Calendar

1. October 15 Upcoming Events

   State Bar of Michigan Elder Law Section
   Annual Meeting and Fall Conference
   October 17-19
   Register now for the State Bar of Michigan Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Annual Meeting and Fall Conference to be held Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, October 17, 18 and 19 at Mission Point Resort, 6633 Main Street on Mackinac Island. This year’s conference keynote speaker will be Howard Krooks, a partner of Elder Law Associates PA with offices throughout Southeast Florida. Krooks is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida and is of counsel to Amoruso & Amoruso, LLP, in Rye Brook, New York. His professional practice is devoted to elder law, trusts, and estate matters, including representing seniors and persons with special needs and their families in connection with asset preservation planning, supplemental needs trusts, Medicaid, Medicare, planning for disability, guardianship, wills, trusts, and health care planning with advance directives. The conference will feature intermediate sessions and advanced sessions, as well as ELDRS’ own experts, including a special plenary session presented by Sanford Mall and Joseph Anderson, MD. Join Mall and Dr. Anderson as they discuss a range of issues related to surrogate medical decision making under Michigan law. Topics to be covered include: types of conflicts that arise between doctor and patient surrogate; frequency in which these issues arise; how hospitals work to resolve conflict; identification of surrogate with legal authority; when probate court should be considered; when a doctor is not required to take a directive from a patient advocate; and how DNRs and POST fit in with a patient advocate designation and/or advanced directives. Wednesday’s schedule starts with lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Friday’s final session ends at noon. The cost is $325 for ELDRS or Probate and Estate Section members, $375 for non-section members, and $250 for non-lawyers, students or first-time registrants. There is no charge to attend the Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 18, at 12:30 p.m. Register online at www.michbar.org. Shepler’s Mackinac Ferry will offer guests a discounted price per round trip ticket for adults and children (use the code ELDRS18). Visit the Shepler’s Mackinac Ferry website for ferry schedule and plan accordingly. For more information contact Angela Hentkowski at ahentkowski@stewardsheridan.com or at (906) 485-6311.
   
   State Bar of Michigan Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee: 2018 Affinity Bar Summit
   October 20
   Join the State Bar of Michigan Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee for the 2018 Affinity Bar Summit from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, October 20 at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, 2630 Featherstone Rd. in Auburn Hills. The summit will feature discussion on truth, racial healing, and transformation (TRHT) in the legal profession and justice system, in order to provide input to the national and community based W.K. Kellogg TRHT process. Registration and breakfast begins at 9 a.m. and the program will kick off at 9:30 a.m. The day will include an interactive workshop in the morning followed by lunch. In the afternoon the large group will develop action steps to implement recommendations and attendees will receive a “toolkit” to take back to your organization or community. The TRHT focus on the law includes local, state, and national policy; commitment to civil and human rights; redressing the inequities our legal system has created historically; criminal justice and law enforcement; and integrating restorative justice practices. Register at https://www.michbar.org/. For more information email merskine@michbar.org.
   
   Lawyer Trust Accounts Seminar: Management Principles and Record Keeping Resources
   October 23
   Sign up now for the State Bar of Michigan Lawyer Trust Accounts Seminar to be held from 1:15-4:45 p.m. Tuesday, October 23 at the State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend St, in Lansing. This half-day ethics seminar will feature presentations on how to manage lawyer trust accounts, including how to effectively use forms, checklists, and other recordkeeping resources. The seminar, which is open to lawyers and their staff, is an excellent way to learn how to comply with Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct 1.15 and 1.15A. Participants will receive practical information as well as materials prepared by the presenters: SBM Professional Standards Division Director Danon Goodrum-Garland, SBM Assistant General Counsel Nkrumah Johnson-Wynn, Professional Standards Assistant Counsel Alecia Ruswinckel, and Attorney Grievance Commission Senior Associate Counsel Rhonda Pozehl. The cost for the event is $50 for lawyers, $25 for non-lawyers, law students and unlicensed graduates. Register by October 19 at www.michbar.org. No walk-in registrations will be accepted. For more information contact Karen Spohn with the State Bar of Michigan Professional Standards Division at (517) 346-6309 or by email to kspohn@michbar.org.
   
   Detroit Bar Association
   Detroit Legal Services Clinic
   October 23
   The Detroit Legal Services Clinic provides information and advice from volunteer attorneys in the areas of: divorce, child support, domestic relations issues, expungements, self-representation, and general civil law. The clinic will be supervised by Dennis Donahue, the Detroit Bar Association Foundation Access to Justice Administrator. The clinic is from 12-3 p.m. Tuesday, October 23 at the Penobscot Building, 13th Floor, Smart Detroit Conference Rooms, 645 Griswold in Detroit. Volunteers may arrive at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. To volunteer, email Dennis Donahue at ddonahue@ detroitlawyer.org. For more information, contact Mary Kovari at mkovari@detroitlawyer. org or (313) 961-6120, ext. 206.
   
   Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers: Detroit Rolling Pub Member Event
   October 24
   Join fellow Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers for another fun peddle pub event at 5:30 p.m. (ends approximately 7:30 p.m.) Wednesday, October 24 outside Punch Bowl Social, 331 Broadway St. in Detroit. Must be  a paid ISIAL member to participate. The cost is $20 per person with limited seating. Included with ticket price is the Rolling Pub, a designated tour guide, cooler and overhead storage. ISIAL will provide ice and beer for the rolling portion of the tour. Bring snacks, beverages (no glass), and photo ID. Reserve your spot at http://irish-lawyers.org or mail your check, payable to ISIAL to Jennifer Cupples, 38777 Six Mile Rd., Suite 300, Livonia, MI 48152.
   
   Consumer Bankruptcy Association Seminar:
   Evidentiary Issues in Bankruptcy Proceedings
   October 25
   Join colleagues from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 25 for the Consumer Bankruptcy Association Dinner Seminar titled “Evidentiary Issues in Bankruptcy Proceedings.” The seminar will be held at the Iroquois Club, 43248 N. Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills. Join members of the CBA for dinner and a lively discussion on evidentiary issues that arise in bankruptcy proceedings. Registration and cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The program begins at 7 p.m. Cost for the event is $25 for CBA members and $30 for non-members. Register by October 18 (space is limited to 55 attendees so register soon). For more information and registration, contact Kim Rattet at (248) 821-8057 or Rattetk@msn.com.
   
   The Changing World of Michigan Marijuana Law — CBD, Hemp, and Recreational Use
   October 25-27
   The State Bar of Michigan Marijuana Law Section’s fall conference will be held from 5:30 p.m. Thursday through 1 p.m. Saturday, October 25-27 at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd. in Acme (near Traverse City). Topics at the conference will include hemp and CBD; the MMFLA license application process and current results; Michigan’s November 2018 adult recreational ballot proposal; our annual case law update; federal law developments; banking — legal and regulatory updates, issues in running a cannabusiness; and much more. The conference will also have sessions on litigation issues, such as voir dire, cross-examination, evidence, and motion practice. A lineup of speakers includes national experts from around the country, who will share how other states are dealing with the burgeoning cannabis industry. The cost is $350 for Marijuana Law section members, $450 for non-members and non-lawyers, and $250 for law students. Programming, Thursday’s networking event, breakfast on Friday and Saturday, and Friday lunch and dinner are included. Guests may attend Thursday’s networking reception for $45, and Friday’s dinner event for $45. Register by October 22 at https:// www.michbar.org/.
   
   Business Court of the Wayne County Circuit Court and Detroit Bar Association conference
   October 26
   The Business Court of the Wayne County Circuit Court, in conjunction with the Detroit Bar Association Business/Commercial Litigation Section, is hosting a free lunchtime Business Court – Bar Conference on Friday, October 26 from 12:15-1:15 p.m. in the jury room on the 3rd floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, Two Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
   
   Federal Bar Association: Civil Rights and the Religious Land Use/Institutionalized Persons Act
   October 30
   The Federal Bar Association Seminar titled “Civil Rights and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act” will be held from 12-2 p.m. Tuesday, October 30. Join peers and the FBA’s Civil Rights Committee at the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse, Detroit Room, 231 West Lafayette Blvd. in Detroit. Moderated by U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, the seminar will include U.S. District Judge Stephen J. Murphy on the panel. Lunch is provided. The event is free, but registration is required. Register at www.fbamich.org.
   
   State Bar of Michigan Seminar:
   ‘Tips and Tools for a Successful Practice’
   November 1
   Join colleagues from the State Bar of Michigan for the semi-annual seminar titled “Tips and Tools for a Successful Practice” from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, November 1 at State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend St. in Lansing. The seminar features presentations on how to maintain mutually beneficial client relationships, draft effective fee agreements, manage lawyer trust accounts, analyze ethical issues, and use innovative techniques and technology for effective law office management. Participants will receive seminar materials prepared by the distinguished faculty. The seminar is an excellent opportunity for solo practitioners and new lawyers to obtain ethical guidance and practical information from colleagues who have successfully implemented law office management techniques and utilized economically-priced technology to improve the efficiency of their law practices.The cost is $100 for attorneys licensed to practice less than five years, including law students and unlicensed graduates; and $125 for attorneys licensed to practice five years or more. The registration fee includes seminar materials, a continental breakfast, and buffet lunch. Register online or by mailing or faxing the form before October 30. For more information contact Karen Spohn with the Professional Standards Division at (517) 346-6309 or kspohn@michbar.org.
   
