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Calendar

1. August 25 Mark the Date
   Webinar explores ‘The Science Behind the Eye Tests’
   August 27
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will present a webinar on “DREs & ODs (Doctor of Optometry): The Science Behind the Eye Tests” Thursday, August 27, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
   A common defense challenge in cases involving Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officers is the argument that these officers are playing “doctor cop.” One area of the DRE investigation that is prone to this attack are the eye examinations conducted by DREs and some that are conducted by non-DRE officers in all impaired driving investigations.  
   This session will cover the history of optometry as it relates to the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program. It will explain the origins of the various tests of eye movements and pupil responses conducted by DREs and how the DRE task and assessments differ from those of an optometrist.  
   The session will cover popular eye tests such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the Vertical Gaze Nystagmus (VGN) test, and the Lack of Convergence (LOC). The effects of drugs, such as cannabis, on the eyes will be discussed and information shared that will help all DRE and other officers when conducting eye tests during an impaired driving investigation. The session will also delve in medical conditions that can affect the eyes and how these can be differentiated from impairment.
   The webinar is designed for drug recognition experts, police officers, city attorneys, prosecutors, and assistant prosecutors.
   To register for the webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
   
   ‘Resolving Family Conflicts Using Virtual Services’ discussed online
   August 27
   The Michigan Judicial Institute along with the Friend of the Court Bureau will present a webinar on “Expanded Options for Resolving Family Conflicts Using Virtual Services” Thursday, August 27, from 9 to 10 a.m. via Zoom.
   The webinar will features a discussion and demonstration of the new MI-Resolve 2.0 for Families. The system has been completely updated and now allows parties and referral sources to request mediation services online using the new software. The online mediation services are available in all 83 counties at no cost for parties, referral sources, and court agencies. The presentation will conclude with an update on the Access and Visitation Program and information about court funding applications for child neutral drop off services and supervised visitation services due August 28, 2026.
   Speaking at the webinar will be Michelle Hilliker, manager, Office of Dispute Resolution, Field Services, State Court Administrative Office, Michigan Supreme Court.
   To register for the webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and click on “events.”  
   
   ‘Community Supervision in Treatment Courts’ explored online
   August 27
   The Michigan Judicial Institute  will present the webinar “PSC Best Practice Series: Community Supervision in Treatment Courts” hosted by Problem-Solving Courts (PSC) on Thursday, August 27, from noon to 1:15 p.m. via Zoom.
   The All Rise best practice standard on community supervision provides detailed guidance for monitoring and supporting participants with a focus on the high-risk/ high-need target population of treatment courts. In this session, Carolyn Hardin, All Rise’s chief of training and research, will walk attendees through the community supervision standard and highlight critical elements of supervision that have been missing from many programs. During this session attendees will:
   • Learn best practices for monitoring treatment court participants in the community, with emphasis on high-risk/high-need individuals.
   • Learn the importance of risk-need-responsivity assessment, core correctional practices, and other evidence-based practices for monitoring treatment court participants. 
   • Highlight common ground between APPA’s National Standards for Community Supervision and All Rise’s standard on community supervision
   To register for the webinar, visit https://cvent.me/myRo9r. Once a registration is approved, attendees will receive a confirmation e-mail with Zoom details.
   
   Webinar looks at ‘Understanding Juvenile Competency in Michigan’
   August 28
   The Michigan Judicial Institute will present a webinar on “Understanding Juvenile Competency in Michigan” Friday, August 28, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   This webinar will provide an overview of juvenile competency for youth involved in the juvenile justice system, including dual wards involved in both the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. The presenters will draw on their professional experience conducting juvenile competency evaluations to discuss common challenges, practical applications, and the implications of these evaluations for practice. 
   Several key topics will be addressed, including:
   • The historical legal precedents that shaped juvenile competency laws, including Michigan’s juvenile competency statute.
   • The decision-making process involved in juvenile competency evaluations, including an overview of competency restoration practices and procedures.
   • An examination of competency-related terminology, including concepts such as differential diagnosis and malingering.
   The program is designed for judges, referees, court administrators, juvenile probation officers, caseworkers and supervisors, prosecutors, defense attorneys, social service providers, MDHHS juvenile justice caseworkers and supervisors, child welfare specialists, Juvenile Justice County Implementation Team members, and other juvenile justice stakeholders. 
   This webinar is sponsored by the Michigan Court Improvement Program, Federal Grant CFDA 93.586.
   To register for the webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and click on “events.” Once the registration is accepted, a link to join the webinar will be emailed.
   
