Activities Supporting the Strategic Plan
Find out more about the State Bar of Michigan's Strategic Plan.
Goal 1: The State Bar of Michigan provides resources to help all of its members achieve professional excellence and success in the practice of law and in service to the public.
Click on each of the strategies listed below the goals to see a list of State Bar of Michigan activities supporting each.
- eJournal
- The eJournal provides summaries of the latest opinions from the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court. Each summary also includes a PDF of the opinion and identifies the judges, key issues, and relevant practice area(s). By providing timely, accurate, and easy-to-read summaries, the eJournal helps Michigan attorneys stay current on case law. Delivered by email five days a week, the summaries also are available online and in a searchable archive. SBM programs and initiatives are advertised in the eJournal.
- Ethics Seminars
- The State Bar of Michigan also offers a variety of trainings and seminars to serve members and support compliance.
- Face of Justice
- Modeled after the National Association of Women Judges program, the Face of Justice pipeline program seeks to expose more diverse children and students to the legal profession by offering education, networking, and mentoring opportunities with Michigan lawyers and judges.
- Law School Presentations
- The State Bar of Michigan works closely with all five law schools in Michigan. Our collaboration includes presentations and seminars to help educate future lawyers about important and emerging issues in the legal profession.
- Mental Health and Wellness Programming
- The State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program creates and implements a wide range of programs in an effort to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of mental health issues on the legal profession. Along with raising awareness, clinical staff offer programs specifically designed to support and increase wellness among Michigan’s lawyers and judges.
- Mentorship
- The SBM Mentoring Center connects interested participants in mentoring relationships that align with one or more of the three principles identified by the mentorship workgroup as critical to success: a local-community focus, a practice-area focus, and/or a project-based focus such as a pro bono matter. In addition, SBM staff continues to support and promote local mentoring programs throughout the state, and the mentoring that occurs within SBM sections, by promoting these opportunities among both potential mentors and mentees, working directly with the Young Lawyers Section, the Senior Lawyers Section, law schools, the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, and the Michigan Center for Civic Education. SBM staff also shares information about mentoring and strongly encourages mentoring during Section Leader Orientation, Bar Leadership Forum and other events, and through electronic communications.
- Michigan Bar Journal
- The Michigan Bar Journal is written by attorneys for attorneys. It includes feature articles based on themes developed and edited by the Michigan Bar Journal Committee as well as columns, articles, and news written by staff and other expert contributors. Regularly appearing content includes Best Practices, Ethical Perspectives, From the President, Law Practice Solutions, Libraries and Legal Research, Plain Language, and Practicing Wellness. The Michigan Bar Journal is published in print and online 11 times a year and is the official communication vehicle for the State Bar of Michigan. The Bar Journal is required to publish certain notices under the Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan. As the State Bar of Michigan’s flagship publication, it is also used to advertise SBM events and resources.
- On Balance Podcast
- The State Bar of Michigan podcast series, On Balance, features a diversified array of legal thought leaders. Hosted by SBM staff from the Practice Management Resource Center and Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program, the series focuses on the need for interplay between practice management and lawyer wellness for a thriving law practice.
- Practice Management Resource Center
- The Practice Management Resource Center (PMRC) provides resources to attorneys and their staff to help them build and maintain professional competence. Example resources include a practice management helpline, dedicated website, Michigan Bar Journal columns, podcasts, webcasts/webinars, seminar presentations, voluntary and mandated Attorney Grievance Commission/Attorney Discipline Board onsite consultations, newsletters, and social media interface.
- Pro Bono Programs and Trainings
- The State Bar of Michigan partners with statewide pro bono efforts to support their success and encourage/facilitate Michigan attorneys’ participation in access to justice initiatives. These programs include traditional pro bono services as well as partnerships with public service organizations and local and affinity bars.
- Sections and Affinity Bar Support
- Every bar year, SBM leadership and staff promote and support the work of SBM’s 43 sections and Michigan’s 121 affinity bars. There are 39 practice-area SBM sections (e.g., Business Law, Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning) and four demography-based sections (Judicial, Law Student, Senior Lawyers, and Young Lawyers). Affinity bars are organized into three types: geography-based (e.g., Delta County, Detroit, Ingham County); practice area (e.g., Federal Bar, Intellectual Property, Municipal Attorneys); and demography-based (e.g., Black Women Lawyers, Michigan Muslim Bar, Wolverine Bar). All but two sections are self-supported through voluntary section dues and governed by their own section bylaws and elected councils. The Young Lawyers and Judicial sections are supported by the State Bar of Michigan because membership is required for certain members. The State Bar of Michigan provides infrastructure, information, communication tools, and consultation to all sections.
- Task Force on Well-Being in the Law
- Based on research from the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Bar of Michigan worked collaboratively to create the Task Force on Well-Being in the Law. The goal of the task force is to identify stakeholders and the role they can play in improving the mental health of attorneys; eliminate the stigma associated with help-seeking behaviors; educate lawyers, judges, and law students on well-being issues; and take incremental steps to instill greater well-being in the legal profession. The goal of this work is to instill greater public confidence in the legal profession and increase access to justice.
