Calendar
December 2025
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December 19
Mark the Date
‘AI Obstacles and Opportunities’ discussed online
December 19
The Solo & Small Firm Section of the State Bar of Michigan will present a “Lunch & Learn Seminar—AI Obstacles and Opportunities” online Friday, December 19, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the practice of law—streamlining workflows, transforming client expectations, and introducing new ethical and regulatory challenges.
During this online program, guest speaker, Patrick Barry, University of Michigan Law School professor and author, will discuss both the risks and rewards of integrating AI into a legal practice. Barry will cover the topics of:
• Ethics When Using AI
• The AI Spectrum
• Using AI to Your Advantage
To register for the online Lunch & Learn, visit https://connect.michbar.org/solo/home.
‘Building an Unstoppable Law Firm’ explored online
December 23
The National Business Institute will present a live video webinar on “Building an Unstoppable Law Firm: A Boot Camp for Attorneys” Tuesday, December 23, from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Running a law firm is stressful and exhausting for attorneys managing cash flow, juggling billable hours with administrative tasks, and choosing the right tech tools for practice management. The good news, though, is that there are ways to ease the pressure.
During the webinar, expert practitioners will reveal tips and tricks for building and running a thriving law firm with confidence. Attendee will learn how to:
• Streamline workflow through automation.
• Gain tips and tricks for staying profitable and getting paid.
• Examine best practices for hiring and leading support staff.
• Take a pulse on the latest legal tech trends small firms need to know.
(Any mention of specific products in this program is intended as part of a general overview and does not constitute NBI’s endorsement or recommendation of any specific product or provider. This program is not sponsored by any technology or electronics provider.)
Cost for the webinar, which includes course book downlaod, is $299. To register, call 1-800-930-6182 or visit www.nbi-sems.com.
Ethics of client onboarding discussed online
December 30
The National Business Institute will present a live video webinar on “Client Onboarding: An Ethical Action Plan for Attorneys” Tuesday, December 30, from 2 to 3 p.m.
From the first conversation to the final signature, every step of client intake can present ethical challenges. This course offers practical guidance on conflicts of interest checks, obtaining informed consent, and setting expectations and boundaries.
Topics to be covered include:
• When Does the Attorney-Client Relationship Begin?
• Conducting Comprehensive Conflict Checks
• Scope of Representation and Informed Consent
• Setting Clear Expectations: Communications, Timelines, and Outcomes
• Engagement Letters and Fee Agreements: Ethical Dos and Don’ts
• When and How to Decline or Terminate Representation
Cost for the webinar, which includes course book download, is $199. To register, call 1-800-930-6182 or visit www.nbi-sems.com.
New virtual support group for attorneys to start in January
January 6
The State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program (LJAP) is offering a free, confidential virtual support group for attorneys to help each other work through stress, improve their overall well-being to maximize professional competency, and connect with their peers
Due to increasing demand, participation will be limited to 24 participants. Meetings will begin Tuesday, January 6, 2026, and take place via Zoom on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, from 6-7 p.m., ending February 25, 2026. All meetings are facilitated by an LJAP clinical case manager.
The schedule of topics will be:
Week 1: How do you cope?
Week 2: Barriers to billing
Week 3: Overlooked hurdles of practice
Week 4: Setting healthy boundaries
Week 5: Dealing with challenging personalities
Week 6: Identity and self-esteem
Week 7: Unique stressors of the profession
Week 8: Gratitude
To register for the group, visit www.michbar.org/generalinfo/ljap/home. For additional information, contact LJAP at contactljap@ michbar.org or 800-996-5522.
‘Improving Public Safety and Outcomes for Youth in Michigan’ discussed
January 7
The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s Juvenile Justice &?School Safety Training Project will present the webinar “Improving Public Safety and Outcomes for Youth in Michigan” on Wednesday, January 7, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
This presentation will include information on how the mandatory screenings tools and assessments should be employed.
Speaking at the webinar will be Josh Weber, director, Youth and Juvenile Justice, The Council of State Governments (CSG). Weber directs the CSG Justice Center's juvenile justice program, which focuses on helping states use effective methods to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for youth in contact with the juvenile justice system.
Previously, Weber spent 10 years working on building the capacity of programs and systems that serve vulnerable youth in the juvenile justice, youth development, workforce development, and child welfare systems. He managed research programs for the Youth Development and Research Fund in Maryland and the Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago.
In addition, Weber led the development and implementation of NYC Administration for Children’s Services' alternative to placement and reentry program for juveniles using evidence-based practices. He also directed the District of Columbia’s Justice Grants Administration, which managed all federal juvenile and criminal justice grants for the District.
There is no charge to attend but advance registration is required. To register, prosecutors and APAs should visit https://michiganprose cutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
Judges, coach featured in ‘Devil in the Details’
January 8
The Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association will present its third event in its Women’s Series with “Devil in the Details” on Thursday, January 8, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the offices of Warner Norcross + Judd, 2715 Woodward Ave., suite 300, in Detroit.
