Public Policy Update from the State Bar of Michigan

November 2, 2020
Volume 18, Issue 44

At the Capitol

At the Court

Board of Law Examiners Releases July 2020 Bar Examination Results

Appointments
ADM File No. 2020-01: Appointment of Deputy Grievance Administrator
Issued: 10/30/20
Effective: 1/1/21

Amendments
ADM File No. 2002-37: Amendments of MCR 1.109, 2.002, 2.302, 2.306, 2.315, 3.101, 3.222, 3.618, and 8.119
The amendments of MCR 1.109, 2.002, 2.302, 2.306, 2.315, 2.603, 3.101, 3.222, 3.618, and 8.119 are the latest revisions made as part of the design and implementation of the statewide electronic-filing system. The amendment of MCR 2.603(A), which requires a clerk to enter a default if a party’s failure to plead or otherwise defend becomes known to the clerk, is intended to return the rule to its former posture. Under the rule’s previous language, which was inadvertently deleted in making structural changes in the rule, the clerk was required to enter a default if a party’s failure to plead or defend “is made to appear by affidavit or otherwise.” The same policy would apply under the language adopted by amendment in this order.
Issued: 10/28/20
Effective: 1/1/21

Proposed Amendments
ADM File No. 2020-07: Alternative Proposed Amendments of MCR 6.502
The proposed alternative amendments of MCR 6.502 would address the issue of a court’s recharacterization of a defendant’s motion for relief from judgment that is styled as something other than a motion for relief from judgment. Under Alternative A, the court would be required to notify the defendant of its intent to recharacterize the motion and allow the defendant an opportunity to withdraw or amend the motion. Under Alternative B, the court would be required to return the motion to the defendant with a statement of the reason for return.
Issued: 10/28/20
Comment Period Expires: 2/1/21

ADM File No. 2020-24: Proposed Amendment of Rule 7 of the Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan
The proposed amendment of Rule 7 of the Rules Concerning the State Bar of Michigan would ensure that all main officers (president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary) move sequentially through the leadership roles of the Board of Commissioners. The proposal was submitted by the State Bar of Michigan.
Issued: 10/28/20
Comment Period Expires: 2/1/21

ADM File No. 2020-26: Proposed Amendments of MCR 1.109 and 8.119
The proposed amendments of MCR 1.109 and 8.119 would allow SCAO flexibility in protecting an individual’s personal identifying information and clarify when a court is and is not required to redact protected personal identifying information.
Issued: 10/28/20
Comment Period Expires: 2/1/21

At the Bar

July Bar Passers Will Have Options for Virtual Swearing-In Ceremonies

MSC Amends Order on Landlord/Tenant Cases

Links of Interest

SBM Public Policy Resource Center
Public Acts
Michigan Supreme Court
Michigan Legislature
MCL Search Engines