Applications are now open to volunteer for a State Bar of Michigan committee during the 2025-2026 bar year. Applications are due by 5 p.m. August 5, 2025. Apply here.
Volunteering for a committee allows you to help shape the future of the legal profession, protect the public, and network with friends and other attorneys across the state. Current committee members also may apply for reappointment. See below for a list of committees along with a brief description of the duties for each.
All appointments are for one-year terms from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. Appointments will be announced in mid-September.
2025-2026 STATE BAR OF MICHIGAN COMMITTEES
The following is a list of committees along with a brief description of the duties for each. For more information, visit www.michbar.org/generalinfo/committees.
Access to Justice Policy: Review and make recommendations on proposed court rules and legislation concerning access to justice, particularly access policy issues that impact underserved populations. Collaborate with other State Bar committees to provide feedback on proposed administrative, court rule, and statutory changes related to civil practice in the courts.
Affordable Legal Services: Evaluate and recommend innovative practices to provide low-cost legal services and expand affordable legal services for persons of modest means.
American Indian Law: Review and make recommendations on relevant proposed court rules and legislation. Facilitate more effective and appropriate interaction between sovereign tribal courts and state and federal courts.
Awards: Solicit and review nominations for awards.
Character & Fitness: Support the work of the State Bar of Michigan conducted under the direction and authority of the Board of Law Examiners and Michigan Supreme Court, including the review of applicant files flagged for further evaluation by participating in formal evidentiary hearings and making written recommendations; present files during formal hearings to the standing committee as State Bar counsel.. Note: This application is for the standing committee, which operates separately from the district committees.
Civil Procedure & Courts: Review proposed court rules and statutes for civil practice in the courts and make recommendations for improving administration, organization, and operation of Michigan courts.
Client Protection Fund: Review claims to the Client Protection Fund and make recommendations for reimbursement as appropriate.
Criminal Jurisprudence & Practice: Review proposed court rules and statutes for criminal procedure and practice in state courts and make recommendations for improving the operation of criminal law and procedure for fair and efficient criminal justice.
Diversity & Inclusion Advisory: Develop tools, strategies, and programs to improve and support diversity and inclusion in the legal profession in Michigan.
Judicial Ethics: Prepare written ethics opinions, articles, and other resources to guide Michigan judges on professional conduct; recommend amendments to the Michigan Rules of Judicial Conduct (MRJC); review and make recommendations on proposed amendments to the MRJC; and recommend and support programs and education related to judicial ethics. Note: Open only to currently serving judges.
Judicial Qualifications: Evaluate candidates for appointment to judicial vacancies and report in confidence to the governor.
Justice Initiatives: Advise on the implementation of programs to benefit underserved populations including the poor, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ people, juveniles, domestic violence survivors, people with special needs, and those on pro bono programs. Work to increase resources for civil legal aid programs.
Lawyers & Judges Assistance: Propose and support measures to advance the well-being of lawyers, judges, and law students including those experiencing general wellness issues as well as mental health and substance use concerns.
Michigan Bar Journal: Provide editorial guidance for the Michigan Bar Journal, including theme issues and reviewing unsolicited articles.
Professional Ethics: Prepare written ethics opinions, articles, and other resources to guide Michigan attorneys on professional conduct; recommend amendments to the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct (MRPC); review and make recommendations on proposed amendments to the MRPC; and recommend and support programs and education related to professional ethics.
Professionalism & Civility: Promote civility and professionalism and help teach the concepts in law schools, courts, law firms, and other practice settings.
Public Outreach & Education: Assist in developing educational events and programs advancing the public’s understanding of the law and the legal profession.
Unauthorized Practice of Law: Propose and support outreach programs to educate the public and the legal professional about the unauthorized practice of law (UPL); review and make recommendations concerning alleged UPL matters.
United States Courts: Collaborate with the federal judiciary and attorneys regarding proposed federal rule amendments and seek to enhance the quality and efficiency of the federal courts and promote the public’s understanding of the role and functions of the federal court system. The committee serves as a liaison between the Eastern and Western District courts and makes recommendations concerning the administration, organization, and operation of the courts.
Posted: July 2, 2025