   Section plans social outing at TopGolf 
   August 29
   The Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan is hosting a social networking event from on Saturday, August 29, from 2 to 5 p.m. at TopGolf, 500 Great Lakes Crossing Dr. in Auburn Hills.
   For $25, section members get three hours of game play plus food and beverages with access to a private lounge. Guests are welcome and pay $30 each. 
   To register for the outing, visit https://connect.michbar.org/criminallaw/home.
   
   Firm hosts annual charity golf classic in Auburn Hills
   August 31
   Kemp Klein Law Firm will host its 5th Annual Kemp Klein Charity Golf Classic on Monday, August 31. This year’s charity golf event will take place at the Fieldstone Golf Club, 1984 Taylor Rd. in Auburn Hills.
   All proceeds will benefit the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, which since 1929 has been committed to feeding bodies, nourishing spirits, and strengthening Metro Detroit. The Capuchin’s work — from daily meal services and the Capuchin Services Center to Earthworks Urban Farm, youth programming, and recovery support – has been a blessing to families and communities throughout the region. This charitable golf tournament helps support those critical programs while bringing together golfers, sponsors, and community leaders from across Michigan.
   Registration for golfers is $375 for an individual and $1,300 for a foursome.  Registration includes:
   • 18 holes of scramble golf with cart at Fieldstone Golf Club
   • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the day
   • Entry into on-course contests, including closest-to-the-pin and hole-in-one challenges
   • Opportunities to win prizes on and off the course
   • A participant appreciation bag featuring items from event supporters
   • Access to an exclusive silent auction featuring sports memorabilia, golf packages, travel experiences and more
   Those not golfing may attend the cocktail reception and dinner for $150.
   To register, visit https://kempklein.com/golf2026.
   
   Ethical, practical considerations of AI in law practice examined
   September 1
   The American Bar Association will present a webinar on “ Using AI in Law Practice: Ethical and Practical Considerations” Tuesday, September 1, from 1 to 2 p.m.
   AI provides exciting opportunities for lawyers to supplement their legal expertise and complete tasks with greater efficiency. It is also fraught with ethical risks. For this reason, lawyers should exercise caution in entrusting tasks to AI and, if and when they do, scrutinize the work it produces. This ethics CLE will examine the relevant ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct implicated by AI use.
   The webinar will provide practical guidance about how to comply with ethical obligations while reaping the benefits of AI. It will describe the opportunities afforded by AI, and how they intersect with critical rules of professional conduct including Rules 1.1, mandating that lawyers be competent in relevant technology, 5.3, requiring lawyers supervise those who report to them, 1.6, requiring that lawyers keep client confidences, and 1.4, providing standards governing how often and about what lawyers have to communicate with their clients.
   Attendees will learn how to:
   • Identify and analyze the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct implicated by AI use, including Rules 1.1 (competence and technological proficiency), 5.3 (supervision), 1.6 (confidentiality), and 1.4 (client communication).
   • Evaluate the ethical risks and professional responsibility considerations associated with delegating legal tasks to AI tools, including issues of accuracy, supervision, confidentiality, and client disclosure.
   • Develop practical strategies for ethically integrating AI into legal practice, including implementing safeguards, supervising AI-generated work, protecting client information, and communicating appropriately with clients about AI use.
   Cost for the webinar is $130.  To register, visit www.americanbar.org and click on “events.”
   
   ‘Children’s Voices and Relational Permanency’ focus of webinar
   September 3
   The Michigan Judicial Institute will present a  webinar on “Centering Children’s Voices and Relational Permanency in the Best Interest Determination.”  Hosted by Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice Services, the webinar will take place Thursday, September 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   This session reframes the best interest inquiry by asking what permanency actually means to children themselves. It will distinguish legal permanency from relational permanency and examine what research and lived experience tells about how children understand belonging, family, and stability. 
   The session will explore the harms that termination of parental rights can inflict on children, including the loss of identity, kinship connections, and continuity of relationships, and how those harms might factor into the best interest analysis. 
   Participants will be invited to consider how courts and child welfare professionals can elevate children’s relational worlds in their decision making, and how a closer look at the costs of termination of parental rights might lead to better permanency outcomes.
   Speaking at the webinar will be:
   • Vivek Sankaran, director of Child Advocacy Law Clinic, University of Michigan Law School
   • Rick Barinbaum, clinical professor, University of Michigan School of Social Work
   This training is intended for all child welfare professionals including jurists, prosecutors, attorneys, Lawyer-Guardians Ad Litem, CPS and foster care workers, service providers, and Foster Care Review Board members.
   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.
   
