9/1/09

The legal community will gather Sept. 16-18 at the Hyatt Regency in Dearborn for the State Bar of Michigan Annual Meeting, which will be held in conjunction with the Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s Solo and Small Firm Institute. This year’s annual meeting will mark a milestone — the beginning of the SBM’s 75th year of existence.

Among this year’s highlights:

SBM members who have achieved the highest honors in the areas of leadership, professional integrity, and community service will be recognized at the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 pm. The Michigan State Bar Foundation, the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, and the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association will also present their awards during this ceremony.

The Solo and Small Firm Institute will offer national speakers. Irwin D. Karp, Dustin A. Cole, Barron K. Henley, and Randall F. Dean will speak about succeeding in crisis times, utilizing and mastering new technology, enacting the best project management techniques, and overcoming procrastination.

On Thursday, Sept. 17, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Kelly will swear in the 75th president of SBM, Charles Toy, and other officers during the Inaugural Luncheon. Also on Thursday, Elizabeth Moehle Johnson will be sworn in as the new State Bar Representative Assembly Chairperson. The RA will also present its Michael Franck and Unsung Hero awards. The RA’s guest speaker this year is Attorney General Mike Cox.

The Celebrating Common Ground Reception starts at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17. SBM works in partnership with over 100 affinity bar associations to achieve improvements in the administration of justice. This social event will showcase bar associations that have partnered with the bench. Meaningful judicial involvement with bar associations helps assure a concerted emphasis on ethical conduct in the practice of law and helps bar associations succeed in attracting members and conducting popular events. 

The State Bar of Michigan Luncheon will take place at noon on Friday, Sept. 18. Tim O’Brien, who covered the United State Supreme Court for more than 20 years for ABC World News during the 1980s and 1990s, will speak about the Court, the cases, and President Obama’s impact on the Court.

For more information on this year’s Annual Meeting, visit State Bar Annual Meeting.

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