Since its founding seven years ago, the Litigation Section has developed into one of the largest and most active sections of the State Bar. During 2001-2002, the Litigation Section continued its commitment to provide its members with exceptional programs, a distinctive newsletter, and abundant opportunities to network and become involved in a variety of substantive activities. The Litigation Section also continued its efforts to contribute to the administration of justice.

Under the direction of Tom Cavalier's Programs Committee, the Litigation Section once again joined forces with ICLE to sponsor three outstanding programs with national speakers in the Masters in Litigation Series. These programs seek to enhance members' litigation skills and to become more effective trial advocates. On March 22, 2002, Dr. Solomon Fulero presented Law and Science of Eyewitness Testimony—What Every Civil Lawyer Needs to Know. On May 23, 2002, Martin Latz, featured in the December, 2001 edition of the ABA Journal, presented Advanced Negotiation in Facilitated Mediation. On June 18, 2002, Thomas Mauet, the renowned author, professor and director of trial advocacy at the University of Arizona College of Law, will present Trial Evidence—Artistry and Advocacy in the Courtroom. Litigation Section members received a discount on the registration fees for these programs.

Thanks to the Summer Conference Committee chaired by Kevin O'Dowd, the section also presented a top-notch program with Len Matheo and Lisa DeCaro of Courtroom Performance, Inc., Persuasive Power of Storytelling: From a Powerful Opening Statement Through a Compelling Closing Argument, at its family-friendly annual summer conference held in August 2001, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Traverse City. Under the leadership of our new summer conference chairperson, Tom McCarthy, the section has planned another exciting and educational program (as well as a fun-filled family weekend) at its annual summer conference this August at the Double JJ Resort just north of Muskegon. The conference will feature Dominic Gianna, one of America's outstanding teachers of advocacy, persuasion, and trial techniques, in Reel Justice: Power, Passion and Persuasion in the Modern Courtroom. And, as a special privilege, the section is honored to have Dennis Archer, the former Mayor of Detroit and the president-elect nominee of the American Bar Association, as our Saturday dinner speaker.

In connection with the annual summer conference, the section once again retained Special D Events of Troy, to handle logistics, including advertising, registration, planning, and onsite coordination. Special D was first retained for last year's summer conference and has proven to be a valuable asset to the section in this regard. We have also been successful in procuring various sponsors to help defray the costs of the summer conference and to provide door prizes to the attendees.

This past year the Litigation Section council approved a reduction in the number of newsletters from four to three issues to ensure quality and reduce cost. In keeping with past practice, the section, through its Publications Committee chaired by Brad Sysol, has so far published two theme issues and will be publishing a third issue later this summer. The first two theme issues focused on timely topics relating to litigating in the electronic age and accounting issues of importance to litigators in the post-Enron era. Due to the dedication of our webmaster Marilyn Madorsky, we were able to update the section's webpage. In addition, we improved upon communications with our members through the implementation of a listserv for the section. Communications were also expanded with other sections and with the assistance of the listserv, we were able to invite members to attend programs of common interest offered by other sections.

The Litigation Section's Rules and Legislative Committee, under the guidance of Gary Faria, analyzed and commented upon numerous proposals circulated by the State Bar, the Michigan Supreme Court, and the legislature. These efforts provided many of our members with the opportunity to improve upon the practice of law.

The Litigation Section also devoted significant efforts and resources to improving the administration of justice. Not only did the section make a $3,000 contribution to the State Bar's Access to Justice Fund, but also contributed $500 to the State Bar's QPL Committee in connection with the QPL program at the 2001 State Bar Annual Meeting. Furthermore, through a $1,000 contribution and the volunteer efforts of many of our members, the Litigation Section was instrumental in ensuring the continued viability of the Michigan High School Mock Trial Program administered by the Center for Civic Education Through Law. The section has also been requested by the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants to assist with its semi-annual litigation conference programs next year and plans are underway to do so.

The Litigation Section council met several times over the course of the year by videoconference for the convenience of the council members. The meetings were convened at the Dickinson Wright PLLC offices in Detroit, Lansing, and Grand Rapids and joined together by Dickinson Wright's videoconferencing capabilities. The section's executive committee met by conference call a week prior to each council meeting to discuss pertinent matters and to plan the agenda for the upcoming council meeting. The council also met for lunch at the 2001 State Bar Annual Meeting and has scheduled another such luncheon for this year's State Bar Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids. We are extremely pleased that State Bar President Bruce Neckers will be attending the June 10, 2002, council meeting.

The success of the Litigation Section this past year is due directly to the commitment of the council and its committees. The section has much to look forward to in the coming year with leadership from Chairperson-Elect Anne Bagno, Secretary Bob June, and Treasurer Kevin O'Dowd. However, as we move forward into the next year, we also look back to 2001 and the passing of our former council member, Bob Wartell. Bob's expertise and sage advice in the formative years of the section were instrumental in its growth and success. Bob was not only a true gentleman and an outstanding lawyer, but also the epitome of integrity and professionalism. His jovial wisdom and endearing friendship will be sorely missed.

Respectfully submitted,
Richard W. Paul
Chairperson, Litigation Section
May 31, 2002