- Website: michbar.org
- The State Bar of Michigan website provides information for the public and Michigan attorneys and includes programs and services, news releases, and a calendar. It houses the classic version of the online member directory and is also home to the Michigan Bar Journal and the eJournal. Located at michbar.org, it is a key tool in sharing information broadly and quickly.
- Young Lawyers Section Programming
- Every bar year, the SBM Young Lawyers Section hosts a series of educational and networking events designed to help new lawyers become practice ready.
- eJournal
- The eJournal provides summaries of the latest opinions from the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court. Each summary also includes a PDF of the opinion and identifies the judges, key issues, and relevant practice area(s). By providing timely, accurate, and easy-to-read summaries, the eJournal helps Michigan attorneys stay current on case law. Delivered by email five days a week, the summaries also are available online and in a searchable archive. SBM programs and initiatives are advertised in the eJournal.
- Ethics Seminars
- The State Bar of Michigan also offers a variety of trainings and seminars to serve members and support compliance.
- Mental Health and Wellness Programming
- The State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program creates and implements a wide range of programs in an effort to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of mental health issues on the legal profession. Along with raising awareness, clinical staff offer programs specifically designed to support and increase wellness among Michigan’s lawyers and judges.
- Michigan Bar Journal
- The Michigan Bar Journal is written by attorneys for attorneys. It includes feature articles based on themes developed and edited by the Michigan Bar Journal Committee as well as columns, articles, and news written by staff and other expert contributors. Regularly appearing content includes Best Practices, Ethical Perspectives, From the President, Law Practice Solutions, Libraries and Legal Research, Plain Language, and Practicing Wellness. The Michigan Bar Journal is published in print and online 11 times a year and is the official communication vehicle for the State Bar of Michigan. The Bar Journal is required to publish certain notices under the Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan. As the State Bar of Michigan’s flagship publication, it is also used to advertise SBM events and resources.
- On Balance Podcast
- The State Bar of Michigan podcast series, On Balance, features a diversified array of legal thought leaders. Hosted by SBM staff from the Practice Management Resource Center and Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program, the series focuses on the need for interplay between practice management and lawyer wellness for a thriving law practice.
- Practice Management Resource Center
- The Practice Management Resource Center (PMRC) provides resources to attorneys and their staff to help them build and maintain professional competence. Example resources include a practice management helpline, dedicated website, Michigan Bar Journal columns, podcasts, webcasts/webinars, seminar presentations, voluntary and mandated Attorney Grievance Commission/Attorney Discipline Board onsite consultations, newsletters, and social media interface.
- Pro Bono Programs and Trainings
- The State Bar of Michigan partners with statewide pro bono efforts to support their success and encourage/facilitate Michigan attorneys’ participation in access to justice initiatives. These programs include traditional pro bono services as well as partnerships with public service organizations and local and affinity bars.
- Sections and Affinity Bar Support
- Every bar year, SBM leadership and staff promote and support the work of SBM’s 43 sections and Michigan’s 121 affinity bars. There are 39 practice-area SBM sections (e.g., Business Law, Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning) and four demography-based sections (Judicial, Law Student, Senior Lawyers, and Young Lawyers). Affinity bars are organized into three types: geography-based (e.g., Delta County, Detroit, Ingham County); practice area (e.g., Federal Bar, Intellectual Property, Municipal Attorneys); and demography-based (e.g., Black Women Lawyers, Michigan Muslim Bar, Wolverine Bar). All but two sections are self-supported through voluntary section dues and governed by their own section bylaws and elected councils. The Young Lawyers and Judicial sections are supported by the State Bar of Michigan because membership is required for certain members. The State Bar of Michigan provides infrastructure, information, communication tools, and consultation to all sections.
- Task Force on Well-Being in the Law
- Based on research from the National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Bar of Michigan worked collaboratively to create the Task Force on Well-Being in the Law. The goal of the task force is to identify stakeholders and the role they can play in improving the mental health of attorneys; eliminate the stigma associated with help-seeking behaviors; educate lawyers, judges, and law students on well-being issues; and take incremental steps to instill greater well-being in the legal profession. The goal of this work is to instill greater public confidence in the legal profession and increase access to justice.
- Upper Michigan Legal Institute
- The Upper Michigan Legal Institute offers substantive legal education in conjunction with ICLE, including family law, business law, and real property law updates. This event is held in northern Michigan at the Grand Hotel and is especially targeted at the practice needs of northern Michigan practitioners. Beginning in 2023, the Bar Leadership Forum and the Upper Michigan Legal Institute will combine into a single conference called the Great Lakes Legal Conference.
- Website: michbar.org
- The State Bar of Michigan website provides information for the public and Michigan attorneys and includes programs and services, news releases, and a calendar. It houses the classic version of the online member directory and is also home to the Michigan Bar Journal and the eJournal. Located at michbar.org, it is a key tool in sharing information broadly and quickly.
