Calendar

1. May 16 Mark the Date

   Law school conducting ‘Native American Panel Discussion’
   May 17

   Western Michigan University Cooley Law School is proud to host its next Community Conversations virtual event with the “Native American Panel Discussion” on Tuesday, May 17, beginning at noon.

   Attendees will watch the PBS documentary “Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice,” then join the WMU-Cooley Community Conversations Native American panel discussion with Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Chief Judge Allie Greenleaf Maldonado; John Morseau, tribal council treasurer, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi; Stacey Rock, assistant court administrator/clerk of the court at Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal Court; and host WMU-Cooley Professor Joan Vestrand.

   To sign up to attend the online event, visit https://info.cooley.edu/community-conversations.

    

   Michigan Creditors Bar Association hosting Spring Member Dinner 
   May 17

   The Michigan Creditors Bar Association will host its 2022 MCBA Spring Member Dinner on Tuesday, May 17, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 2089 West Big Beaver Road in Troy.

   The program will include the board of directors elections, a Government Affairs Committee update, discussion on current legislative topics, along with time to network and catch up for colleagues.

   Registration is $65 for MCBA members and $85 for non-members. To register, visit https://mcba36.wildapricot.org.

    

   ‘Holmes Youthful Training Act’ focus of webinar
   May 17

   The Oakland County Bar Association will present “HYTA: Providing Second Chances” as an online webinar on Tuesday, May 17, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.

   This seminar will provide an analysis of recent changes to the Holmes Youthful Training Act and their impact on younger criminal defendants. Speaking at the webinar will be Cecilia Quirindongo-Baunsoe of K and Q Law PLLC.

   Credit has been approved with the Oakland County Bar Association for 1 Criminal credit and 1 Juvenile credit.

   Cost for the webinar is $12 for OCBA members pre-registration and $25 for non-members pre-registration. Oakland County MIDC court appointed attorneys can attend for free. To register for this webinar, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”

    

   ‘Primer on the Michigan Department of Corrections’ presented online
   May 17

   The State Appellate Defender Office will conduct a virtual seminar titled “A Primer on the Michigan Department of Corrections” on Tuesday, May 17, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom.

   The online program will help attorneys who have wondered: 

   • What awaits your client in prison?

   • How can you help your clients and their families prepare?

   • What to do if a client calls with a complaint about prison?

   Presenting will be Jessica Zimbelman, a managing attorney at the State Appellate Defender Office. Prior to joining SADO, Zimbelman was the senior analyst at the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman's Office and remains engaged with the MDOC policy and procedures. 

   To register for the virtual seminar, visit www.sado.org/go/ MDOC.

    

   Pursuing Factual Consensus’ focus of Levin Center webinar
   May 19

   The Levin Center at Wayne Law will offer a webinar on “Pursuing Factual Consensus: What Does ‘Truth’ Mean in the Public Square?” Thursday, May 19, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom.

   For the U.S. democratic system to work, public and private institutions, public officials, and citizens need to value facts and truthfulness. But recent years have witnessed mass disagreements over what is true and how to separate fact from fiction. The discussion “Pursuing Factual Consensus: What Does ‘Truth’ Mean in the Public Square?” will delve more deeply into how facts become established in the public mind and how truthfulness might be restored to public discourse.

   Levin Center Director Jim Townsend will moderate the panel that will feature Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow, Brookings Institution; Marc Hetherington, professor of Political Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Yanna Krupnikov, professor of Political Science, Stony Brook University

   To register for the free online discussion, visit https://levin-center.org. Anyone with questions may email the Levin Center at Wayne Law at levincenter@ wayne .edu.

    

   Judge to discuss ‘Courtroom Etiquette: For in Person and Zoom Appearances’
   May 19

   The Criminal Defense Association of Michigan will present a webinar on “Courtroom Etiquette: For in Person and Zoom Appearances” Thursday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom. 

   This online program will feature Wayne County 36th District Court Judge A. William Garrett who has served on the 36th District Court bench since 2017. He is a graduate of both the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School.

   Cost for the webinar is $30. To register for the online program, visit https://cdam.wildapricot.org.

    

   ‘Meet the Judges’ returns in person
   May 19

   The New Lawyers Committee of the Oakland County Bar Association is pleased to announce the return of the “Meet the Judges” event in person on Thursday, May 19, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Fifth Avenue, 215 W. 5th St. in Royal Oak.

   Judges from Oakland County district, probate and circuit courts along with Michigan Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court, U.S. Bankruptcy and U.S. District courts have all been invited to attend this fun event to mix and mingle with current OCBA members.

   In addition to networking, attendees can check out the many great items that will be up for bid at this year’s silent auction. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to Canine Advocacy Program. 

   Cost to attend the event is $45 for OCBA new lawyers (80650+), paralegals, admin assistants, and students; $55 for OCBA members; $70 for non-members. An additional $10 will be charged for those registering at the door.

   To register, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.” Anyone with questions may contact Katie Tillinger at 248-334-3400 or ktill inger@ocba.org.

