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October 2026

October 09 Mark the Date
Nominations now open for 2027 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards
October 9
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) Awards, elevating the entrepreneurs and small businesses that strengthen Michigan through innovation, leadership, and local impact.
For more than two decades, Michigan Celebrates Small Business has honored the innovators driving the state's economy forward.
“Behind every successful small business are Michiganders who have taken a risk, worked hard and persevered to build something that matters,” said Brian Calley, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Michigan Celebrates Small Business gives all of us an opportunity to recognize those entrepreneurs and the impact they have on their employees, customers, and communities. If there’s a small business in your community that has made a difference, now is the time to nominate them and help celebrate their story.”
Awards open for nominations include:
• Michigan 50 Companies to Watch
• Veteran-Owned Small Business
• Minority-Owned Small Business
• Woman-Owned Small Business
• Disability-Owned Small Business
• Micro Business
Recognition will also be given to MCSB Alumni who previously won a Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award through the Great Place to Work and Strategically Focused awards. The 2027 awards will also recognize the SBDC “Best Small Business” companies.
“Being recognized as one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch was incredibly meaningful because Moonwinks was built on more than a business idea - it was built around people and community,” said Kevin Cox, owner of Moonwinks.
“Our team, our customers, and the people who believed in us helped turn a neighborhood café and tavern into something much bigger than we originally imagined. Small business ownership takes risk, resilience, and a lot of long days, and recognition like this reminds entrepreneurs that their work and impact are being seen. I encourage people across Michigan to nominate a small business that is making a difference, because those stories deserve to be celebrated,” Cox added.
To nominate a small business, visit https://michigancelebrates.org. Self-nominations are also welcome.
Nominations close on October 9. All awards will be presented at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala on April 20, 2027.
The Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition will also return for Michigan Celebrates in 2027, with applications opening later this fall.
The SBAM Foundation manages the Michigan Celebrates program, under the direction of an advisory committee, including:
• Edward Lowe Foundation
• MENA American Chamber of Commerce
• Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA)
• Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
• National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)
• Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM)
• West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Michigan Celebrates Small Business was created by a group of founding organizations that offer resources for small businesses. For additional information, visit michigancelebrates.org.

Virtual wellness event offered by State Bar
October 9
The State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program will present a free virtual wellness event focusing on emotional freedom techniques and featuring Judith Zorn at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 9. “EFT for the Legal Mind” will be offered via Zoom and is free to all SBM members.
The first 25 registrants will get a free downloadable version of Zorn’s guide and workbook, “From Wired to Regulated: An EFT Practice Guide for Legal Professionals,” which explains how to use emotional freedom techniques independently including how to identify personal stress patterns, and build a daily practice.
By attending the 90-minute event, attendees will:
• Get an introduction into what Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) are.
• Discover the neuroscience that makes attorneys vulnerable to chronic stress.
• Experience a live guided tapping sequence featuring attorney-specific language.
• Leave with a practical stress management tool you can use immediately.
Zorn is a Michigan attorney with nearly 30 years of experience in probate law and a certified clinical EFT practitioner through EFT Universe, which was founded by Dr. Dawson Church and teaches the same standardized protocol used in peer-reviewed clinical research.
She discovered emotional freedom techniques through her own experiences with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis and now helps individuals navigating high-stress professional and personal challenges find a more regulated and resilient way of living.
To register for the event, visit www.michbar.org/LJAP

Webinar looks at ‘When Competency Is in Question’
October 9
The Criminal Defense Association of Michigan will present the webinar “When Competency Is in Question” on Friday, October 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. via Zoom.
This presentation will provide attorneys with information regarding when a competency referral is warranted, what occurs during a competency evaluation, and how to understand and evaluate the resulting opinion. The presentation will also address circumstances in which obtaining a second opinion may be appropriate and what attorneys and defendants can expect following a finding of incompetency.
Attendees will learn:
• When to make a motion for competency
• What happens during the evaluation
• When to request a second opinion
• What happens if your client is found not competent
Cost for the webinar is $40 for CDAM members and $50 for non-members. To register, visit https://dam.wildapricot.org.

