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February 2026

February 05 Mark the Date
Seminar looks at ‘Growing Your Client Base’
February 5
The Oakland County Bar Association will present a professional development seminar on “Beyond Billable Hours: Growing Your Client Base” Thursday, February 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the OCBA offices, 1760 S. Telegraph Rd., Suite 100 in Bloomfield Hills.
Marketing and business development expert John Reed, Rain BDM founder and Chief Relationship Officer, returns for this in-person seminar which offers an opportunity to strengthen communication and business development skills while connecting with peers face-to-face. Building on strategies for effective professional relationship management, the program will explore how to translate online connections into meaningful in-person relationships, capitalize on networking opportunities, and expand one’s client footprint.
Participants will also learn techniques for building and maintaining referral networks, asking clients for referrals with confidence, and enhancing their business development conversations. The session will conclude with dedicated networking time, allowing attendees to put new skills into practice and forge professional connections. Light appetizers and snacks will be served.
Cost for the seminar is $45 for OCBA?members; $30 for committee members; $30 for OCBA new lawyers and paralegals; $15 for OCBA students; and $60 for non-members.
To register for the seminar, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”

‘Trial Etiquette Panel’ offered in Detroit
February 5
The National Arab American Bar Association, Michigan Chapter, will conduct a “Trial Etiquette Panel” on Thursday, February 5, beginning at 5:30 at the Detroit offices of Dykema, 777 Woodward Ave, Ste 400, in Detroit.
The program will focus on courtroom professionalism, advocacy best practices, and real-world insights from experienced litigators. This panel will explore expectations inside the courtroom, effective communication with judges, opposing counsel, and juries, and the subtle professional considerations that can meaningfully impact trial outcomes.
This program is designed for attorneys at all stages of practice, as well as law students seeking a better understanding of courtroom norms and professional presence.
To register for the free event, visit https://naabamichigan.org/events.

‘Technology & Remote Services in Navigator Programs’ discussed
February 6
The National Center for State Courts will present its third Court Navigator School lecture, “Using Technology & Remote Services in Navigator Programs,” online Friday, February 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom.
This lecture will highlight how programs leverage technology to streamline administrative tasks, improve user experience, and increase efficiency. It will also explore potential challenges and pitfalls that programs should watch for when integrating new tools. Attendees will learn from court navigator programs that provide services remotely and explore how technology is transforming their work. Students will hear directly from programs that use a variety of digital tools, including AI, to enhance service delivery.
Speaking at the online lecture will be Sheriece M. Perry, director, court services and law libraries department, Massachusetts Trial Courts Office of Court Management.
Court Navigator School is a series of one-hour virtual webinar sessions that provide information, ideas, and tangible suggestions to help courts start a navigator program or enhance an existing program. Additional “study hall” sessions will provide structured, online technical assistance and advice from national experts and a place to share ideas with colleagues, exchange information, and explore possibilities in your jurisdiction in a small group setting.
To register for the online lecture, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “Education &?events.”

Applications for Michigan Indigent Defense Commission vacancy due
February 6
The State Bar Board of Commissioners is seeking names of people interested in filling the following agency vacancy:
• Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC): 1 vacancy to complete the balance of a partial term that expires April 1, 2026, and the succeeding full term that expires April 1, 2030.
The MIDC was created through Public Act 93 of 2013. Among other duties, the MIDC proposes minimum standards for the local delivery of indigent criminal defense services and identifies and encourages best practices for delivering the effective assistance of counsel to indigent defendants charged with crimes. Individuals seeking appointment to the MIDC should have significant experience in the defense or prosecution of criminal proceedings or have demonstrated a strong commitment to providing effective representation in indigent criminal defense services. Individuals who receive compensation from this state or an indigent criminal defense system for providing prosecution of or representation to indigent adults in state courts are not eligible to serve as a member of the MIDC. Under the act, the State Bar will submit a list of three names from which the Governor will select one to serve on the commission. For more information on the duties and responsibilities of the MIDC, please see Public Act 93 of 2013.
Deadline for responses is Friday, February 6.
Applications received after the deadline indicated will not be considered. Those applying for this appointment should submit a resume and a letter outlining the applicant’s background and nature of interest in the position.
Applications should be emailed to the SBM Secretary in care of Amy Owens at aowens@michbar. org.

