Great Lakes Legal Conference 2024 - Banner

Great Lakes Legal Conference 2024


GLLC Learning Tracks buttonLEARN. CONNECT. SUCCEED.

Now is your chance to attend the State Bar of Michigan’s premier continuing education and leadership development event. Join us for the Great Lakes Legal Conference June 14-15 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island to learn, connect, and advance your practice.

Combining the best of the former Bar Leadership Forum and the Upper Michigan Legal Institute, the 2024 Great Lakes Legal Conference is open to all State Bar of Michigan members and will be packed with information in four learning tracks: Leadership, Legal Updates, Litigation, and Practice Management & Technology. Presented in conjunction with the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, the conference offers multiple sessions within each track that you can mix and match to personalize your conference experience.

“The Great Lakes Legal Conference combines education on timely issues with amazing networking. It's a must-attend conference!”
Mary Chartier, Okemos


Keynote Presentation:

AI takes centerstage this year with John W. Allen of Varnum LLP in Kalamazoo and Dennis M. Kennedy of Dennis Kennedy Advisory Services LLC in Ann Arbor providing the keynote presentation, “Balancing Act: Ethics, Efficiency, and AI in Legal Practice.”

John W. Allen practices in the areas of commercial law, litigation, family law, and professional responsibility. He served as chair of the State Bar of Michigan ethics and grievance committees and has more than 40 years of experience in law office management, practice groups, engagement, fees and fee disputes, quality control, and other issues.

Dennis M. Kennedy is executive director and chief innovation officer of Kennedy Idea Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the firm. He also serves as director of the Center for Law, Technology & Innovation at Michigan State University College of Law and teaches courses at the University of Michigan Law School. The author of several books, Mr. Kennedy has been a pioneer in the digital legal landscape since the 1990s.


GLLC Registration buttonRegister Today!

Save $50 by taking advantage of our early-bird pricing of just $225. This special price is available through May 14, 2024. Registration closes June 14, 2024.


GLLC Scholarship Application buttonScholarship Info

The Great Lakes Legal Conference (GLLC) scholarship applications are now available. The GLLC scholarship is open to any member whose organization or firm may not provide the necessary financial support to attend the Conference. Submit your application by 5:00 p.m. on April 5, 2024, to be considered.


Why choose GLLC

"I appreciate that the Leadership Conference at The Grand Hotel draws the Michigan Supreme Court Justices to come speak and meet with bar leaders and learning how to be on the cutting edge of the practice of law was exciting and inspiring."
Elizabeth V. Weisenbach, Bad Axe

"I look forward to attending this seminar every year. The speakers are incredibly informative, and the setting is absolutely wonderful."
Courtney E.S. Fisk, Grand Rapids

"The GLLC had a great batch of presenters. And it was fun!"
Phillip B. Toutant, Marquette

"As the Executive Director at the Detroit Bar Association, this conference gave me a great overview of current challenges within the legal field. I plan to use this information to better serve the needs of my members throughout the next year."
Sheena Law-Killinger, Detroit

"A well-rounded program in a beautiful setting with many opportunities for networking with attorneys from all over the state. Highly recommend."
 Deborah J. Williamson, Brownstown

"The conference provides updates and information that is valuable to all practitioners."
Peter R. Wendling, Bellaire

"From the engaging panel discussions to the networking opportunities with top legal professionals, every moment was a testament to the immense value this conference brings. I left feeling empowered, inspired, and armed with practical insights. Would definitely recommend!"
Tanya N. Cripps-Serra, Detroit