Law school to induct new members into Alumni Wall of Fame
October 13
Wayne State University Law School will honor four distinguished alumni at its Alumni Wall of Fame induction ceremony on Tuesday, October 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wayne Law, 471 W. Palmer Ave. in Detroit.
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of Wayne Law are invited to attend the ceremony and light reception to recognize this year’s inductees which are:
• Megan Bonanni (J.D. ‘93)
• John J. Grant (J.D. ‘79)
• Cornelius Pitts (J.D. ‘64)
• Professor Alan Schenk
The event is free and open to the public. To register for the ceremony, visit https://law.wayne.edu and click on “events.”
The Wayne Law Alumni Wall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the Law School. This distinction is awarded to alumni who have excelled in their profession or contributed meaningfully to society, as well as to former faculty and staff who have made a lasting impact on the Law School.
For additional information about the selection process or to submit a nomination for the Wayne Law Alumni Wall of Fame, visit law.wayne.edu/alumni/wall-of-fame.

Attorneys discuss Fourth Amendment after Chatrie
October 13
The Oakland County Bar Association will present the webinar “Digital Dragnet: The Fourth Amendment after Chatrie” on Tuesday, October 13, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
This webinar will examine the most current developments in Fourth Amendment search and seizure law, including the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Chatrie v. United States which limits the use of geofence warrants and reinforcing constitutional protections for digital location data.
The program will provide an analysis of the court’s reasoning, its impact on the constitutional limits of digital searches, and the practical implications of the decision for criminal law practitioners.
Speaking at the webinar will be Syeda Davidson, ACLU of Michigan, and Layne A. Sakwa, Layne Ashley Sakwa PLLC.
Credit has been approved with the Oakland County Bar Association for 1.00 Criminal credit.
Cost for the webinar is $30 for OCBA members; $20 for new lawyers (85191+), admin assistants, paralegals, and students; and $40 for non-members. Oakland County appointed counsel can attend for free. To register, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”`

‘Use of AI in Managing the Panel Counsel/In-House Relationship’ explored
October 13
The Michigan Defense Trial Counsel (MDTC) will present an In-House Counsel webinar on “The Use of AI in Managing the Panel Counsel/In-House Relationship” Tuesday, October 13, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Among those speaking at the webinar will be Laura Canfield and James Bies of Secura Insurance, and Christopher Jacobs of Houston & Harbaugh.
To register for the free webinar, visit www.mdtc.org/event/in-house-counsel-webinar.

Sections plan to tee off & connect
October 13
The State Bar of Michigan’s Labor and Employment Law Section and the Young Lawyers Section are co-hosting a mixer on Tuesday, October 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at TopGolf, 500 Great Lakes Crossing Dr. in Auburn Hills.
Attendees will be able to enjoy a fun evening of golf, drinks, food, and the opportunity to network with fellow members of the Labor & Employment and Young Lawyers Sections.
To register for the outing, visit https://connect.michbar.org/laborlaw/home.

Webinar looks into ‘Incorporating the Youth Voice in Court Proceedings’
October 14
The Michigan Judicial Institute will present the webinar “Lessons from the Bench: Incorporating the Youth Voice in Court Proceedings” on Wednesday, October 14, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
State and federal law requires the court to consult with each child on their permanency plan. Youth, 11 years of age or older, are entitled to written notice of court hearings. Despite these legal requirements, many youth are not given the opportunity to meaningfully engage with the court. This webinar will provide strategies and tools for increasing youth voice and discuss the challenges to implementing such tools.
This webinar is eligible for continuing judicial education (CJE) credit 1.0 [Judicial Practice & Related Areas]
To register for the webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and scroll down to “Upcoming MJI Events.”

