Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer honored Comerica Bank at a recent meeting of members of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. Mayor Archer presented the Michigan State Bar Foundation's "Access to Justice" award to Comerica Bank, saying "I am pleased to help recognize our state's largest bank for the support it provides for critical legal services for those less fortunate." Judge Michael G. Harrison, Michigan State Bar Foundation President, said "We are delighted that Mayor Archer has helped us acknowledge Comerica Bank for joining the 85% of our state's banks which eliminate all fees on IOLTA (Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts) accounts. Comerica's generosity produces additional sums for grants to help low-income families receive crucial civil legal assistance for needs such as protection from domestic violence, avoiding victimization for seniors and other needs."

Accepting the award for Comerica, general counsel and executive vice president George Madison said "It is an honor to receive the "Access to Justice" award recognizing Comerica's support for these important services." He indicated that Comerica took this action because helping those less fortunate "is the right thing to do." Michael Tierney, senior vice president and officer-in-charge of Retail Product Management and Planning, noted that this step is "in Comerica's tradition of giving back to the community."

Under IOLTA, the Foundation receives interest on lawyers' pooled trust accounts which hold funds that are individually so small or held so briefly that it is not possible for the funds to benefit the individual client. The Foundation distributes IOLTA funds primarily to organizations which provide legal assistance for Michigan's poorest citizens.

Comerica Bank, the largest bank in Michigan, is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a multi-state financial services provider headquartered in Detroit, with banking subsidiaries in Michigan, California and Texas, banking operations in Florida, and businesses in several other states. Comerica also operates banking subsidiaries in Canada and Mexico.

The Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association is a 2,500-member group, which was established over 162 years ago. It provides services for local lawyers and brings them together to discuss issues of importance to the legal profession and the public as well as assisting several public service projects.

The Michigan State Bar Foundation was established in 1947 by lawyers and judges to fund worthy law-related public interest projects. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Foundation at (800) 968-6723.

Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer (center) presented the Michigan State Bar Foundation's Access to Justice Award to Comerica Bank for its generosity in waiving IOLTA account fees to provide funds for civil legal aid to the poor. Receiving the award at a recent meeting of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association were (second from right) George Madison, general counsel and executive vice president - Comerica Bank and (fourth from right) Michael Tierney, senior vice president and officer-in-charge of Retail Product Management and Planning - Comerica Bank. Also present to acknowledge Comerica's generosity were (far left) Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association President Leonard Givens and (far right) Michigan State Bar Foundation President Hon. Michael G. Harrison.