   Attorney explores ‘How High-Functioning Anxiety Leads to Ethical Blind Spots’
   September 3
   The National Business Institute will present the live video webinar “Under Pressure: How High-Functioning Anxiety Leads to Ethical Blind Spots” on Thursday, September 3, from 11 a.m. to noon.
   Most attorneys understand the Rules of Professional Conduct. The challenge is applying them under pressure.
   This program examines how everyday patterns such as avoidance, delay, and over commitment can develop into ethics violations over time. Using real disciplinary cases, attendees will see how these issues unfold in practice, how multiple rule violations often arise from the same underlying behaviors, and where earlier intervention could have changed the outcome. 
   Topics to be covered at the webinar include:
   • Where Ethics Issues Actually Begin
   • Competence, Diligence, Communication, and Misconduct: How Ethics Rules Erode Under Pressure
   • How Pressure Impacts Decision-Making
   • Recognizing Early Warning Signs Before Problems Escalate
   • Real-Time Strategies for Ethical Course Correction
   • Disciplinary Case Studies and Rule Application
   • Applied Exercise: From Awareness to Action
   • Key Takeaways and Small Actions That Prevent Bigger Ethics Problems
   Speaking at the webinar will be J. Lauren Turner of Clockwork Law.  Turner is an attorney and former general counsel with experience advising on complex legal, regulatory, and operational matters across technology, nonprofit, and international organizations. In addition to her legal practice, Turner is an ICF-certified coach with specialized training in executive coaching, the neuroscience of change, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), a model focused on understanding how internal patterns and competing motivations influence decision-making. 
   Cost for the webinar, which includes course book download, is $199. To register, call 1-800-930-6182 or visit www.nbi-sems.com.
   
   Webinar looks into ‘Advancing Criminal History Reporting’
   September 8
   The National Center for State Courts will present the webinar “Advancing Criminal History Reporting through NODS” on Tuesday, September 8, from 3 to 4 p.m.
   Timely and accurate criminal history reporting supports public safety, decision-making, and justice system operations. Courts play a critical role by generating and transmitting case disposition data to state repositories and systems.
   In the September Data Dives webinar, attendees will see a demonstration of criminal history reporting dashboards that showcase how courts and justice partners can better assess reporting performance, data quality, and interoperability. 
   The session will also highlight findings from the recently released report, “Advancing Criminal History Reporting Through NODS: Implementation, Findings, and Recommendations,” developed by NCSC in partnership with SEARCH. Drawing on insights from courts and justice partners, the report examines how the National Open Court Data Standards (NODS) can potentially strengthen criminal history reporting and improve data exchange across justice systems.
   Speaking at the webinar will be: 
   • Andrew Ranson, senior court management consultant, NCSC
   • Derek Veitenheimer, executive director, SEARCH
   • Shay Cleary, principal court management consultant, NCSC
   To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “Education & events.”
   
   Webinar delves into contempt of court authority, limits
   September 9
   The Michigan Judicial Institute present a “Contempt of Court: Authority, Limits, and Effective Use Webinar” on Wednesday, September 9, from noon to 1 p.m.
   This webinar will provide judicial officers with a clear, practical framework for understanding and applying the court’s contempt powers. Faculty will review the legal foundations of direct and indirect contempt, civil and criminal contempt, and offer strategies for managing challenging behavior, including using contempt as a measured tool to maintain order and compliance while safeguarding litigants’ rights.
   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 click on “events.”
   