Bar association, firm host Fall Networking event
October 14
The Jewish Bar Association and Lipton Law are hosting a free Fall Networking event. Practicing attorneys, law students, or anyone interested in networking their business are welcome to join on Wednesday, October 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Detroit Axe-Ferndale, 344 W. Nine Mile Rd. in Ferndale.
The event includes food and a free drink ticket. To register for the free event, visit www.jewishbar.org and click on “events.”

Association hosts ‘State of the Court Luncheon’
October 14
The Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association will kick off its Luncheon Series with the annual “State of the Court Luncheon” on Wednesday, October 14, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Cambria Hotel (Sala Ballroom), 600 W. Lafayette Blvd. in Detroit.
The luncheon will welcome U.S. District Court Chief Judge Stephen J. Murphy III, Eastern District of Michigan, who will deliver the keynote address sharing vital updates on court administration, docket trends, facility developments, and key priorities shaping federal practice in the district.
Tickets are available at $43 for EDMIBAR members, $88 for guests and non-members. To register online, visit https://events.edmi bar.org/event/state-of-the-court-luncheon-2.
For additional information about this luncheon or the luncheon series sponsorships, email mindy@edmibar.org.

Affinity bar associations gather
October 15
The Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA), along with partnering affinity bar associations, will gather with colleagues at the Taste of Diversity cocktail reception on Thursday, October 15, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Great Lakes Culinary Center in Southfield.
The event features a strolling reception for an evening dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity of the legal community. Attendees will enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with conversation, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and the camaraderie of friends old and new. The evening will also honor outstanding service through the presentation of the Leon Hubbard Community Service Award and the Michael K. Lee Memorial Award.
Partnering bar associations include:
• Armenian-American Bar Association
• Black Women Lawyer’s Association
• D. Augustus Straker Bar Association
• Detroit Bar Association
• Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan
• Incorporated Society of Irish-American Lawyers
• Italian American Bar Association
• Jewish Bar Association
• Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association
• NAABA MI
• South Asian Bar Association
• State Bar of Michigan
• Wolverine Bar Association
• Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
• he Taste of Diversity is sponsored by the OCBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee. It was established in 2015 to celebrate multiculturalism within the profession and to foster collaboration among area affinity bars in promoting greater awareness and advocacy for diversity in the legal field.
Cost to attend the 2026 Taste of Diversity is $70. OCBA new lawyers (P85191+), admin assistants, and paralegals can attend for $55. Students can attend for $35.
Tickets for Taste of Diversity are available for purchase by visiting www.ocba.org and clicking “events.”
For additional information about the event, contact the Katie Tillinger at 248-334-3400.

Levin Center presents award winner online
October 15
The Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy will offer a presentation by Professor Sara Zdeb, recipient of the 2026 Levin Center Award for Excellence in Oversight Research, on Thursday, October 15, online from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Zdeb will discuss her award-winning paper, “Cooperative Oversight and the Separation of Powers.” In this work, Zdeb challenges the conventional assumption that Congress can strengthen its oversight authority only through conflict with the executive branch. Instead, she explores how cooperation between Congress and the executive branch during periods of unified government can create precedents that enhance Congress’s ability to obtain information and conduct effective oversight in the future.
Following the presentation, participants will have an opportunity to engage in a discussion of the paper’s implications for congressional oversight, separation of powers, and executive accountability.
To register for the free online presentation, visit https://levin-center.org/event/2026-research-presentation. Anyone with questions may email levincenter@wayne.edu.
The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy was established to carry on the legislative oversight legacy and public vision of U.S. Senator Carl Levin, who represented Michigan in the U.S. Senate for 36 years, longer than any other Michigan senator. The Levin Center is headquartered at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit with an office in Washington, D.C.

