September 4, 2026
Volume 24, Issue 34

The State Bar of Michigan will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.

In the Hall of Justice

AMENDMENTS
ADM File No. 2023-30: Amendment of Administrative Order No. 2025-1
The adoption of AO No. 2025-1 creates a pilot project allowing accompaniment services in legal proceedings.
Issued: 9/2/26
Effective: Immediately (pilot project will begin when SCAO opens registration)
Future comment period: 9/15/27 - 1/1/28

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
ADM File No. 2024-28: Proposed Amendment of MCR 8.119
The proposed amendment of MCR 8.119 would allow the clerk of the court to reject documents submitted for filing that improperly display personal identifying information protected under MCR 1.109(D)(9) and would implement a process for judicial review of rejected filings.
Issued: 9/2/26
Comment period expires: 1/1/27

ADM File No. 2025-22: Amendment of BLE Rule 2(A) and Proposed Amendments of BLE Rule 1, Rule 2(C), (D), and (E), Rule 5, and Rule 8
Adopted with immediate effect and concurrent comment period, the amendment of BLE Rule 2(A) moves the registration deadline for the bar examination to allow for earlier processing of bar applications. The remainder of the proposed amendments of BLE Rule 1, Rule 2(C), (D), and (E), Rule 5, and Rule 8 would provide some definitions and clarify terms used in the rules. The proposal would also clarify that all materials filed with the Board are confidential.
Issued: 9/2/26
Effective: Immediately (in part)
Comment period expires: 1/1/27

ADM File No. 2026-05: Proposed Addition of MCR 3.231
The proposed addition of MCR 3.231 would allow a trial court to apply procedural protections in domestic relations actions to allow parties in an abusive relationship to safely participate in case-related proceedings.
Issued: 9/2/26
Comment period expires: 1/1/27

ADM File No. 2026-19: Amendment of MCR 5.207
The amendment of MCR 5.207 aligns the rule, as it relates to conservatorships, with MCL 700.5423, which requires a property appraisal to be submitted to and considered by a court before approving certain transactions involving property of a protected individual. See 2026 PA 68. In accordance with MCL 700.5423, the rule was also expanded to require judicial approval when attempting to sell, dispose, mortgage, pledge, or place a lien against a protected individual’s property.
Issued: 9/2/26
Effective: Immediately
Comment period expires: 1/1/27

APPOINTMENTS
ADM File No. 2026-01: Appointments to the Attorney Discipline Board
Issued: 9/2/26
Effective: 10/1/26

ADM File No. 2026-01: Appointments to the Attorney Grievance Commission
Issued: 9/2/26
Effective: 10/1/26

NEWS
Michigan Supreme Court to Hold Remote Public Hearing on September 23

At the Bar

The Executive Committee met on September 2, 2026 at which time the State Bar of Michigan adopted the following public policy positions:
ADM File No. 2022-19: Proposed Amendments of MRPC 1.5, 1.15, and 1.15A, and Proposed Additions of MRPC 1.15B and 1.15C
The proposed amendments of MRPC 1.5, 1.15, and 1.15A, and proposed additions of MRPC 1.15B and 1.15C reflect a third-revised proposal that would amend the rules governing IOLTA accounts to: modernize the fee and IOLTA rules, address gaps in the existing rules, and clarify attorneys’ ethical duties related to safekeeping client or third-person property and managing trust accounts. Of particular note, MRPC 1.5 would authorize lawyers to agree in writing to receiving advance fees, including flat fees and classic retainer fees, subject to certain restrictions. MRPC 1.15 addresses how to handle and treat those funds for purposes of IOLTAs.
SBM Position: Support.

ADM File No. 2026-09: Amendment of MCR 6.201
To assist courts and parties in implementing the Court’s decision in People v Madison, ___ Mich ___ (2026) (Docket No. 167120), the amendment of MCR 6.201 requires a defendant to provide a written notice of intent to introduce expert evidence of diminished capacity.
SBM Position: Support.

NEWS
Volunteers needed for national mock trial competition in Detroit
Volunteers are needed for the 25th annual National Trial Advocacy Competition in Detroit.

New guidebook on evidence now available to Michigan attorneys
The State Bar of Michigan is now offering the guidebook “Evidence 101: Quick Reference Guide for Michigan Attorneys” to help attorneys navigate common evidentiary issues.

Links of Interest

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