The State Bar of Michigan Open Justice Division is sponsoring the Fifth Annual Opening Doors Conference on Saturday, October 30, 1999 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Novi, Michigan.

This event explores the unique challenges facing under-represented groups in the law and celebrates the key role of minorities and women in the legal profession. It also provides an opportunity for new and inexperienced attorneys to network with seasoned practitioners in an informative and informal environment. Although the Conference is predominantly targeted at women, minority students, graduates and young lawyers, all attorneys are encouraged to attend.

The Conference begins at 8 a.m. with registration and a continental breakfast. Morning programs start at 8:30 a.m. and include "Building a Successful Law Practice," "Career Alternatives to the Practice of Law," and career opportunities in specialty areas including family law/probate, criminal, litigation and public interest/immigration.

All programs are in the form of a guided panel discussion and will provide opportunities for questions and answers from participants. The panelists represent a wide variety of backgrounds and expertise in the described areas.

A lunch will be provided as part of the registration fee at which there will be a keynote speaker. Following lunch there will be an open panel question and answer period.

During the day, participants will be able to visit the exhibitors' hall and to receive information about the many services available to assist new attorneys. Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to have their resume reviewed and evaluated or to participate in a videotaped mock interview with critique. These sessions will be in the morning and will be available only through pre-registration on a first come, first serve basis.

The afternoon program entitled "Law Office Management" will begin with registration from 12:30 to 1 p.m. It includes segments entitled "Setting Up a Law Office," "Representing the Client to the Best of Your Ability," and "Practical Aspects on Lawyering" and will run until approximately 5 p.m.

For those that pre-register, the fees are $25 for law students and first year attorneys, and $65 for other attorneys. The at-the-door registration fees will be $30 for law students and first year attorneys, and $80 for all others. Online registration will be available through the State Bar of Michigan website at www.michbar.org.

If you would like to register or need further information, please contact Judy Hershkowitz at the State Bar at 1-800-968-1442 ext. 6335, or jhershkowitz@michbar.org.