The Lawyer's Table Tuesday events attract lawyers to discussions

By Tony Smith and David Lick Foster Swift When lawyers, who are now senior attorneys, first came to town, they encountered an informal tradition of daily lunch at the Lawyer's Table. All attorneys and judges were welcome. Initially, it was held at the Eagle and later, at the Parthenon. It was an opportunity to learn what was happening in the legal community and for young lawyers to learn how to practice law. Over the years, this tradition seemed to fade away. Proving it's too early for the obituary, the Lawyer's Table reappeared after over a decade on November 3. The noon event convened at the Crafty Palate restaurant on Washington Square near Kalamazoo. Four judges and 21 lawyers shared ideas, stories, and current events. Gauged by the decibel volume, the event was a huge success. It was pleasing to see that many of the attendees were young lawyers from both public and private practice, in areas of civil and criminal law, including representation from the Attorney General's Office, interspersed with senior lawyers. Judge Canady reminded those attending that the Lawyer's Table will occur every Tuesday. The first Tuesday of every month will include a focus presentation on avant-garde topics. The presentations for the next six months are as follows: - December 1, 2015 with Judge Canady on Circuit Court practice; - January 5, 2016 with John Sier regarding drone law; - February 2, 2016 with Roberta Gubbins concerning marketing your practice; - March 1, 2016 with Barry Grant, CPA, CFF on economic damages; - April 5, 2016 with Tom Woods on Receiverships; and - May 3, 2016 with Paula Manderfield and Steven Lett, regarding Mediation. Additionally, Judge Canady recognized this event was a collaboration of the Ingham County Bar Association (ICBA), the Ingham County Bar Foundation (ICBF), the Ingham County Bar Young Lawyers Section, Mid-Michigan Women Lawyer Association, and the Davis-Dunnings Bar Association. Judge Canady credited ICBF President David Lick, with originating the idea to revive the Lawyer's Table. ICBA President Jason Hanselman supported the idea of the Lawyer's Table to establish camaraderie, informal mentoring, and collaboration among attorneys. Judge Canady is the organizational lead for the Lawyer's Table to whom additional focus topics should be presented. The Lawyer's Table meets at noon Tuesdays at the Crafty Palate, 333 S. Washington Square in downtown Lansing. While not essential, RSVP to forum@whitelawpllc.com. Published: Mon, Nov 23, 2015