10/1/04

Nancy J. Diehl of Detroit has become the 70th president of the State Bar of Michigan. She is the first Bar leader in recent memory who's presently a prosecutor and only the third woman in a decade to lead the more than 36,000 member organization. Ms. Diehl was sworn in this afternoon by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Maura Corrigan in Lansing. The ceremony took place in conjunction with the State Bar of Michigan's 69th Annual Meeting at the Lansing Center.

Ms. Diehl has worked as a prosecutor for over 20 years and currently heads the Felony Trial Division in the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office overseeing general trials, homicide, auto theft, major drugs and the Child and Family Abuse Bureau. She is a sought after speaker and trainer nationally on domestic violence and child abuse investigation, prosecution and related matters. She has also been recognized by many different organizations for her efforts on behalf of children and families and has won over 20 awards to date.

Ms. Diehl serves on many important boards and committees including the Governor's Task Force on Children's Justice. She has been on the executive committee of this group since 1995. She is also on the Board of Directors of the Guidance Center and chair of the Wayne County Council Against Family Violence.

Ms. Diehl has been on the State Bar Board of Commissioners since 1996. She is Chair of the Public Policy and Rules Committees and served on the Representative Assembly from 1992 to 1996. She also served on the Criminal Jurisprudence Committee from 1989 to 1996. She is a member of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, the Wolverine Bar Association and the National District Attorneys Association. Ms. Diehl received her undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School in 1978.

Also serving as officers for 2004-2005 will be President-Elect Thomas W. Cranmer of Bloomfield Hills, Vice-President Kimberly M. Cahill of Center Line, Secretary Ronald D. Keefe of Marquette, and Treasurer Edward H. Pappas of Bloomfield Hills. The new officers were also sworn in this afternoon.

The State Bar of Michigan was established in 1935. All practicing Michigan attorneys and judges must be active members in good standing. The purpose of the State Bar, as set forth by the Michigan Supreme Court, is to "aid in promoting improvements in the administration of justice and advancements in jurisprudence, in improving relations between the legal profession and the public, and in promoting the interests of the legal profession in this state."

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