   14th Annual Dennis W. Archer
   Public Service Award Gala
   November 8
   Join peers in honoring Hon. Robert J. Colombo, Jr., chief judge, Third Judicial Circuit Court, at the 14th Annual Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award Gala. It will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, November 8 at the Detroit Yacht Club, 1 Riverbank Rd. in Detroit. Archer Award winners all have one thing in common — each is an attorney or jurist who exemplifies the ideal of the law as public service. Proceeds will fund free legal clinics and community outreach programs. Sponsorship opportunities are still available (visit www.detroitlawyer.org to download sponsorship form). The cost to attend is $150 per person. Register at www.detroitlaw yer. org. For more information contact Darlene Trudell at dtrudell@detroitlawyer. org or 313-961-6120, ext. 201.
   
   MDTC Winter Meeting, “Showtime:
   Preparing to Tell Your Story at Trial”
   November 9
   The MDTC will hold its Winter Meeting, “Showtime: Preparing to Tell Your Story at Trial,” from7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, November 9 at the Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel, 21111 Haggerty Rd. in Novi. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. Topics to be covered include: “Using Technology at Trial,” Patrick Muscat, Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office and Adjunct Professor at UDM; “Getting Your Expert Witness Qualified/Challenging or Deposing the Plaintiff’s Expert,” Ernest P. Chiodo, Ernest Chiodo PC; “Opening Statements – Telling Your Story,” Stacy L. Moon, F&B Law Firm, PC; “Preparing Your Client to be an Effective Witness,” James E. Tamm, O’Conner De Grazia Tamm & O’Conner PC and Mike Severyn, Claims ProAssurance; “What Happens When Something Goes Wrong During Trial (And How to Fix it),” A. Tony Taweel, Ottenwess Taweel & Schenk PLC, Michael J. Watt, Kopka Pinkus Dolin PLC, Jody L. Aaron, Johnson Law PLC, and Jenna Wright Greenman, Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook; “Error Preservation at Trial – Perhaps a Trial Attorney and Appellate Counsel,” John Monnich, Ottenwess Taweel & Schenk PLC, and Robert G. Kamenec, Plunkett Cooney; “What Does the Jury Like and Not Like – the Judge’s View,” Deborah L. Brouwer; Hon. Edward Ewell, Circuit Court Judge, 3rd Circuit Court; and Hon. David J. Allen, 3rd Circuit Court Wayne County. Every year, MDTC and MAJ each present a “Respected Advocate Award.” The MDTC annually gives the award to a member of the plaintiff’s bar for the purpose of recognizing and honoring the individual’s history of successful representation of clients and adherence to the highest standards of ethics. The MAJ does the same annually for a defense practitioner. The aim is promote mutual respect and civility. During the Luncheon Presentation, hear from Liisa R. Speaker, Speaker Law Firm, PLLC, MDTC recipient, and MAJ recipient William D. Chaklos, Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook. The cost to attend is $235 for MDTC members, $335 for non-members, and $285 for new members. A group special is available. Register at http://www.mdtc.org/.
   
   Negligence Law Section: Young Lawyers Trial Skills — Facilitative Mediation
   November 12
   The State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section  and the American Board of Trial Advocacy Michigan Chapter are hosting “Young Lawyers Trial Skills — Facilitative Mediation” from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, November 12 at Riley & Hurley PC, 19853 Outer Drive, Ste. 100 in Dearborn. The presentation is open to lawyers with five or less years of experience and seeks to guide young lawyers to successful facilitative mediations. Speakers will be Thomas R. Behm, Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC, and Robert F. Riley, Riley & Hurley PC. The cost is $25 and space is limited. Register at https://www.michbar.org/.
   
   Consumer Bankruptcy Association/American Bankruptcy
   Institute: Steven W. Rhodes Conference
   November 12
   The Consumer Bankruptcy Association and the American Bankruptcy Institute are hosting the Steven W. Rhodes Consumer Bankruptcy Conference from 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday, November 12 at the Somerset Inn, 2601 W. Big Beaver Rd. in Troy. The program includes new topics, such as:  marijuana assets in bankruptcy; the impact of race in bankruptcy proceedings; credit reporting; and the role of the Chapter 13 Trustee.  There are also panels on the latest regarding student loans, bankruptcy appeals, § 523 actions and case law update. The full schedule and registration information can be found at www.ABI.org.
   
   Federal Bar Association presents the Rakow, Rom, Historical Society Luncheon
   November 27
   Join the Federal Bar Association for the annual joint luncheon of the Eastern District of Michigan Chapter and the Historical Society of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 27 at the Marriott Hotel - Detroit Ren Cen. The reception begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch served at noon. The program will feature the presentation of the Federal Bar Foundation’s annual Rakow Scholarship Awards to students from each of Michigan’s law schools. In addition, the Historical Society will present its program, and the Annual Barbara Rom Award for Bankruptcy Excellence will be presented. The cost is $45 for FBA members, $35 for law clerks and students, and $60 for other non-members. Register at www.fbamich.org.
   
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   To include your event in “Mark the Date,” send information to bcox@legalnews.com