7/6/06

The National Bar Association (NBA) – the nation's oldest and largest association of lawyers and judges of color – will meet August 5-12 at the Detroit Renaissance Marriott Hotel for its 81st Annual Convention. Led by former State Bar President Reginald Turner, the NBA will focus on the theme of "Raising the Bar: Advancing Justice and Equality."

SBM President Thomas Cranmer	National Bar Ass'n President Reginald Turner

"We are honored to be the host state for this event, and the NBA – under Reginald Turner's leadership – has put together an impressive array of substantive programs, organization building activities, and networking opportunities," said SBM President Thomas Cranmer. "It is our privilege to join Reggie in welcoming the NBA membership to Detroit."

The State Bar will co-sponsor a Wednesday, August 9th morning panel presentation on “What’s Fair in ADR Through the Lens of Diversity: An Assessment and Discussion of Best Practices.” Along with the NBA Arbitration Section and NBA affiliate Michigan chapters of the Straker and Wolverine Bar Associations, the State Bar Alternative Dispute Resolution Section and Equal Access Initiative will present a panel of practitioners, court leaders and academicians to look at the dynamics of conciliation with a new sensitivity to diversity issues. Wayne County Circuit Court’s Judge Cynthia Diane Stephens will moderate the panel, and Douglas Van Epps, director of the Office of Dispute Resolution, State Court Administrative Office, Michigan Supreme Court, will represent Michigan in the program.

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