    

   Honors to be presented at 2022 JBAM Awards Night
   May 23

   The Jewish Bar Association of Michigan will host its 2022 JBAM Awards Night on Monday, May 23, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Westin Southfield, 1500 Town Center in Southfield.

   The evening will feature networking, fun, and celebration as JBAM honors:

   • U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Friedman, Eastern District of Michigan, with the Avern Cohn Lifetime Achievement Award

   • Oakland County 45th District Court Judge Michelle Friedman Appel with the Ruth Bader Ginsberg Champion of Justice Award

   • Rachel Loebl Serman with the JBAM Volunteer of the Year Award

   • Louis Magidson with the Charles J. Cohen, Esquire Law Student Scholarship

   Early bird registration (through May 12) is $25 for JBAM members and $36 for non-members. After May 12, JBAM members pay $36 and non-members pay $45. To register, visit www.jewish bar.org.

    

   Former chief judge to speak on bankruptcy issues
   May 24

   The Debtor-Creditor and Business Court and Counsel Committees of the Oakland County Bar Association will present “Chapter and Curse: When Bankruptcy Issues Arise in Your Client’s Non-Bankruptcy Case” on Tuesday, May 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the OCBA offices, 1760 South Telegraph Road, Suite 100, in Bloomfield Hills.

   The interrelationship between bankruptcy issues and state court proceedings is not unusual, particularly in litigation, probate and family law proceedings. The former chief judge for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Phillip J. Shefferly of JAMS, will address the most common bankruptcy issues that arise in these cases. Moderating the program will be Michael P. Herzoff of Weltman, Weinberg, & Reis Co. LPA.

   Cost to attend the program is $45 for OCBA members; $35 for OCBA Debtor/Credit and Business Court and Counsel Committee members; $35 for OCBA new lawyers, paralegals, and students; and $55 for non-members.

   To register for the program, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”

    

   Online training to focus on ‘Child Neglect and Physical Abuse’
   May 24

   The Michigan Judicial Institute and Child Welfare Services will present a webinar on “Child Neglect and Physical Abuse: A Day Half-Full” Tuesday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to noon via Zoom. 

   This half-day training will include two presentations from expert Dr. Dena Nazer, MD, medical director, Kids-TALK Children’s Advocacy Center; associate professor, Wayne State University.

   The first presentation, “Child Neglect—It Takes a Village to Neglect a Child,” will focus on case scenarios emphasizing that ensuring the child’s rights is a responsibility of all of us. The second presentation, “Child Physical Abuse: Bruise, Burns, and Broken Bones,” will provide a case-based presentation with a focus on recognizing child physical abuse. The training will also emphasize the importance of working together as a multidisciplinary team in order to prevent child maltreatment.

   This training is intended for all child welfare professionals including jurists, court staff, prosecutors, attorneys, Lawyer-Guardians Ad Litem, CPS and foster care workers, tribes, private agencies, law enforcement, medical professionals, mental health providers, education professionals, and foster care review board members. 

   To register, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and click on “events.” Once registration is approved by MJI, attendees will receive a confirmation e-mail from Zoom. The email will include login information.

    

   Webinar looks at ‘Criminal Legal System from the Kid’s Perspective’
   May 24

   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan Child Abuse Prosecution Resources and the Victim Services Training Unit will present an online training on “The Criminal Legal System from the Kid’s Perspective: Supporting Child Victims and Witnesses” Tuesday, May 24, from 9:30 a.m. to noon via Zoom.

   Interacting with the criminal legal system can be confusing, overwhelming, and even retraumatizing for children and teens. However, through the Center for Court Innovation’s Child Witness Materials Development Project, a package of interactive, developmentally informed educational materials has been created to facilitate effective and trauma-informed support for children involved in state, federal, and tribal court systems as victims and witnesses of crime.

   In this webinar, prosecutors and victim advocates will learn about how children and teens experience the criminal legal system; best practices in educating, preparing, and supporting children through this experience as a practitioner; and how these new supportive materials can be used to mitigate children’s distress by helping them feel more informed and empowered when navigating this system. Attendees will also learn about tools available in Michigan to support child victims and witnesses in Michigan courts.

   This training satisfies 2.5 hours of continuing legal education for purposes of PAAM’s Best Practices Recommendation.

   This training is supported by a Crime Victim Rights Award. This award was made to the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Victim Services.

   To register for the online training, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.”

   Anyone with questions or requiring assistance should contact Alex McGowan at McGowanA1@michigan.gov or Pamela Maas at maasp@michigan.gov.

    

   Webinar to look at ‘Emerging Research on Legislative Oversight’
   May 25

   The Levin Center at Wayne Law will offer a webinar on “‘Oversight Overlooked’ Again? Emerging Research on Legislative Oversight” Wednesday, May 25, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom.

   Congress’s oversight function is essential for the healthy functioning of the constitutional system. Yet, despite the importance of oversight, many questions arise in popular discourse about legislative efforts to examine important societal problems. 