‘Adolescent Brain Development’ focus of webinar for prosecutors
October 15
The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s Juvenile Justice & School Safety Training Project will present the webinar “Adolescent Brain Development, Accountability, and Rehabilitation: Information for Prosecutors” on Thursday, October 15, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Presenting at the webinar will be Dr. Caitlin Cavanagh, a developmental psychologist and an associate professor in the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. She is the Mason Soneral Faculty Fellow at MSU. Her research focuses on the dynamic, reciprocal relation between adolescent development and contact with the juvenile justice system. She is a core faculty member at the Youth Equity Project, a nonprofit organization focused on youth development, equity, and community empowerment.
There is no charge to attend but advance registration is required. To register, prosecutors and APAs should visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”

State trooper discusses ‘Prosecuting a Marijuana Impaired Driving Case’
October 15
The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will present the Traffic Safety Training Program Webinar “Investigating and Prosecuting a Marijuana Impaired Driving Case” on Thursday, October 15, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
With the advent of medical marijuana, and the subsequent enactment of recreational marijuana, keeping Michigan’s roads safer and holding high drivers accountable has become increasingly difficult for law enforcement and prosecutors. With the help of toxicology, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP), officers and prosecutors have more tools at their disposal than they may realize. Learning how to put it all together, from the various phases of the roadside investigation to the courtroom, can make all the difference in the fight.
This one-hour webinar will explore how to put your case together from the traffic stop to presenting your case to the jury. Topics covered in this course will include:
• What Information to Gather Throughout the Various Phases of the Roadside Investigation;
• What Questions to Ask Your Suspect and What Clues of Impairment to Document in Your Report;
• Communicating with the Prosecutor and Preparing for Trial;
• How to Effectively Convey Valuable Evidence from Your Investigation to Your Jury in Court.
The webinar will be presented by Trooper Aaron Griffin, Michigan State Police, certified drug recognition expert.
To register for this free webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.”

Lunch & Learn discussion to focus on victim rights
October 15
The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s Victim Services Training Unit will host an online lunch-time discussion between and among victim advocates. The Victim Advocates Lunch & Learn “Lettuce Talk” will take place online Thursday, October 15, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
PAAM VSTU plans to offer victim rights related topics to prompt discussion. It also looks to this opportunity as a way to maintain community among victim advocates across Michigan. This meeting is for AG advocates and prosecutor-based victim advocates only.
To register for the online discussion, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.” After registration is approved, participants will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom access link.
Anyone with questions may contact Alex McGowan at McGow anA1@michigan.gov, Bill Dailey at DaileyB2@michigan.gov, or Jeannie Wernet at WernetJ@michi gan.gov.
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.

‘Court Cybersecurity Virtual Tabletop Exercise’ conducted
October 15
The National Center for State Courts (NCSC), the Joint Technology Committee (JTC), and experts from the Center for Internet Security (CIS) will conduct an interactive court cybersecurity virtual tabletop exercise (vTTX) on Thursday, October 15, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Participants will work through a realistic attack scenario affecting court operations and information systems. Through facilitated discussion and decision-making, attendees will assess preparedness, explore incident response and communication strategies, examine recovery planning considerations, and identify actions to strengthen cybersecurity resilience within their courts.
Designed for judges, court administrators, clerks, IT staff, public information officers, general counsel, and others involved in cyber incident response, this exercise helps courts evaluate preparedness and strengthen coordination across key roles.
Organizations are encouraged to join from a conference room as a team and refer to their incident response plan during the exercise. This who do not have a plan can develop one using the Cybersecurity and Disaster Recovery Workshop Workbook.
The event also includes a judicial cyber threat briefing and information on cybersecurity resources, including the CIS Critical Security Controls and related support available to courts and justice partners.
Speaking at the virtual event will be:
• Pat Brooks, director of information technology services, Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator
• Charity Otwell, director of critical security controls, Center for Internet Security
• Theodore Sayers, director of intelligence and incident response, Center for Internet Security
• Kelly C. Steele, trial court administrator, Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, Orlando, Florida
• Andrea Vandeloecht, associate circuit judge, Ninth Judicial Circuit, Keytesville, Missouri
• Moderator Shay Cleary, principal court management consultant, NCSC
To register for the virtual event, visit www.ncsc.org/event/court-cybersecurity-virtual-tabletop-exercise-2026. For additional information, email cyber@ncsc.org.