   ‘Preventing & Addressing Bias Against Victims’ explored in webinar
   September 9
   The American Bar Association will present a webinar on “It Affects Lawyers, Too: Preventing & Addressing Bias Against Victims of DV, Sexual Assault, & Stalking” Wednesday, September 9, from 2 to 4 p.m.
   Many attorneys are victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVSAS); however, as a profession, attorneys do not talk about this reality very much. 
   The webinar’s panelists will describe the individual and structural bias DVSAS victims/survivors encounter in the workplace, state and federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination against employees who are victims/survivors and protecting these employees’ access to safe leave and reasonable accommodations, and proactive steps managers and human resources specialists can take to prevent structural and individual bias against, and provide support to, employees experiencing DVSAS.
   As a result of attending this program, participants will be better able to:
   • Describe how domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking (DVSAS) may affect an attorney’s worklife and workplace;
   • Identify state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination against employees experiencing DVSAS and protecting these employees’ access to leave and reasonable accommodations; and
   • Design a program to prevent and address individual and structural bias against employees who are DVSAS victims/survivors and provide support to DVSAS-affected employees.
   Cost for the webinar is $130.  To register, visit www.americanbar.org and click on “events.”
   
   ‘Skills Training 101’ offered by CDAM 
   September 9-10
   The Criminal Defense Association of Michigan will present “Skills Training 101” for new criminal defense attorneys with five or less years’ experience.  The two-day program will take place Wednesday and Thursday, September 9-10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the offices of the Oakland County Bar Association, 1760 S. Telegraph Road, Ste. 100 in Bloomfield Hills.
   In this hands-on, small group training, attorneys will learn about arraignments, attorney-client relationships, probable cause, preliminary examinations, circuit court motions, and more.
   Cost for the training is $640 for CDAM members and $800 for non-members. Continental breakfast, lunch, snack, and materials are included. To register for the training, visit https://cdam.wildapricot.org.
   
   Law prof. explores ‘Current Challenges in Immigration Law and Policy’
   September 10
   Wayne State University Law School will present “Current Challenges in Immigration Law and Policy” on Thursday, September 10, from 12:15 to 1:45 p.m. in DJK 2242 at the law school, 471 W. Palmer Ave. in Detroit. 
   This Program for International Legal Studies lecture will feature Professor Jaya Ramji-Nogales of Temple University Beasley School of Law who will speak about the many recent developments and challenges in immigration law.
   Lunch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
   For additional information about this program, visit https://law.wayne.edu and scroll down to “events.”
   
   ‘Congressional Budgeting as a Tool of Oversight’ discussed online
   September 10
   The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy will present the webinar “Pushing the Purse: Congressional Budgeting as a Tool of Oversight” on Thursday, September 10, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.  
   This webinar will feature the Levin Center’s 2025/26 Elise J. Bean Oversight Fellow, Kevin Angell, as he presents his research on the relationship between congressional budget processes and legislative oversight.
   Angell’s project, “Pushing the Purse,” examines how Congress uses its budgetary authorities to shape executive branch behavior and respond to instances of presidential non-compliance. Drawing on interviews with congressional and executive branch staff, as well as original quantitative data on committee reports, hearings, and budget activity, his research explores how oversight functions in practice within the appropriations process.
   To register for the free webinar, visit https://levin-center.org. Anyone with questions may email the Levin Center at Wayne Law at 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.
   
   Attorney discusses ‘Starting, Surviving and Sustaining Your Own Practice’
   September 10
   The Law Practice Management and Legal Administrators Section of the State Bar of Michigan will present the webinar “Starting, Surviving and Sustaining Your Own Practice with Barry Brickner” on Thursday, September 10, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   Brickner has been a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan for fifty years. He has authored many articles on law office management and other legal subjects, including an article published in 1997 in the ABA Law Practice Management Journal, “Being Solo and Other Ravings of a Lunatic.” This article provides the reader with a road map and brief overview of the business aspects of practicing law. 
   Brickner has been in solo practice for more than 45 years in Farmington Hills, where he focuses primarily on real estate and business matters. He is also an active member of his community and has served on the City Council and as mayor of Farmington Hills.
   To register for the webinar, visit  https://connect.michbar.org/lpm/home.
   
