Applications are now open to volunteer for a State Bar of Michigan committee during the 2023-2024 bar year. Applications are due 6 p.m. August 6. To apply, visit https://vapp.michbar.org.
Volunteering for a committee allows members to help shape the future of the legal profession, protect the public, and network with friends and other attorneys across the state. Current committee members also may apply for reappointment. See below a list of committees along with a brief description of the duties for each.
All appointments are for one-year terms from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. Current committee members also may apply for reappointment. Appointments will be announced in mid-September.
2023-2024 State Bar of Michigan Committees include:
• Access to Justice Policy: Analyze and make recommendations for positions on proposed legislation, court rules, and other policies for the effective delivery of high-quality legal services in Michigan, equal and fair to all. Make recommendations regarding collateral civil consequences of criminal convictions and issues of adequate representation for adults and juveniles in the criminal justice system.
• Affordable Legal Services: Evaluate and recommend innovative practices to provide low-cost legal services and expand affordable legal services for persons of modest means.
• American Indian Law: Facilitate relationships between sovereign tribal courts, state courts, and federal courts and promote relationships between the American Indian community and Michigan attorneys.
• Awards: Solicit and review nominations. Make nominations for major SBM awards.
• Character & Fitness: Review applicant files flagged for further evaluation by participating in formal evidentiary hearings and making written recommendations; present files during formal hearings to the standing committee as State Bar counsel. Note: This application is for the standing committee, which operates separately from the district committees.
• Civil Procedure & Courts: Review proposed court rules and statutes for civil practice in the courts and make recommendations for improving administration, organization, and operation of Michigan courts.
• Client Protection Fund: Review claims and recommend reimbursement of clients from whom lawyers stole money.
• Criminal Jurisprudence & Practice: Review proposed court rules and statutes for criminal procedure and practice in state courts and make recommendations for improving the operation of criminal law and procedure for fair and efficient criminal justice.
• Diversity & Inclusion Advisory: Develop tools, strategies, and programs to improve and support diversity and inclusion in the legal profession in Michigan.
• Judicial Qualifications: Evaluate candidates for appointment to judicial vacancies and report in confidence to the governor.
• Justice Initiatives: Advise on the implementation of programs to benefit underserved populations including the poor, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQA people, juveniles, domestic violence survivors, and those with special needs, and on pro bono programs; work to increase resources for civil legal aid programs.
• Lawyers & Judges Assistance: Propose and support measures to advance the well-being of lawyers, judges, and law students including those experiencing general wellness issues as well as mental health and substance use concerns.
• Michigan Bar Journal: Provide editorial guidance for the Michigan Bar Journal, including theme issues and the review of unsolicited articles.
• Online Legal Resource & Referral Center: Advise on the development of Online Legal Resource and Referral Center and Lawyer Referral Service program.
• Professional Ethics: Prepare written ethics opinions, articles, and other resources to guide Michigan attorneys on professional conduct; recommend amendments to the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct (MRPC); review and make recommendations on proposed amendments to the MRPC; and recommend and support programs and education related to professional ethics.
• Professionalism & Civility: Promote civility and professionalism, and help teach the concepts in law schools, courts, law firms, and other practice settings.
• Public Outreach & Education: Improve the public's understanding of the legal system.
• Unauthorized Practice of Law: Propose and support outreach programs to educate the public and the legal professional about the unauthorized practice of law (UPL); review and make recommendations concerning alleged UPL matters.
• United States Courts: Collaborate with the federal judiciary and attorneys regarding proposed federal rule amendments and seek to enhance the quality and efficiency of the federal courts and promote the public's understanding of the role and functions of the federal court system. The committee serves as a liaison between the Eastern and Western District courts and makes recommendations concerning the administration, organization, and operation of the courts.
