State Bar Awards

• Roberts P. Hudson Award: Presented periodically to commend one or more lawyers for their unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar of Michigan, the legal profession, and public. [ apply online ] Entry deadline February 14, 2020.

• Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award: Recognizes extraordinary governmental service by a member of the State Bar of Michigan. [ apply online ] Entry deadline February 14, 2020.

• Champion of Justice Award: Given to practicing lawyers and judges of integrity and adherence to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession, superior professional competence, and an extraordinary professional accomplishment that benefits the nation, the state, or the local community in which the lawyer or judge lives. [ apply online ] Entry deadline February 14, 2020.

• John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award: Recognizes a Michigan lawyer who has made a significant pro bono contribution. [ apply online ] Entry deadline February 14, 2020.

• Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award: Recognizes a local or affinity bar association, program, or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community. [ apply online ] Entry deadline February 14, 2020.

• John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award: Given periodically to an educator from a Michigan law school whose influence on lawyers has elevated the quality of legal practice in our state. [ apply online ] Entry deadline February 14, 2020.

• Liberty Bell Award: Given by local bar associations in conjunction with Law Day to honor outstanding citizens within the local community. The SBM Awards Committee selects the statewide Liberty Bell Award winner from local bar winners submitted to the State Bar. Entry deadline May 8, 2020.

• Michael Franck Award: Given by the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly to an attorney who has made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of the profession. [ apply online ] Entry deadline March 14, 2020.

• Unsung Hero Award: Given by the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly to a lawyer who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others. [ apply online ] Entry deadline March 14, 2020.

• McCree Awards: The Michigan Press Association Foundation took over the McCree Awards in 2017. Presented to broadcast and print media journalists who help to foster greater public understanding of the inherent values of our legal and judicial system through their published materials.

State Bar Annual Events

50-Year Golden Celebration Luncheon (1970–2020)—Honoring members who joined State Bar of Michigan fifty years ago.

• May 11, 2020, The Inn at St. John's, Plymouth

Annual Meeting—All events will be held at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

• Board of Commissioners Annual Meeting—September 16, 2020

• Representative Assembly Annual Meeting—September 17, 2020

• Inaugural & Awards Luncheon—September 17, 2020

Bar Leadership Forum

• June 12–13, 2020, Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

Constitution Day is celebrated annually on September 17.

Law Day

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower designated May 1 as Law Day. This day is an opportunity to strengthen our great American heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under the law. The State Bar of Michigan joins various local bars, businesses, schools, and other organizations in conducting programs associated with improving the public's understanding of our justice system.

Michigan Legal Milestone recognizes significant legal cases and personalities in the state's history, and places bronze plaques at featured sites to document the historical significance.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

All Michigan lawyers are invited to commit to performing a pro bono or community service project on January 18 or any future day of the year to honor a genuine American hero by taking a “day on, not a day off.”

Upper Michigan Legal Institute

• June 12–13, 2020, Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island