   Annual MDTC Open Golf Tournament scheduled in Milford
   September 11
   The Michigan Defense Trial Counsel will host its 30th Annual MDTC Open Golf Tournament on Friday, September 11, at Mystic Creek Golf Club and Banquet Center, 1 Champions Circle in Milford.
   Clients, judges, and guests are welcome. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and shotgun start takes place at 9 a.m.  
   Golf will be played in modified scramble format.  Singles/pairings are first come basis. There is no guarantee to golf with a judge unless accompanied by a judge.  Golf registration fee includes greens fees, cart, lunch, dinner, and two drink tickets.  
   A portion of the proceeds will support First Tee-Greater Detroit, a youth development organization that helps young kids build strong character and confidence to navigate life’s challenges. By combining the game of golf with a structured life skills curriculum, it empowers participants with values and skills that last a lifetime.
   The cost is $205 per lawyer and $225 per vendor after August 15.  Judges can attend for free.  All fees must be paid on or before day of golf.  
   To register, visit www.mdtc.org/event/30th-annual-golf-outing.  For additional information, call 517-627-3745.
   
   Juvenile Probation Officer/Caseworker Certification Exam offered online
   September 11
   The Michigan Judicial Institute and will conduct the Juvenile Probation Officer/Caseworker Certification Examination on Friday, September 11.
   Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1985-5 requires a juvenile [court] probation officer/caseworker to complete the Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI) certification training within one year of employment.  
   This requirement specifically applies to primary probation officers/case workers responsible for the development and implementation of case plans for youth placed on formal probation.  
   Certification is not required for staff whose roles are supportive or ancillary to assisting the primary probation officer/case worker in fulfilling the conditions of the case plan, including staff who are providing day treatment, counseling, mentoring, tutoring, educational services, or staff limited to supporting youth who have been diverted from formal court processing or who are under supervision through the consent calendar.  
   The training content and competencies addressed in the current certification are not aligned with the responsibilities of these diversion-focused roles. For those professionals currently employed in a diversion-focused role who want additional training, MJI has developed the “Juvenile Diversion Worker: Self-Instructional Guide” course. 
   The certification process is two-phased and can be completed in any order. 
   Phase I requires participation in (or waiver of) the MJI “Basic Interviewing, Counseling, and Communication Techniques” webinar series. Staff with credentials that clearly exceed the educational/experiential requirements of the Administrative Order may request a waiver of participation in this phase.
   Phase II consists of a self-paced study of the “MJI Juvenile Probation Officer and Caseworker Self-Instructional Manual” and satisfactory completion of the certification examination.
   The exam is an online computer-based application, however, applicants must still pre-register to take the exam for only one time slot: 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.
   If registration is approved, registrants will receive information about accessing the online examination at a later time. Approved registrants will be notified via email and sometime prior to the examination they will receive an e-mail to confirm their account and set a password on the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) Learning Center where the exam is hosted.
   To register for the online exam, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and scroll down to “upcoming MJI events.” Anyone with questions may contact Adam Pfau at pfaua@ courts.mi.gov.
   The registration deadline is Tuesday, September 8.
   
   Family Treatment Court focus of online discussion
   September 14
   The Michigan Judicial Institute will continue its “Michigan Family Treatment Court Community of Practice (CoP) Series” hosted by Problem-Solving Courts (PSC) online Monday, September 14, from 11 a.m to noon.
   These Family Treatment Court Community of Practice Series (FTC CoP) provide 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.
   To register for the online program, visit, https://cvent.me/EAnVDP. Once registration is approved, participants will receive a confirmation e-mail with Zoom details.
   For additional registration information, contact PSC@courts.mi. gov.
   
   ‘Michigan Supreme Court: Review & Preview’ offered online
   September 15
   The State Appellate Defender Office and the Criminal Defense Resource Center will present the webinar “Michigan Supreme Court: Review & Preview” on Tuesday, September 15, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.  
   This training will review the Michigan Supreme Court’s opinions from its 2025-2026 term, and preview of what’s to come in the 2026-2027 term.
   Speaking at the webinar will be Jason Eggert, a research and training attorney in SADO’s Criminal Defense Resource Center.  He served an assistant defender at SADO from 2016-2025.  He is the principal author of the “Defender Guide to Search & Seizure in Michigan” (2026).
   To register for the webinar, visit www.sado.org/go/MSC-2026.  Anyone with questions may email cdrc@sado.org.
   