- Limited Scope Representation and LEAN/Continuous Improvement
- On the recommendation of the 21st Century Practice Task Force, SBM pursued amendments to the Michigan Court Rules and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct to clarify and encourage attorneys to offer limited scope representation (LSR) to provide lower-cost legal options for low- and moderate-income people. In response to the LSR rule change, SBM engaged in extensive outreach to attorneys promoting the rule change and offering educational opportunities to attorneys in Michigan.
- Michigan Bar Journal
- The Michigan Bar Journal is written by attorneys for attorneys. It includes feature articles based on themes developed and edited by the Michigan Bar Journal Committee as well as columns, articles, and news written by staff and other expert contributors. Regularly appearing content includes Best Practices, Ethical Perspectives, From the President, Law Practice Solutions, Libraries and Legal Research, Plain Language, and Practicing Wellness. The Michigan Bar Journal is published in print and online 11 times a year and is the official communication vehicle for the State Bar of Michigan. The Bar Journal is required to publish certain notices under the Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan. As the State Bar of Michigan’s flagship publication, it is also used to advertise SBM events and resources.
- Modest Means
- The State Bar of Michigan Modest Means program connects moderate-income people with attorneys who offer reduced-cost legal assistance. To be eligible for the Modest Means Program household income must fall at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines and liquid assets must not exceed $5,000. Attorneys agree to limit fees to $500 (personal bankruptcy only), no more than $75 per hour, or offer a service agreement consisting of a reasonable monthly payment plan. Attorneys can request a retainer of up to $750. The State Bar of Michigan does not collect a percentage fee for Modest Means referrals.
- On Balance Podcast
- The State Bar of Michigan podcast series, On Balance, features a diversified array of legal thought leaders. Hosted by SBM staff from the Practice Management Resource Center and Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program, the series focuses on the need for interplay between practice management and lawyer wellness for a thriving law practice.
- Practice Management Resource Center
- The Practice Management Resource Center (PMRC) provides resources to attorneys and their staff to help them build and maintain professional competence. Example resources include a practice management helpline, dedicated website, Michigan Bar Journal columns, podcasts, webcasts/webinars, seminar presentations, voluntary and mandated Attorney Grievance Commission/Attorney Discipline Board onsite consultations, newsletters, and social media interface.
- Bar Leadership Forum
- The Bar Leadership Forum is an invitation-only event held annually for bar leaders that include the Board of Commissioners; section chairs and chairs-elect; and bar association presidents, vice presidents, and administrators. Beginning in 2023, the Bar Leadership Forum and the Upper Michigan Legal Institute will combine into a single conference called the Great Lakes Legal Conference.
- Committee Volunteer Opportunities
- Each bar year, SBM staff promotes and markets opportunities for members to serve on SBM committees. Candidates indicate their interest in committee service through an online application process. Candidates are selected and appointed to SBM committees by the SBM president-elect.
- Online Lawyer Directory
- The State Bar of Michigan website hosts two online directories: The classic directory provides basic member contact information, and the ReliaGuide enhanced profile directory provides a comprehensive platform for attorneys to showcase their experience, areas of practice, and accomplishments to assist potential clients with understanding their qualifications. Members can also add photos and video content, giving potential clients an even deeper insight into their background and skillset. The directory is designed to boost the visibility of Michigan legal professionals to help them gain new business opportunities and is an essential tool for attorneys looking to stay competitive in the legal profession. More than 10,600 SBM members have added enhanced profiles to their directory listing.
- Race and Justice Forums
- SBM hosts an ongoing virtual Race and Justice Forum for Michigan lawyers, affinity and local bars, and justice system stakeholders. The purpose of the forum is to stimulate conversation, advance knowledge, foster understanding of different perspectives, brainstorm solutions, and showcase opportunities to learn or help. The forum also has a resource page that includes resources recommended by participants.
- Sections and Affinity Bar Support
- Every bar year, SBM leadership and staff promote and support the work of SBM’s 43 sections and Michigan’s 121 affinity bars. There are 39 practice-area SBM sections (e.g., Business Law, Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning) and four demography-based sections (Judicial, Law Student, Senior Lawyers, and Young Lawyers). Affinity bars are organized into three types: geography-based (e.g., Delta County, Detroit, Ingham County); practice area (e.g., Federal Bar, Intellectual Property, Municipal Attorneys); and demography-based (e.g., Black Women Lawyers, Michigan Muslim Bar, Wolverine Bar). All but two sections are self-supported through voluntary section dues and governed by their own section bylaws and elected councils. The Young Lawyers and Judicial sections are supported by the State Bar of Michigan because membership is required for certain members. The State Bar of Michigan provides infrastructure, information, communication tools, and consultation to all sections.
- SOLACE
- SOLACE is a program coordinated by SBM that helps deliver meaningful and compassionate support to members of Michigan’s legal community and their immediate families in critical need because of a recent, sudden, catastrophic illness, injury, or event. Without regard to income or assets, all Michigan judges, lawyers, court personnel, paralegals, legal assistants, legal administrators, law students, and their immediate families are eligible to request help through SOLACE. The help provided to members of Michigan’s legal community in need is completely voluntary and based entirely on the goodwill of other members of the legal community that are willing and able to help.
