Dear Michigan Lawyer:

Do you sometimes complain about the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) not doing enough to support lawyers or the rule of law or to improve access to justice? In fact, SBM has 24 committees and 4 separate initiatives specifically created to help lawyers do their jobs in both their offices and in the courts, to stress the importance of the rule of law, and generally to make sure that clients are able to obtain fair, quality representation. Just a few examples: the Judicial Qualification Committee interviews lawyers seeking judicial appointments and makes recommendations to the governor. Several committees weigh in on proposed court rule changes and legislative proposals, and are critical in helping the State Bar advance constructive changes and block proposals that are not in the interest of the public or our system of justice The Law and Media Committee and the Law-Related Education and Public Outreach Committee develop programs to burnish the image of how lawyers are perceived. We have committees that work toward providing criminal defense lawyers with a more fair compensation system and others that are leading the way to a more equal justice system. My point is this: don't complain—instead, volunteer to join a committee and work to better whatever you think needs to be made better.

Take a look at the complete list of State Bar committees and their websites to understand the sizes, jurisdictions, and even the meeting schedules of committees that sound interesting to you. Please take part in our efforts to improve Bar programs and the Bar's attempt to support lawyers, value the rule of law, and improve access to justice.

Applying for a committee appointment is easy. Enter your P# below and then submit requested information such as your resume or curriculum vitae by May 3. As president-elect, I will review the applications starting in late May and make the committee appointments by September 1. Due to the volume of applications we typically receive we cannot guarantee everyone a position on every committee they wish to join, but if you apply I give you my promise to make every attempt to find a way to make the best use of your interest in helping the profession and the public.

Thank you,

Brian D. Einhorn
President-Elect, State Bar of Michigan