James Heath Becomes 88th President of State Bar of Michigan
Congratulations to James W. Heath, of Detroit, the 88th president of the State Bar of Michigan.
Sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement during the Inaugural & Awards Luncheon today in Detroit, Heath will serve as president for a one-year term effective immediately. As president, Health serves as leader of the licensing and regulatory organization that serves all 46,000 attorneys in Michigan. Heath is the fifth African American elected president by the Board of Commissioners.
Also taking their oaths of office today were the elected officers for the 2022-2023 Bar year: President-Elect Daniel D. Quick of Troy, Vice President Joseph P. McGill of Livonia, Secretary Lisa J. Hamameh of Farmington Hills, and Treasurer Erika L. Bryant of Detroit.
Heath was elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2014. He is a member of the Executive Committee and has served as chair for both the Public Policy and Finance committees.
As Wayne County Corporation Counsel, Heath serves as the chief legal officer for the state’s largest county, providing legal advice and representing the county’s executive office, departments, agencies, and boards. Heath previously served as the inspector general for the City of Detroit, assistant attorney general for the Michigan Attorney General Criminal and Health Care Fraud divisions, and assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County.
The Michigan Supreme Court appointed Heath to the newly established Michigan Judicial Council in 2021 to help strategically plan for the judicial branch, enhance the work of the courts, and make recommendations to the Supreme Court on matters pertinent to the administration of justice.
Heath earned his bachelor’s degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University and his law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law. He lives in Detroit and is the father of two: James, 19, and Karon, 17.
The State Bar of Michigan promotes the professionalism of lawyers; advocates for an open, fair, and accessible justice system; and provides services to members to help them best serve clients.
Posted: September 16, 2022