   Public defenders discuss using experts and investigators
   September 15
   The Oakland County Bar Association will present a webinar on “Using Experts and Investigators - Success Stories” Tuesday, September 15, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   This webinar explores how strategically using subject matter experts and investigators can strengthen cases, uncover critical evidence, and improve outcomes. Through real-world success stories, attendees will learn practical approaches for selecting the right experts, conducting effective investigations, and integrating findings into case strategy. The session will highlight lessons learned, best practices, and common pitfalls to avoid. 
   Speaking at the webinar will be Chief Public Defender Paulette Loftin and Deputy Chief Public Defender Lindsay Abramson of the Oakland County Public Defender’s Office.
   Credit has been approved with the Oakland County Bar Association for 1 Criminal credit. 
   Cost for the webinar is $30 for OCBA members and $40 for non-member. Oakland County appointed counsel can attend for free. To register, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”`
   
   Attorneys discuss ‘Privacy Regulators Without Borders’
   September 16
   McDonald Hopkins will present the webinar “Privacy Regulators Without Borders: Global Rules, Real Accountability” on Wednesday, September 16, from noon to 1 p.m.
   As organizations expand their digital footprint and adopt data-heavy technologies (including AI), many are collecting, sharing, and storing more data than ever before—often without fully understanding its lifecycle within the organization or the foreign or domestic regulatory requirements tied to it. Marketing initiatives, data sharing “partnerships,” chatbots, customer or web traffic analytics, international shipping to remote employees and sister company engagements, even routine business operations can create unexpected privacy and regulatory risks.
   McDonald Hopkins’ Christa Kumming (Detroit) and Razvan Miutescu (Baltimore) will explore how data moves throughout an organization, what triggers compliance concerns, and how businesses can evaluate both consumer-facing and workforce-related data practices with greater confidence and clarity.
   Topics include:
   • Data inventories or “mapping”: understanding the lifecycle of the data your organization processes
   • Data retention and destruction — significant practical and legal challenges
   • Expanding your data-heavy operations thoughtfully — domestically and internationally
   • Navigating evolving compliance requirements
   • Identifying common privacy and data protection compliance triggers
   For additional information on the webinar, visit www.mcdonaldhopkins.com and click on “events.”
   
   Section looks at ‘Unfair Labor Practices Under the NLRA’
   September 16
   The Labor and Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan will present “Zoominar Labor Law 102: Unfair Labor Practices Under the NLRA — What Employment Lawyers Should Know” online Wednesday, September 16, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   Building on the section’s popular Labor Law 101 presentation, this session takes a deeper dive into unfair labor practices (ULPs) under the National Labor Relations Act. 
   Ava Barbour of the UAW International Union will lead a presentation and Q&A focused on identifying potential — and not-so-obvious — ULPs in both unionized and non-unionized workplaces. 
   To register for the free Zoominar, visit https://connect.michbar.org/laborlaw/home.
   
   Litigation Section conducts annual meeting online
   September 16
   The Litigation Section of the State Bar of Michigan will present its  2026 Annual Meeting online Wednesday, September 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. via Zoom.
   The section will be gathering virtually to look back at its biggest milestones, share key updates, and map out the direction for the year ahead.
   To register for the online meeting, visit https://connect.michbar.org/litigation/home.
   
   Health Care Law Section conducts annual meeting 
   September 17
   The State Bar of Michigan’s Health Care Law Section will conduct its annual meeting on Thursday, September 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Andiamo, 6676 Telegraph Road, in Bloomfield Township.
   Health Care Law Section Chair Eric Klein, of Dykema, will lead the Business Meeting.  Speaking  on the topic of “The New Super-Soldier in the Global Trade War is in Your Healthcare Supply Chain” will be Julie Janeway and Erica Powell Bell.
   Cost, which includes lunch and To register for the event, visit https://connect.michbar.org/healthcare/home.
   