It’s often the small things that make the biggest impact. “Devil in the Details” offers an interactive afternoon/evening featuring “Your Benchmark Coach” Elizabeth Jolliffe and a lineup of many local female District Court, Bankruptcy Court, and magistrate judges. Jolliffe will kick off the program with strategies for recognizing the details that can elevate—or detract from—a practice. Attendees will then break into small, judge-led discussion groups to explore practical topics including:
• Professional Demeanor
• General Communication
• Zoom Meetings & Virtual Courtroom Presence
• Dress & Appearance
The registration fee includes all programming along with food and wine. Cost is $49 for members and $68 for non-members and guests. To register, visit https://edmibar.org and click on “events.”
‘Ethical Troubleshooting Guide’ presented online
January 9
The National Business Institute will present a live video webinar on “What to Do When You Make an Error: An Ethical Troubleshooting Guide” Friday, January 9, from11 a.m. to noon.
While admitting to a slip-up is a tough pill to swallow, what truly matters is how to respond to it. The webinar’s speaker will discuss essential guidelines for addressing legal fumbles. Attendees will gain the insights needed to turn blunders into teachable moments.
Topics to be covered include:
• Owning the Oversight: When Attorneys Are Required to Disclose Mistakes
• Duty in the Details: Who You Need to Inform, and Why It Matters
• Disclosing Errors: What to Say and Tips for Navigating the Conversation
• Repairing the Record: Legal Steps to Correct Mistakes and Safeguard the Client's Interests
• Preventing Recurrence: Tips for Implementing Ethical Safeguards in Your Law Practice
• Malpractice Insurance: What You Need to Know
Cost for the webinar, which includes course book download, is $199. To register, call 1-800-930-6182 or visit www.nbi-sems.com.
Vision board event presented by WLAM
January 10
The Women Lawyers Association of Michigan will present a Vision Boards program on Saturday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Baldwin Public Library, 300 W. Merrill St. in Birmingham
This interactive event with Zenell Brown will guide participants through a step-by-step process to visualize and manifest goals and aspirations.
During the workshop attendees will:
• Learn about the power of visualization and manifestation
• Set intentions and goals for the year ahead
• Choose inspiring images and quotes that resonate with you
• Create a beautiful and personalized vision board
All supplies will be provided, but participants are free to bring their own favorite magazines or images. Space is limited. To register, visit https://womenlawyers.org and click on “events.”
Family Treatment Court focus of online program
January 12
The Michigan Judicial Institute continues its “Michigan Family Treatment Court Community of Practice (CoP) Series” hosted by Problem-Solving Courts (PSC) online Monday, January 12, from 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom.
The Family Treatment Court Community of Practice Series (FTC CoP) provides opportunities for cross-system, peer-to-peer networking, and learning. FTC teams are encouraged to participate in sharing barriers they are experiencing, gaining knowledge on pertinent topics, offering support through challenges, and brainstorming solutions.
This training does not offer MCJE credits. To register, visit https://cvent.me/KOKO45. Once registration is approved, participants will receive a confirmation e-mail with Zoom details.Levin Center seeks applications for fellowshipJanuary 31
The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University Law School pleased to announce that it is seeking applicants for its Elise J. Bean Oversight Fellowship Program to encourage scholarly research on oversight investigations conducted by Congress or the 50 state legislatures and related topics.
The Levin Center seeks to promote research on oversight by legislative bodies with the ultimate goal of fostering high-quality fact-finding and oversight investigations that are not captive to partisan interests. This fellowship program is established to encourage scholars early in their careers, including post-doctoral students and professors, to conduct research and produce papers with useful research results related to oversight by legislators.
For 2026/27, the fellowship offers $10,000 to support a one non-resident scholar to conduct research and produce a scholarly paper on issues related to congressional or state-level oversight. Research topics may include issues such as:
• Constitutional and political theories underlying oversight.
• Optimal staffing for oversight committees.
• Measures to gauge the extent and effectiveness of bipartisan oversight.
• Impact of oversight on policy outcomes.
• How legislative fact-finding affects the public’s understanding of issues.
• How legislative oversight interacts with efforts by the media and other actors to hold government accountable.
• Oversight performance measures.
• Oversight decision-making styles.
• Consensus fact finding.
• Examining oversight gaps.
• Developing new oversight databases or committee oversight dashboards.
• History of oversight in a particular subject area or committee.
• History of one or more famous oversight practitioners; and
• Other oversight-related issues on the congressional or state level.
There are no teaching obligations. Funding may be used to compensate the scholar’s work and defray research expenses related to, for example, obtaining research data, engaging in travel, or hiring an assistant. No indirect costs can be covered through the fellowship. Funds will be paid out in two installments over the 12 month period.
The Fellow must agree to present the resulting research paper at an event sponsored by the Levin Center and for the paper and event to be promoted through academic channels, including the Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy’s website and list-serves. The Levin Center may offer an opportunity to publish the paper in a law review or journal sponsored by Wayne State University Law School.
To apply, visit https://levin-center.org/levin-center-at-work/awards/oversightscholars-fellowship. Applications will close on January 31, 2026.
headlines Detroit
headlines National
- Former judge sentenced to 12 years in prison for using public funds for vacations, personal purchases
- ACLU and BigLaw firm use ‘Orange is the New Black’ in hashtag effort to promote NY jail reform
- Attorney sentenced to 25 years in prison after taking client money for gambling
- Ex-DLA Piper partner accused of assault by former associate
- Legal leaders shoulder more stress, new survey shows
- Some noncitizens may have Second Amendment rights, federal appeals court says