   This webinar offers a conversation with Levin Center Oversight Fellows on the issue. The discussion will highlight new research on when, how, and why Congress conducts oversight. Speaking at the webinar will be Devin Judge-Lord, postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University; Claire Leavitt, visiting assistant professor at Grinnell College; and Kenneth Lowande, assistant professor at University of Michigan.

   To register for the free online discussion, visit https://levin-center.org. Anyone with questions may email the Levin Center at Wayne Law at levincenter@wayne.edu.

    

   ‘Luncheon Limine’ features Judge Cohen online
   May 26

   In its continuing efforts to foster collegiality between the Oakland County bench and bar, the Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) will continue its “Luncheon Limine” brown bag lunch series between judges and attorneys online via Zoom. “Luncheon Limine—Meet Judge David Cohen” will take place Thursday, May 26, from noon to 1 p.m.

   Participants can bring their questions (and their lunch) for an informal discussion of legal topics and practice issues. May’s lunch will feature the opportunity to get to know and ask questions of Judge David Cohen, one of Oakland County Circuit Court’s newest judges. Cohen will share how his first 90 days on the bench have gone and will provide insight on some of his preferred courtroom procedures. 

   This event is free for OCBA member and $10 for non-members. Space is limited. To register and receive the Zoom details, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.” For questions, contact Jennifer Roosenberg at jroosenberg@ocba.org or 248-334-3400.

    

   ‘Redeeming Justice’ focus of next FBA Book Club 
   May 26

   The Book Club of the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, will meet online to discuss “Redeeming Justice,” by Jarrett Adams  on Thursday, May 26, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.

   Jarrett Adams was just seventeen when an all-white jury sentenced him to prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Now a pioneering lawyer, he recalls the journey that led to his exoneration—and inspired him to devote his life to fighting the many injustices in the legal system.

   The primary goal of the FBA Book Club is to facilitate an informal but elevated dialogue between the bench and the bar. The book club is non-partisan. All points of view will be welcomed and respected.

   The Book Club discussion is free for FBA chapter members and $8 for non-members. To register, visit www.fbamich.org and click on “events” or email fbamich@fbamich.org.

   The Book Club Committee is co-chaired by Andrew S. Doctoroff of Andrew S. Doctoroff Consulting LLC and David H. Fink of Fink Bressack. The committee’s judicial liaison is U.S. District Court Judge George Caram Steeh, Eastern District of Michigan.

    

   Women’s Bar Association hosting Annual Dinner 
   May 26

   The Women’s Bar Association, Oakland County Region of the Woman Lawyers Association of Michigan, will be hosting its Annual Dinner on Thursday, May 26, at the Birmingham Athletic Club.  

   The WBA will be presenting its annual awards, including the Joan Young Judicial Excellence Award to retiring Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Denise Langford Morris and the Evelyn Forrest Distinguished Advocate Award to Channelle Kizy-White, along with the Sarah Killgore Wertman Scholarship. A swearing-in of the new WBA Executive Board for 2022-23 will also occur.

   The evening will open with cocktails and light appetizers at 6 p.m. with dinner, awards, and the swearing-in of the board beginning at 6:30 p.m. Entree selections include chicken piccata, panko-encrusted whitefish, and vegan's delight.

   Tickets for the event are $65 for WLAM members, $80 for non-members, and $50 for students. To register, visit https://womenlawyers.org and click on “events.”Tickets will not be sold at the door. 

    

    

   88th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony planned by OCBA
   June 2

   The Oakland County Bar Association will salute outstanding leaders in the law and celebrate another amazing year with judges, OCBA leadership, and other OCBA members at its 88th Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the The Community House, 380 S. Bates Street in Birmingham.

   During the event, the OCBA will recognize the 2022 award recipients, members celebrating 40 years in legal practice in Michigan, and those who have been a member of the OCBA for 50 or more years. Then, outgoing OCBA President Kaveh Kashef will pass the gavel to incoming President Elizabeth L. Luckenbach. She will then be sworn in as the bar’s 90th president, and her first action as the new leader will be to deliver remarks about her vision for the year ahead. 

   The 2022 award recipients include:

   • Distinguished Career Achievement—Thomas G. Plunkett (posthumously)

   • Distinguished Public Servant—Karen D. McDonald

   • Distinguished Service—Julie L. Kosovec

   • Professionalism—Douglas L. Toering

   • Frances R. Avadenka Memorial Award—Clarence Dass

   • Allene and Martin Doctoroff Liberty Bell—Giancarlo Guzman

   • Pro Bono - Lakeshore Legal Aid—Patricia Felix

   • S. Gerald Gorcyca Meritorious Service to Veterans—Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Nanci J. Grant

   • Bonnie L. Beutler Outstanding New Lawyer—Michael K. Steinberger

   • Committee of the Year—Providing Access to Legal Services (PALS) Committee

   Sponsorships fitting a variety of budgets are available for the Annual Meeting & Awardss Ceremony. The deadline to sign up is May 20. Anyone interested in a particular sponsorship should contact Michelle Kryska via email at mkryska@ocba.org or call 248-334-3400.

   To register for the 88th Annual Meeting &?Awards Ceremony, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”