State Bar of Michigan announces Michigan Bar Journal changes

The State Bar of Michigan is introducing several changes to the Michigan Bar Journal beginning in 2027 to strengthen editorial content, improve the publication's value and cost-effectiveness, and build on more than 100 years of serving Michigan attorneys.

The changes include establishing an Editorial Board of volunteer Michigan attorneys to help develop the Journal's content and adopting a new publication schedule of eight issues each year.

The Editorial Board will serve as a hands-on working body that collaborates with State Bar staff and authors to develop story ideas, review submissions, edit content, and help shape the Journal's editorial direction. Applications for the Editorial Board, and all State Bar of Michigan committees, are now being accepted through the online volunteer application system.

Beginning in January 2027, the Michigan Bar Journal will transition from 11 to eight issues annually. The new schedule reflects changing member preferences and helps offset substantial increases in printing and mailing costs while maintaining a high-quality publication.

Although the number of issues is being reduced, other changes are being explored and implemented to maintain a similar amount of editorial content.

When the new publication schedule is implemented, all members will receive a digital edition of the Michigan Bar Journal by email. Members who choose to get a printed copy will continue to receive it by mail.

The eight-issue publication schedule is currently planned for January, February/March, April, May/June, July, August/September, October, and November/December.

Posted July 9, 2026