   Law school, Levin Center conduct Constitution Day conversation
   September 17
   The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy and Wayne State University Law School will present a Constitution Day conversation on the challenges facing Congress today and the opportunities to revitalize its role in American democracy.  “Could Rebooting Congress Help Save American Democracy?” will take place on Thursday September 17, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Wayne Law’s Partrich Auditorium, 471 W Palmer Ave. in Detroit.
   As public trust in government has declined and political polarization has deepened, some observers point to the long-running erosion in congressional performance and capacity as a driving force in this dysfunction.
   This panel will explore both the causes and consequences of that decline and consider what it would mean to reinvest in Congress. Drawing on perspectives from practice, scholarship, and policy, the discussion will examine ways Congress might better support meaningful debate, strengthen its oversight responsibilities, and rebuild public confidence in democratic institutions.
   Panelists will include:
   • Former U.S. Representative Barbara Comstock
   • Philip Wallach, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute and author of “Why Congress”
   • Steven Winter, Walter S. Gibbs Distinguished Professor of Constitutional Law, Wayne State University Law School
   The event is part of the Levin Center’s Congress 250 campaign and Wayne Law’s 100th anniversary celebration. Students, faculty, and members of the broader community are welcome. The panel will be followed by a reception in the Partrich Auditorium lobby.
   To register for the free seminar, visit https://levin-center.org/constitution-day.  Anyone with questions may email the Levin Center at Wayne Law at levincenter@wayne.edu.
   
   Pickleball Tournament hosted by ACC-MI
   September 17
   The Association of Corporate Counsel, Michigan Chapter, will conduct its 2026 Pickleball Tournament on Thursday, September 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Paddle + Par, 31535 Southfield Road in Beverly Hills.
   Whether an experienced player or new to the sport, this event is open to all skill levels. Participants will be able to connect with fellow ACC-MI members, in-house counsel guests, and partners in a relaxed and engaging setting.  Hors d’oeuvres and open bar will be available.
   Cost for the Pickleball Tournament is $25. To register, visit www.acc.com/chaptersnetworks/chapters/michigan.
   
   Bench Bar Culinary Challenge returns
   September 17
   Grilling for Good returns with the 17th Annual Bench Bar Culinary Challenge which will take place Thursday, September 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the home of retired Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Kirsten Frank Kelly.
   This annual charitable event is one of a kind in metro Detroit for a friendly cook-off between teams from the bench and bar.  All proceeds benefit Alternatives for Girls and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation’s scholarship fund.  
   This year, the teams consist of:
   • Grilled from the Bench—Michigan Court of Appeals Judges Mariam Saad Bazzi and Christopher Trebilcock; Oakland County 46th District Court Judge Cynthia Arvant and Oakland County Probate Court Chief Judge Jennifer Callaghan; and Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Tanya Grillo and Oakland County 52-3 District Court Judge Laura Polizzi. 
   • Grilled by the Hour—Reine Hamdar of MacDonald Hopkins and Fadel Nabilsi of HNH Law Group; Kristopher Hulliberger and Daniel Chojnowski of Howard and Howard; and Deb Lapin and Mike Hamblin of Maddin Hauser.
   Attendees will be able to buy voting tickets at the event to determine whether the bench or bar wins the competition.  Voting tickets may also be purchased online.
   Tickets are $100 per person and include food, wine, and beer. Pre-registration is required. To register, visit   https://womenlawyers.org/ bench-bar-culinary-challenge.
   
   Taxation Section to host annual meeting, dinner
   September 17
   The Taxation Section of the State Bar of Michigan will hosts its Annual Meeting & Past Chairs Networking Dinner on Thursday September 17, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St. in Birmingham.
   Dinner includes a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m.  Section members not wishing to join for the dinner may still attend the Annual Meeting at 6 p.m. at no cost, but are still asked to register.
   Cost is for those dining is $60 for section members, $75 for non-section members, and $35 for tax law students.
   To register, visit https://connect.michbar.org/tax/home.
   
   ‘Working Effectively with High-Stress Clients’ explored
   September 17
   The Oakland County Bar Association will present a webinar on “Practical Strategies for Working Effectively with High-Stress Clients” Thursday, September 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
   Attorneys representing individuals in the criminal justice system regularly work with clients facing significant stress, complex personal circumstances, and high-stakes legal matters that can create challenges in communication and maintaining productive relationships. 
   This training provides practical, evidence-informed strategies for understanding behaviors commonly encountered in legal practice and responding in ways that support effective attorney-client interactions. Participants will learn communication techniques and behavioral tools to assist clients experiencing heightened stress, mistrust, emotional dysregulation, or other barriers to engagement. 
   The program will also address the occupational impact of representing clients in crisis, including strategies for maintaining professional boundaries, sound judgment, and long-term effectiveness.
   Speaking at the webinar will be Shannon Laskey of Michigan Counseling Collaborative. 
   Credit has been approved with the Oakland County Bar Association for 1.5 Criminal credit. 
   Cost for the webinar is $30 for OCBA members and $40 for non-member. Oakland County appointed counsel can attend for free. To register, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”`
   