- U.S. Courts Committee Bench-Bar Dinner
- The State Bar of Michigan hosts an annual Bench-Bar Dinner, which is organized by the United States Courts Committee. The committee invites members of the federal judiciary and, more recently, members of the state judiciary to come together to discuss the intersection of state and federal judicial issues.
Goal 2: The State Bar of Michigan champions access to justice and builds public trust and confidence in the justice system in Michigan.
Click on each of the strategies listed below the goals to see a list of State Bar of Michigan activities supporting each.
- Law-Related Education
- The Public Outreach and Education Committee oversees the bar’s ongoing efforts with respect to K-12 programs, public outreach resources, SBM’s relationship with the Michigan Center for Civic Education, the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center, and Michigan Legal Milestones.
- Lawyer Referral Service
- The Lawyer Referral Service is a telephone-based referral system that matches people who are seeking a lawyer with an attorney in the practice area they need. Consumers pay a $25 administrative fee and receive a 25-minute consultation from the attorney to whom they are referred at no additional cost. The call center also screens callers for eligibility for free or low-cost legal services and refers them (at no cost) to the appropriate services. If callers decline to pay the administrative fee, the call center connects them with additional resources including information on legal clinics, self-help centers, Michigan Legal Help, and the online lawyer directory to find their own attorney. On average, the Lawyer Referral Service handles more than 100 calls each day.
- Legal Resource and Referral Center
- The Legal Resource and Referral Center is designed to simplify the process of finding legal assistance. Whether looking for an attorney, information about a particular law or legal issue, or how to access selfhelp resources, the Legal Resource and Referral Center provides information and connections to attorneys through the Lawyer Referral Service, Self-Guided Attorney Search, Modest Means Program, Self-Help Resources, Legal Aid Resources, and Legal Information Resources. The Online Legal Resource and Referral Center is also an online portal designed to make lawyer referral convenient and efficient for call center staff to process referrals and for attorney panel members to manage their panel membership online. Since its inception in 2017, the Legal Resource and Referral Center has had more than 2 million pageviews.
- Limited Scope Representation
- On the recommendation of the 21st Century Practice Task Force, SBM pursued amendments to the Michigan Court Rules and Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct to clarify and encourage attorneys to offer limited scope representation (LSR) to provide lower-cost legal options for low- and moderate-income people. In response to the LSR rule change, SBM engaged in extensive outreach to attorneys promoting the rule change and offering educational opportunities to attorneys in Michigan.
- Online Lawyer Directory
- The State Bar of Michigan website hosts two online directories: The classic directory provides basic member contact information, and the ReliaGuide enhanced profile directory provides a comprehensive platform for attorneys to showcase their experience, areas of practice, and accomplishments to assist potential clients with understanding their qualifications. Members can also add photos and video content, giving potential clients an even deeper insight into their background and skillset. The directory is designed to boost the visibility of Michigan legal professionals to help them gain new business opportunities and is an essential tool for attorneys looking to stay competitive in the legal profession. More than 10,600 SBM members have added enhanced profiles to their directory listing.
- A Lawyer Helps
- The A Lawyer Helps program provides information on how Michigan attorneys can become involved in different pro bono opportunities, recognizes those attorneys and firms that donate pro bono service, and seeks to inspire others to become more involved in pro bono work. A Lawyer Helps also shares stories submitted by Michigan attorneys highlighting pro bono and community service to increase public awareness of the positive impact attorneys make throughout Michigan.
- Client Protection Fund
- The Client Protection Fund reimburses clients who have been victimized by lawyers who violate the profession’s ethical standards and misappropriate funds entrusted to them. Attorneys pay an annual fee to the Fund. The Client Protection Fund Committee reviews claims and makes recommendations regarding reimbursement to the Board of Commissioners, which ultimately approves or denies claims. SBM staff members research claims and engage in subrogation efforts against respondents to recoup money paid out by the Fund. The Client Protection Fund staff regularly communicates with the Attorney Grievance Commission and the Attorney Discipline Board to facilitate claims and ensure effective means of transmitting information.
- Law-Related Education
- The Public Outreach and Education Committee oversees the bar’s ongoing efforts with respect to K-12 programs, public outreach resources, SBM’s relationship with the Michigan Center for Civic Education, the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center, and Michigan Legal Milestones.
- Unauthorized Practice of Law
- As part of its duties to protect the public, the State Bar of Michigan is empowered to prosecute the unauthorized practice of law (UPL). The SBM UPL Committee reviews complaints and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on complaints that SBM should prosecute. SBM also has a number of resources available, including the UPL webpages, which provide information regarding UPL and permanent injunctions obtained against unlicensed individuals who have engaged in UPL. UPL staff provides information to the Attorney Grievance Commission, the Attorney Discipline Board, courthouses, attorneys, community centers, and the public.
- A Lawyer Helps
- The A Lawyer Helps program provides information on how Michigan attorneys can become involved in different pro bono opportunities, recognizes those attorneys and firms that donate pro bono service, and seeks to inspire others to become more involved in pro bono work. A Lawyer Helps also shares stories submitted by Michigan attorneys highlighting pro bono and community service to increase public awareness of the positive impact attorneys make throughout Michigan.
