPONSOR:
GOLD SPONSORS:
SILVER SPONSORS: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Bodman Butzel Dykema Hickey Hauk Bishoff Jeffers & Seabolt, PLLC Jefferson Law Center Jones Day Kerr, Russell & Weber, PLC Mediation Tribunal Association Michigan State College of Law Plunkett Cooney Attorneys & Counselors at LawTaft Stettinius & Hollister, LLP Wayne State University Law School
BRONZE SPONSORS: Brooks Wilkins Sharkey & Turco PLLC Bush Seyferth PLLC Carole L. Chiamp Clark Hill Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC JAMS Miller Canfield Orlans Law Group and eTitle Slater Seibert Sommers Schwarz, P.C. Detroit Mercy Law
BENEFACTORS: Cavanaugh I Quesada PLC Flood Law Foley & Lardner LLP Honigman LLP Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC Miller, Tischler & Vislosky P.C. U.S. Legal Support Zausmer
CONTRIBUTORS: Altior Law Corbett, Harding & Dombrowski / ACG Staff Counsel Delta Law Group, PC Epiq Fink Bressack Hanson Renaissance Court Reporters & Video Mantese Honigman, P.C. Miller Johnson Rian Ryelee Foundation Rutledge & Jarrett, PLLC Suzanne C. Stanczyk, PLLC—ADR Services UnitedLex Veritext Legal Solutions
DETROIT BAR ASSOCIATION AND FOUNDATION TRUSTEES AND DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTORS: Erin Archerd Tishia Browning Raymond J. Carey Sarah L. Cylkowski Michael P. Donnelly Luis E. Gomez Roger P. Meyers Stefanie R. Reagan John F. Rhoades James S. Rosenfeld Lisa W. Timmons
IN-KIND SPONSORS: Detroit Legal News
So You Want to Be a Judge
November 18, 20265:30-7:30 pm Butzel Detroit Offices
Are you an attorney interested in serving on the bench? Join us for So You Want to Be a Judge, an engaging panel discussion featuring judges from state, district, county, federal, and appellate courts. Hear firsthand from judges who have reached the bench through both elections and appointments as they share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on the path to becoming a judge.
This program is designed for attorneys who are considering a judicial career at some point in the future. Learn about the different pathways to the bench, the challenges and opportunities of judicial service, and what it takes to prepare for this important next step in your legal career. Bring your questions and gain valuable insight from those who have been there.
Moderator:
Panelists:
Location: Butzel Detroit Offices Event Space 150 West Jefferson Avenue Suite 100 Detroit, MI 48226
Members: $25 Non-Members: $45 Judges: Complimentary
Time:
Heavy appetizers and drinks are included with registration.
For questions or assistance with registration and updating your membership, please contact Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org
Book Club Meeting
November 25, 2026The Three Cats, 116 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017 5-6:30 p.m.
The Work Life Balance Section invites you to join us for our 2026–2027 Book Club Series.
This year’s reading selections have been thoughtfully chosen to build upon one another, creating a year-long journey toward greater health, well-being, and personal growth. We hope this series will offer practical tools, thought-provoking conversations, and a supportive community as we explore what it means to thrive—both personally and professionally.
Please see the full schedule and reading list.
We hope you’ll join us for this journey of reflection, connection, and growth!
Detroit Bar Section Co-Chairs:
Registration:
$25 Members $40 Nonmembers
Registration includes one drink—wine, beer, or soda—along with shared appetizers.
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:
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
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 Tuesday, December 1, 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:
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 mass Swearing-In Ceremony in person on Tuesday, December 1, 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 Monday, November 30, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.
MASS CEREMONY:
Below is a list of the documents/information needed in order to be sworn in for the Mass Ceremony (December 1, 2026):
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 before you are sworn in so I can provide the Judge with the Order for signature before your ceremony.
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.
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:
January 27, 2027The Three Cats, 116 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017 5-6:30 p.m.
The 2027 Detroit Bench and Bar Society (DBBS), inspired by the American Inns of Court Model, will kick off on Tuesday, February 2, 2027. Meetings are held twice monthly on Tuesdays at Miller Canfield. Each session begins with a networking social and dinner at 5:30 p.m., followed by the evening's program. The program also includes one daytime webinar.
2027 Detroit Bench and Bar Society (Inspired by the American Inns of Court Model) dates are:
Membership and participation in the Detroit Bench & Bar Society is an exclusive benefit available only to Detroit Bar members. Non-members must join the Detroit Bar when they join the DBBS.
The DBBS dues for the 2027 program year are $75 for Masters, $60 for Barristers and Associates, and $35 for Law Clerks. This fee covers the costs for program administration and food and beverages during the season.
TO REGISTER: Use the link on this page and email your resumé to Sheena Law-Killinger at slawkillinger@detroitlawyer.org. The deadline to register is Friday, January 29, 2027.
February 24, 2027The Three Cats, 116 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017 5-6:30 p.m.
March 24, 2027The Three Cats, 116 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017 5-6:30 p.m.
April 28, 2027The Three Cats, 116 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017 5-6:30 p.m.
May 26, 2027The Three Cats, 116 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017 5-6:30 p.m.
June 23, 2027The Three Cats, 116 W 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017 5-6:30 p.m.