   ‘Drug and Alcohol Testing Webinar’ offered by MJI
   September 17
   The Michigan Judicial Institute  will present the webinar “PSC Best Practice Series: Drug and Alcohol Testing Webinar” hosted by Problem-Solving Courts (PSC) on Thursday, September 17, from noon to 1:15 p.m. via Zoom.
   This session will provide an overview of why treatment courts should have a clear phase structure that addresses participants’ needs in a manageable and effective sequence.  The overview will highlight the participants’ progress to the next phase when they have achieved specific, attainable goals necessary for them to accomplish more challenging long-term goals.  
   Attendees will learn how this progression is independent of the participants’ treatment plans and is not based on the level, dosage, or type of treatment they are receiving.  
   To register for the webinar, https://cvent.me/XMao9e.  Once a registration is approved, attendees will receive a confirmation e-mail with Zoom details.
   
   ‘Petition Writing in Child Protective Proceedings’ explored online
   September 17
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s Child Abuse Prosecution Resources unit (CAPR) will present the webinar “Petition Writing in Child Protective Proceedings” on Thursday, September 17, beginning at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
   Saginaw County APA Christina Walsh will review petition writing for non-lawyers.  The first half will cover initial jurisdiction petitions.  There will be a focus on the practical applications of the petition, and how to present factual evidence, and participants will explore practical examples.  
   The second half of the webinar will cover drafting termination of parental rights petitions, including practical tips for preparing your file for termination, what does DHHS actually have to prove, and how to draft a best interest argument. 
   Participants will be provided with samples and asked to view petitions from various roles, such as the Judge or the parent’s attorney. Participants will also be provided tips for writing with a Judge or Lawyer as their reader. 
   To register, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
   
   Presidential Inauguration & Awards Luncheon planned
   September 18
   The State Bar of Michigan will host the Presidential Inauguration & Awards Luncheon to bestow its highest honors and swear in the president and officers for the 2026-2027 bar year.   The event will take place Friday, September 18, beginning at noon at the Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy.
   At the luncheon, current State Bar of Michigan President Lisa J. Hamameh will pass the gavel to Erika L. Bryant, who will serve as the 92nd president of the State Bar of Michigan. Serving alongside Bryant will be Thomas H. Howlett as president-elect, David C. Anderson as vice president, Suzanne C. Larsen as treasurer, and a secretary, who will be elected at the July 24 Board of Commissioners meeting.  
   The winners of the State Bar’s highest honors will also be recognized and receive their awards at the luncheon. This year’s honorees are:  
   • Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award: Judge David Murkowski and Judge Christopher P. Yates 
   • Champion of Justice Award: Dorothy Dean and David M. Honigman 
   • John W. Reed Lawyer Legacy Award: Leonard Niehoff 
   • John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award: Russell Abrutyn 
   • Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award: Dennis Clark, Jerjuan A. Howard, and the Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan 
   • Liberty Bell Award: Hispanic Center of West Michigan  
   Following the luncheon, the Representative Assembly will also bestow two awards during its meeting, also being held at the Detroit Marriott Troy.  The honorees include:
   • Michael Franck Award: James L. Liggins Jr. 
   • Unsung Hero Award: Samuel H. Pietsch and Rita White 
   For additional information and to register for the luncheon, visit: michbar.org/awards.
   
   Attorney to give update on sentencing case law
   September 18
   The Criminal Defense Association of Michigan will present a “Sentencing Case Law: Updates and Guidelines” on Friday, September 18, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Robert A. Verkuilen Building, 21885 Dunham Rd. in Clinton Township.
   Speaking at the training will be Anne Yantus of Michigan Sentencing PLLC.  Yantus is a sentencing consultant working with attorneys to promote more favorable sentencing outcomes.  She spent many years handling plea and sentencing appeals with the State Appellate Defender Office. Following her time with SADO, Yantus taught a criminal sentencing course at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and subsequently continued to write and speak on felony sentencing law while serving as pro bono counsel with Bodman PLC.
   Cost for the training is $100 for CDAM members and $125 for non-members.  Snacks and beverages are included.  To register, visit https://cdam.wildapricot.org.