Annual Ambulance Chase 5K to raise funds
October 17
Wayne State University Law School will conduct its 41st Ambulance Chase 5K on Saturday, October 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on campus, 471 West Palmer Ave. in Detroit.
The Ambulance Chase is a long-standing Wayne Law tradition—a 5K walk/run through the Wayne State campus that brings together students, faculty, alumni, and the broader legal community.
This year’s race will benefit the Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal organization advocating policy changes for criminal justice reform and freeing wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing. Since its founding in 1992, the Innocence Project has helped exonerate hundreds of innocent people and reshape the American justice system.
Ambulance Chase participants will receive this year’s 2026 5K T-shirt. Trophies will be given to the top three race finishers.
Early bird registration is $25 per person or $65 per three-person relay team. General registration is $30 per person or $75 per three-person relay team. Packaged snacks and bottled water will be provided. For additional information and to register, visit https://law.wayne.edu and scroll down to “events.”

‘Child Welfare Appeals’ examined in MJI webinar
October 20
The Michigan Judicial Institute will present a webinar on “Child Welfare Appeals: A Practical Primer From Removal Through the Supreme Court.” Hosted by Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Services, the webinar will take place Tuesday, October 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
This session will offer a practical primer on child welfare appellate practice in Michigan. The presenters will cover which orders are appealable and whether review comes as of right or by leave., the deadlines that govern each, and how to expedite an appeal so that relief arrives while it still matters to the child and family. The focus will then turn to the craft of appellate work, including how to frame issues, how to structure a brief that a busy panel can follow, and how to handle oral arguments. The session will close with what changes when a case moves to the Michigan Supreme Court and how to write an application that gives the Court a reason to take it.
While this training focuses on the roles of parent attorneys and Lawyer Guardian ad Litem in child protective proceedings, all interested attorneys are welcome to join.
Speaking at the webinar will be:
• Vivek Sankaran, director of Child Advocacy Law Clinic, University of Michigan Law School.
• Timothy Pinto, clinical professor, Child Welfare Appellate Clinic, University of Michigan Law School.
This event is sponsored by the Michigan Court Improvement Program (Federal Grant CFDA 93.586).
To register for the free webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and click on “events.” Anyone with questions may email Katy Todd, court analyst, SCAO-Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Services, at ToddK@courts.mi.gov.

‘Child Welfare Appeals’ examined in MJI webinar
October 20
The Michigan Judicial Institute will present a webinar on “Child Welfare Appeals: A Practical Primer From Removal Through the Supreme Court.” Hosted by Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Services, the webinar will take place Tuesday, October 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
This session will offer a practical primer on child welfare appellate practice in Michigan. The presenters will cover which orders are appealable and whether review comes as of right or by leave., the deadlines that govern each, and how to expedite an appeal so that relief arrives while it still matters to the child and family. The focus will then turn to the craft of appellate work, including how to frame issues, how to structure a brief that a busy panel can follow, and how to handle oral arguments. The session will close with what changes when a case moves to the Michigan Supreme Court and how to write an application that gives the Court a reason to take it.
While this training focuses on the roles of parent attorneys and Lawyer Guardian ad Litem in child protective proceedings, all interested attorneys are welcome to join.
Speaking at the webinar will be:
• Vivek Sankaran, director of Child Advocacy Law Clinic, University of Michigan Law School.
• Timothy Pinto, clinical professor, Child Welfare Appellate Clinic, University of Michigan Law School.
This event is sponsored by the Michigan Court Improvement Program (Federal Grant CFDA 93.586).
To register for the free webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and click on “events.” Anyone with questions may email Katy Todd, court analyst, SCAO-Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Services, at ToddK@courts.mi.gov.

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