Erika L. Bryant becomes 92nd SBM President
Congratulations to Erika L. Bryant, the 92nd President of the State Bar of Michigan!
Bryant was sworn into office by Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh on September 18, 2026, during the Presidential Inauguration and Awards Luncheon at the Detroit Marriott Troy — becoming just the second Black woman to hold the State Bar of Michigan’s highest office. Her rise to the presidency also marks the first time in State Bar history that two women have served as back-to-back presidents.
“As your president, I promise to lead by example, to do all I can in every way I can to leave this remarkable bar stronger and better able to serve than I found it, and I ask you to join me,” she said in her acceptance speech.
Bryant serves a one-year term, effective immediately. Serving alongside her for the 2026-2027 Bar year are President-Elect Thomas H. Howlett, Vice President David C. Anderson, Treasurer Suzanne C. Larsen, and Secretary Aaron V. Burrell.
She noted that her tenure will be committed to getting the Bar back to basics, reminding attendees of the words of Roberts P. Hudson, the very first president of the State Bar: “No organization of lawyers can long survive which has not for its primary object the protection of the public.”
The State Bar of Michigan serves more than 46,000 Michigan attorneys. Its mission is to promote the professionalism of lawyers; advocate for an open, fair, and accessible justice system; and provide services to members to help them best serve clients.
A solo practitioner with Butler David PLLC in Detroit, Bryant represents nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and individuals in litigation and transaction matters. She also serves as a commercial arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association.
As part of her service on the Board of Commissioners, Bryant has chaired the committees responsible for Public Policy, Strategic Planning and Engagement, Finance and Audit, and Professional Responsibility. In addition, she is a past president of the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association and has served in several leadership roles with the National Bar Association. She has also provided statewide leadership on the Michigan Supreme Court’s Commission on Fairness and Public Trust in the Michigan Judiciary.
Bryant earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science and Black studies from Amherst College and her Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School.
The luncheon also recognized eight individuals, one bar association, and one community organization for exceptional dedication to the legal profession and commitment to ensuring justice for all. The honors went to:
- Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award: Hon. David Murkowski and Hon. Christopher P. Yates
- Champion of Justice Award: Dorothy Dean and David M. Honigman
- John W. Reed Lawyer Legacy Award: Leonard Niehoff
- John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award: Russell Abrutyn
- Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award: Dennis Clark, Jerjuan A. Howard, and the Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
- Liberty Bell Award: Hispanic Center of Western Michigan
Posted September 18, 2026