- Modest Means
- The State Bar of Michigan Modest Means program connects moderate-income people with attorneys who offer reduced-cost legal assistance. To be eligible for the Modest Means Program household income must fall at or below 250% of federal poverty guidelines and liquid assets must not exceed $5,000. Attorneys agree to limit fees to $500 (personal bankruptcy only), no more than $75 per hour, or offer a service agreement consisting of a reasonable monthly payment plan. Attorneys can request a retainer of up to $750. The State Bar of Michigan does not collect a percentage fee for Modest Means referrals.
- Pro Bono Honor Roll
- The Pro Bono Honor Roll recognizes individual attorneys, law firms, and corporations that support access-to-justice efforts by providing pro bono legal services to low-income individuals and families throughout Michigan. Law firms and corporations that submitted an Honor Roll application and achieved a per attorney average of 30, 50, or 100+ hours of pro bono legal services, as well as firms and corporations that provided at least 100 cumulative hours of pro bono legal services, are eligible for recognition on the Pro Bono Honor Roll. Individual attorneys who submitted an Honor Roll application and provided 30, 50, or 100+ hours of qualifying pro bono legal services are eligible for recognition on the Honor Roll.
- Pro Bono Programs and Trainings
- The State Bar of Michigan partners with statewide pro bono efforts to support their success and encourage/facilitate Michigan attorneys’ participation in access to justice initiatives. These programs include traditional pro bono services as well as partnerships with public service organizations and local and affinity bars.
- Demographics Report
- Since 2007, the Research and Development team of SBM has produced a detailed report of the demographics of SBM members. The report offers an in-depth look at the changing demographics, including members’ ages, tenure with the Bar, race/ethnicity, gender, areas of practice and occupational areas, law school attended, and geographic location within the state. This information provides a comprehensive overview of who makes up the membership of SBM and provides a better understanding of current trends, offering insight into what the future membership might look like based on these trends. The information contained in this report is invaluable to both the Bar as a whole and to individual sections to better anticipate and adapt to meet the future needs of members and determine how to best provide services that reflect those needs.
- Diversity and Inclusion Resources/Links of Interest
- The “Diversity and Inclusion Resources” webpage contains links to information and materials covering various aspects of the topic. The resources are regularly updated.
- Face of Justice
- Modeled after the National Association of Women Judges program, the Face of Justice pipeline program seeks to expose more diverse children and students to the legal profession by offering education, networking, and mentoring opportunities with Michigan lawyers and judges.
- Neuroscience of Decision-Making
- Presented by Kimberly Papillon, this training series focuses on neuroscience and its impact on fair decision-making in the law. Papillon is an attorney and a nationally recognized expert on the subject of judicial and legal decision-making. She has delivered over 300 lectures nationally and internationally on the implications of neuroscience, psychology, and implicit association.
- Pledge to Achieve Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession
- The Pledge was developed in 2011 to reinforce the work that has been ongoing to seek improvements in the diversity and inclusion of the profession in Michigan. Thousands of Michigan lawyers and entities have signed on to continue the work.
- Law-Related Education
- The Public Outreach and Education Committee oversees the bar’s ongoing efforts with respect to K-12 programs, public outreach resources, SBM’s relationship with the Michigan Center for Civic Education, the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center, and Michigan Legal Milestones.
- Pipeline Program Guidebook
- The Pipeline Program is designed to provide information regarding pipeline programs from across Michigan with the goal of fostering collaboration among involved entities and replication of successful programs.
- Unauthorized Practice of Law
- As part of its duties to protect the public, the State Bar of Michigan is empowered to prosecute the unauthorized practice of law (UPL). The SBM UPL Committee reviews complaints and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on complaints that SBM should prosecute. SBM also has a number of resources available, including the UPL webpages, which provide information regarding UPL and permanent injunctions obtained against unlicensed individuals who have engaged in UPL. UPL staff provides information to the Attorney Grievance Commission, the Attorney Discipline Board, courthouses, attorneys, community centers, and the public.
- Law-Related Education
- The Public Outreach and Education Committee oversees the bar’s ongoing efforts with respect to K-12 programs, public outreach resources, SBM’s relationship with the Michigan Center for Civic Education, the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center, and Michigan Legal Milestones.
- Unauthorized Practice of Law
- As part of its duties to protect the public, the State Bar of Michigan is empowered to prosecute the unauthorized practice of law (UPL). The SBM UPL Committee reviews complaints and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on complaints that SBM should prosecute. SBM also has a number of resources available, including the UPL webpages, which provide information regarding UPL and permanent injunctions obtained against unlicensed individuals who have engaged in UPL. UPL staff provides information to the Attorney Grievance Commission, the Attorney Discipline Board, courthouses, attorneys, community centers, and the public.
Goal 3: The State Bar of Michigan maintains the highest conduct among its members, and initiates and advocates for improvements that facilitate accessible, timely justice for the public.
Click on each of the strategies listed below the goals to see a list of State Bar of Michigan activities supporting each.
