Happy Birthday to Hon. Charles W. Joiner, SBM Past President

Happy Birthday to Hon. Charles W. Joiner, SBM Past President

The State Bar of Michigan wishes a happy 100th birthday to its 36th president, the Hon. Charles W. Joiner.

"It is very special to share a Valentine’s Day birthday with such a distinguished member of the legal profession,” said Janet Welch, State Bar executive director. “In a variety of ways, Judge Joiner helped shape the legal profession in Michigan in the 20th century. Current State Bar leaders have the benefit of his example as we work to advance the legal profession in its service to the public and the profession in the 21st century. ”

Judge Joiner came to Michigan from Iowa in 1947 to serve as a professor at the University of Michigan Law School. He taught civil procedure and trial practice, and was associate dean from 1960-1965 and acting dean from 1965-1966. He authored six books on civil procedure and trial practice and pioneered some of the first simulated litigation courses in the country.

In 1968 Joiner became dean of Wayne State University Law School. In April of 1972 President Richard Nixon nominated him for a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He held that seat until his retirement in 1984.

Joiner served as co-director of the research and drafting committee for the Michigan Constitutional Convention, commissioner and chair on the Commission on Uniform State Laws, chaired the American Bar Association Committee on Specialization and its Section on Individual Rights and Responsibilities, and as chair of the American Bar Foundation. He played a major role in drafting rules of evidence and procedure for federal and state courts.