Why You Should Attend the Great Lakes Legal Conference
Past attendees say the Great Lakes Legal Conference, held annually at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, delivers outstanding education and meaningful connections.
Set for June 12-13, 2026, the State Bar of Michigan’s professional development and leadership conference offers "well chosen, timely and interesting topics by experts artful in presentation, " says Elizabeth Weisenbach of the Huron County Bar Association in Bad Axe.
Others, including Veronica Stachurski of Ward & Stachurski, PLLC, in Okemos, point to the networking and opportunities to speak with judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals from across the state as the highlight of the event.
"The atmosphere is great, but what's unique about this conference is that there are real, authentic conversations between attorneys and judges that you don't normally see at other events,” she says.
Plus, it’s just a good time and a chance to reignite your passion for the legal field.
"Attending the State Bar of Michigan Leadership Conference at the Grand Hotel was such a meaningful experience. The updates were timely and helpful, but what stood out most was the chance to connect with passionate, thoughtful leaders from across Michigan," says Maya Younis of Younis Law, PLLC, in Dearborn. "I left feeling recharged, supported, and genuinely inspired."
This year’s conference also spotlights the role that storytelling plays in law with keynote speaker Michael J. Steinberg, a civil rights lawyer, law professor, and oral storyteller who often appears on NPR’s “The Moth Radio Hour,” who will share his unique perspectives on democracy, civil rights, and the American experience.
The conference offers four learning tracks: Leadership, Legal Updates, Litigation, and Practice Management & Technology. Each track offers its own sessions that participants can mix and match to personalize their conference experience.
Don’t miss out! Advance your practice and expand your professional network in an exceptional setting. Registration is now open. Register by May 12 to take advantage of $50 off the regular admission price of $275. Click here to reserve your space today.
Posted: April 21, 2026