- Character and Fitness
- The Character and Fitness team supports the C&F Standing Committee and district committees by processing and investigating applicants seeking admission to the State Bar of Michigan, in accordance with Rule 15 of the Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan. The C&F Standing Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Law Examiners.
- Client Protection Fund
- The Client Protection Fund reimburses clients who have been victimized by lawyers who violate the profession’s ethical standards and misappropriate funds entrusted to them. Attorneys pay an annual fee to the Fund. The Client Protection Fund Committee reviews claims and makes recommendations regarding reimbursement to the Board of Commissioners, which ultimately approves or denies claims. SBM staff members research claims and engage in subrogation efforts against respondents to recoup money paid out by the Fund. The Client Protection Fund staff regularly communicates with the Attorney Grievance Commission and the Attorney Discipline Board to facilitate claims and ensure effective means of transmitting information.
- Ethics Opinions
- The Professional Ethics and Judicial Ethics committees issue ethics opinions that provide guidance to Michigan attorneys and judges on how to handle ethical issues. The ethics opinions are available on the State Bar of Michigan ethics webpage. Staff members of the Attorney Grievance Commission and the Attorney Discipline Board act as liaisons to the Professional Ethics Committee, assisting the committee in selecting and drafting ethics opinions.
- Judicial Qualifications
- The State Bar of Michigan Judicial Qualifications Committee assists the governor’s office in evaluating candidates for possible appointment to judicial office when judicial vacancies arise.
- Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program
- The Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program offers services to law students, bar applicants, lawyers, and judges struggling with mental health and/or substance use concerns. LJAP also works to help maximize overall well-being for those in the legal profession. The program offers free consultations for legal professionals and their families, clinical assessments, short-term counseling for law students, referrals to properly trained, credentialed, and effective providers, professional training and educational presentations, and law student and lawyer virtual support groups. To protect the public from misconduct caused or exacerbated by a lawyer’s untreated mental illness or substance use disorder, LJAP provides comprehensive and credible monitoring services to lawyers and judges with grievances related to a mental health or substance use diagnosis (MCR 9.114(C)). Monitoring agreements are developed to help those individuals achieve mental and emotional well-being so that they are again fit to practice. The monitoring agreements are overseen by LJAP clinical staff and are designed to include both support and accountability for the individuals.
- Pro Hac Vice
- The State Bar processes pro hac vice applications for out-of-state and foreign lawyers seeking to appear before a Michigan court, administrative tribunal or agency, or arbitration proceeding.
- Rule 21: Mandatory Interim Administrator Planning
- Rule 21 requires all active private practice attorneys in Michigan as part of their 2023-2024 license renewal to: 1) Name a person with knowledge of their practice and 2) designate either a licensed attorney or a law firm in Michigan to serve as their interim administrator — or pay a $60 annual fee to opt into the State Bar of Michigan Interim Administrator Program. If a private practice attorney becomes temporarily, or permanently unable to practice law, interim administrators would take on duties, such as securing privileged documents, notifying clients, returning funds and files, and notifying courts on pending matters. For those enrolled in SBM’s Interim Administrator Program, the State Bar will match an interim administrator to the participating attorney if an interim administrator is needed. This rule change was requested by the State Bar of Michigan after its creation was approved by both the Representative Assembly and the Board of Commissioners.
- Unauthorized Practice of Law
- As part of its duties to protect the public, the State Bar of Michigan is empowered to prosecute the unauthorized practice of law (UPL). The SBM UPL Committee reviews complaints and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on complaints that SBM should prosecute. SBM also has a number of resources available, including the UPL webpages, which provide information regarding UPL and permanent injunctions obtained against unlicensed individuals who have engaged in UPL. UPL staff provides information to the Attorney Grievance Commission, the Attorney Discipline Board, courthouses, attorneys, community centers, and the public.
- Ethics Helpline
- The ethics helpline is available to judges and lawyers seeking a confidential informal advisory opinion from a staff attorney regarding an ethics issue pertaining to the inquirer’s prospective conduct. It can be reached during business hours at (877) 558-4760.
- Ethics Opinions
- The Professional Ethics and Judicial Ethics committees issue ethics opinions that provide guidance to Michigan attorneys and judges on how to handle ethical issues. The ethics opinions are available on the State Bar of Michigan ethics webpage. Staff members of the Attorney Grievance Commission and the Attorney Discipline Board act as liaisons to the Professional Ethics Committee, assisting the committee in selecting and drafting ethics opinions.
- Ethics Seminars
- The State Bar of Michigan also offers a variety of trainings and seminars to serve members and support compliance.
- Michigan Bar Journal
- The Michigan Bar Journal is written by attorneys for attorneys. It includes feature articles based on themes developed and edited by the Michigan Bar Journal Committee as well as columns, articles, and news written by staff and other expert contributors. Regularly appearing content includes Best Practices, Ethical Perspectives, From the President, Law Practice Solutions, Libraries and Legal Research, Plain Language, and Practicing Wellness. The Michigan Bar Journal is published in print and online 11 times a year and is the official communication vehicle for the State Bar of Michigan. The Bar Journal is required to publish certain notices under the Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan. As the State Bar of Michigan’s flagship publication, it is also used to advertise SBM events and resources.
- Professionalism and Civility Programming
- The purpose of professionalism and civility programming is to implement the recommendations of the 2018 Promoting Professionalism in the 21st Century Summit Report. The State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners created a workgroup on the issue in 2019 and in 2022 named a special committee on professionalism and civility.
- Ethics Opinions
- The Professional Ethics and Judicial Ethics committees issue ethics opinions that provide guidance to Michigan attorneys and judges on how to handle ethical issues. The ethics opinions are available on the State Bar of Michigan ethics webpage. Staff members of the Attorney Grievance Commission and the Attorney Discipline Board act as liaisons to the Professional Ethics Committee, assisting the committee in selecting and drafting ethics opinions.
- Ethics Rules and Guidance
- The Professional Ethics and Judicial Ethics committees review the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct and the Michigan Canons of Judicial Conduct to recommend updates, using the ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct and the Model Rules of Professional Conduct for comparison.
- Demographics Report
- Since 2007, the Research and Development team of SBM has produced a detailed report of the demographics of SBM members. The report offers an in-depth look at the changing demographics, including members’ ages, tenure with the Bar, race/ethnicity, gender, areas of practice and occupational areas, law school attended, and geographic location within the state. This information provides a comprehensive overview of who makes up the membership of SBM and provides a better understanding of current trends, offering insight into what the future membership might look like based on these trends. The information contained in this report is invaluable to both the Bar as a whole and to individual sections to better anticipate and adapt to meet the future needs of members and determine how to best provide services that reflect those needs.
- Economics of Law Survey
- The Economics of Law Survey has been conducted by the State Bar of Michigan for more than 40 years and it is carried out every three years. The survey compiles average income levels for more than 50 specific fields of practice and collects a variety of other data including race, gender, and geographic location. This helps determine county-by-county and statewide average billing rates and income for both private and non-private practice attorneys in all occupation areas. The resulting data is used as a primary resource by courts to determine attorney fees. The State Bar of Michigan last issued its Economics of Law Report in 2020. The next survey will be conducted in 2023.
- Online Lawyer Directory
- The State Bar of Michigan website hosts two online directories: The classic directory provides basic member contact information, and the ReliaGuide enhanced profile directory provides a comprehensive platform for attorneys to showcase their experience, areas of practice, and accomplishments to assist potential clients with understanding their qualifications. Members can also add photos and video content, giving potential clients an even deeper insight into their background and skillset. The directory is designed to boost the visibility of Michigan legal professionals to help them gain new business opportunities and is an essential tool for attorneys looking to stay competitive in the legal profession. More than 10,600 SBM members have added enhanced profiles to their directory listing.
- Public Policy Advocacy
- The State Bar of Michigan engages in public policy that involves the regulation of the legal profession and the improvement of the quality of legal services. Public policy positions are adopted after receiving input from standing committees and SBM sections, and directly from individual members through the Public Policy Resource Center. Staff then advocates on behalf of public policy positions adopted by the full Board of Commissioners.
- Public Policy Update
- The Public Policy Update is a weekly e-newsletter designed to keep members informed about new and pending public policy issues that could impact the legal profession. The report summarizes key Lansing Capitol and Hall of Justice activities and includes lists of recently introduced legislation, categorized by practice area, and new court rule amendments that have been published for comment. The newsletter also provides updates on any legislation that the State Bar or its sections have taken positions on.
- Bar Leadership Forum
- The Bar Leadership Forum is an invitation-only event held annually for bar leaders that include the Board of Commissioners; section chairs and chairs-elect; and bar association presidents, vice presidents, and administrators. Beginning in 2023, the Bar Leadership Forum and the Upper Michigan Legal Institute will combine into a single conference called the Great Lakes Legal Conference.
- Neuroscience of Decision-Making Training
- Presented by Kimberly Papillon, this training series focuses on neuroscience and its impact on fair decision-making in the law. Papillon is an attorney and a nationally recognized expert on the subject of judicial and legal decision-making. She has delivered over 300 lectures nationally and internationally on the implications of neuroscience, psychology, and implicit association.
Goal 4: The State Bar of Michigan structures itself to achieve its strategic goals in a responsive and cost-efficient manner.
Click on each of the strategies listed below the goals to see a list of State Bar of Michigan activities supporting each.
- Budgeting Process and Policies
- Throughout the fiscal year from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, the Finance Committee reviewed monthly financial statements and budget forecasts. The audit for FY 2021-2022 was completed in December 2022 and audit results were presented to the Audit Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Commissioners. The Annual Financial Report for FY 2021-2022 also was delivered to the Michigan Supreme Court. The process of developing the FY 2022-2023 budget began in the spring and included the presentation of budget assumptions to the Board of Commissioners, a line-item review of the budget by the Finance Committee, and Board of Commissioners approval of the FY 2022-2023 budget in July 2022.
- Sections Workgroup
- A Board of Commissioners workgroup was formed to review and make recommendations regarding State Bar of Michigan sections’ advocacy efforts. This workgroup began and finished its work in FY 2022.
- Strategic Planning
- SBM’s current Strategic Plan is for FY 2017-2023. The Strategic Planning Committee reviews the State Bar’s efforts in achieving strategic plan goals, makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners about updates and revisions to the strategic plan, and considers key metrics to measure the effectiveness of those efforts. This ongoing dialogue throughout the year helps ensure that the State Bar is taking all necessary steps to achieve its mission and to advance the profession of law.
- Budgeting Process and Policies
- Throughout the fiscal year from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022, the Finance Committee reviewed monthly financial statements and budget forecasts. The audit for FY 2021-2022 was completed in December 2022 and audit results were presented to the Audit Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Commissioners. The Annual Financial Report for FY 2021-2022 also was delivered to the Michigan Supreme Court. The process of developing the FY 2022-2023 budget began in the spring and included the presentation of budget assumptions to the Board of Commissioners, a line-item review of the budget by the Finance Committee, and Board of Commissioners approval of the FY 2022-2023 budget in July 2022.
- License Fee Increase
- License fee increase of $80 for active attorneys was approved by Michigan Supreme Court.
- License Renewal and Payment Process
- All Michigan attorneys are required to renew their license and complete mandatory disclosures annually. The State Bar of Michigan has an online renewal system and continues to improve the renewal process to better serve members. The system and all upgrades also are thoroughly tested prior to the start of license renewals in mid-September.
- Retiree Trust Accounts Management
- SBM maintains a Retiree Healthcare Trust Fund to pay for qualified employees’ healthcare premiums upon retirement. The trust investments have been managed by Charles Schwab since 2020.
- Technology Enhancements
- The State Bar of Michigan works to keep its technology — both hardware and software — current and to create efficiencies, support ongoing operations, and best serve members.
- License Renewal and Payment Process
- All Michigan attorneys are required to renew their license and complete mandatory disclosures annually. The State Bar of Michigan has an online renewal system and continues to improve the renewal process to better serve members. The system and all upgrades also are thoroughly tested prior to the start of license renewals in mid-September.
- Michigan Bar Journal
- The Michigan Bar Journal is written by attorneys for attorneys. It includes feature articles based on themes developed and edited by the Michigan Bar Journal Committee as well as columns, articles, and news written by staff and other expert contributors. Regularly appearing content includes Best Practices, Ethical Perspectives, From the President, Law Practice Solutions, Libraries and Legal Research, Plain Language, and Practicing Wellness. The Michigan Bar Journal is published in print and online 11 times a year and is the official communication vehicle for the State Bar of Michigan. The Bar Journal is required to publish certain notices under the Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan. As the State Bar of Michigan’s flagship publication, it is also used to advertise SBM events and resources.
- Marketing and Communications
- The Communications Team serves all programs, events, and services of the State Bar of Michigan. It uses a variety of tools to deliver information to Michigan lawyers and the public.
- Technology Enhancements
- The State Bar of Michigan works to keep its technology — both hardware and software — current and to create efficiencies, support ongoing operations, and best serve members.
- Awards
- The State Bar of Michigan, through the Board of Commissioners and the Representative Assembly, honors the best of the legal profession by bestowing awards on Michigan attorneys who excel. In most instances, committees solicit nominees, review the nominations, and make recommendations. The Board of Commissioners and the Representative Assembly ultimately make the awards. Board of Commissioners honorees are recognized annually at the Inaugural & Awards Luncheon in September, which also features the swearing-in of the new president. The purpose of the awards is to foster awareness of legal issues, recognize excellence in the legal profession, and inspire other Michigan attorneys to also make a difference.
- eJournal
- The eJournal provides summaries of the latest opinions from the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court. Each summary also includes a PDF of the opinion and identifies the judges, key issues, and relevant practice area(s). By providing timely, accurate, and easy-to-read summaries, the eJournal helps Michigan attorneys stay current on case law. Delivered by email five days a week, the summaries also are available online and in a searchable archive. SBM programs and initiatives are advertised in the eJournal.
- Marketing and Communications
- The Communications Team serves all programs, events, and services of the State Bar of Michigan. It uses a variety of tools to deliver information to Michigan lawyers and the public.
- Michigan Bar Journal
- The Michigan Bar Journal is written by attorneys for attorneys. It includes feature articles based on themes developed and edited by the Michigan Bar Journal Committee as well as columns, articles, and news written by staff and other expert contributors. Regularly appearing content includes Best Practices, Ethical Perspectives, From the President, Law Practice Solutions, Libraries and Legal Research, Plain Language, and Practicing Wellness. The Michigan Bar Journal is published in print and online 11 times a year and is the official communication vehicle for the State Bar of Michigan. The Bar Journal is required to publish certain notices under the Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan. As the State Bar of Michigan’s flagship publication, it is also used to advertise SBM events and resources.
- Website: michbar.org
- The State Bar of Michigan website provides information for the public and Michigan attorneys and includes programs and services, news releases, and a calendar. It houses the classic version of the online member directory and is also home to the Michigan Bar Journal and the eJournal. Located at michbar.org, it is a key tool in sharing information broadly and quickly.