‘The Dark Tetrad’ explored during NAPD webinar
February 9
The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) will present a webinar on “The Dark Tetrad: A Forensic Neuroscience and Neurocriminological Perspective” Monday, February 9, from 1 to 2 p.m.
The Dark Tetrad is a constellation of four interrelated personality traits: narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism. These four traits are typified by grandiosity, manipulativeness, lack of empathy, and indifference to the well-being of others. The Dark Tetrad is linked to a diverse array of negative outcomes, including poor social relationships, career instability, and problematic or criminal behaviors. Research suggests that these traits are influenced, at least in part, by prenatal and postnatal neurobiopsychosocial factors. As such, neurocriminology provides a critical pathway for understanding the role of brain structure, brain function, and biochemical and genetic factors in the etiology of the Dark Tetrad. Further, forensic neuroscience can apply these neurocriminological findings to evaluate key psycholegal concepts and processes.
Designed for criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professionals, this training explores the characteristics and causes of each Dark Tetrad trait through the lenses of forensic neuroscience and neurocriminology. Attendees will learn how these approaches can help enhance understanding, prevention, screening and assessment, interventions, and management of these traits. Research findings and case studies will be presented throughout to illustrate key topics.
Speaking at the webinar will be Jerrod Brown, a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. He is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS).
Cost for the webinar is $50. To register, visit https://publicdefenders.us/event/the-dark-tetrad-a-forensic-neuroscience-and-neurocriminological-perspective.

‘Trauma Awareness and Judicial Officers Webinar’ offered
February 11
The Michigan Judicial Institute will present “Bringing Your Best-Self to the Bench: Trauma Awareness and Judicial Officers Webinar” online Wednesday, February 11, from noon 1 p.m.
This webinar will explore how both personal and vicarious trauma can impact individuals who are appearing before the court, as well as the judicial officers. It will also offer practical strategies for judicial officers to maintain well-being, resilience, and professionalism on the bench.
This program is eligible for 1.0 continuing judicial education (CJE) credit [Integrity & Demeanor].
To register for the webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and scroll down to “upcoming MJI events.”

Bar association to host 2026 McCree luncheon
February 11
The Eastern District of Michigan. Bar Association along with the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, will present the “2026 Wade H. McCree Jr. Luncheon for the Advancement of Social Justice” on Wednesday, February 11, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd. in Detroit.
The Wade H. McCree Jr. Award for the Advancement of Social Justice will be presented during the luncheon. The award honors individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to the advancement of social justice. These contributions may include advancing social justice in areas involving poverty, promoting economic or educational opportunity, or fighting discrimination involving race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, or economic status.
To register for the luncheon, visit https://edmibar.org and click on “events.”

‘Bar Night Out’ planned by OCBA
February 12
This fall, the Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) Membership and New Lawyers committees are teaming up to present “Bar Night Out: Novemberfest” on Thursday, February 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MEX, 6675 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills.
Attendees can connect with colleagues while enjoying delicious food, and a cash bar in a unique and lively atmosphere.
The event is free for OCBA members and $25 for non-members. Space is limited. To register, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”
Anyone with questions may contact Katie Tillinger at 248-334-3400.

Attorneys discuss ‘Careers in Arts & Entertainment Law’
February 12
The Arts, Communication, Entertainment, and Sports Sections (ACES) of the State Bar of Michigan along with the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will present “Careers in Arts & Entertainment Law” featuring Paul Rosenberg and Howard Hertz. The candid conversation with Rosenberg and Hertz discussing entertainment law and the journey of their careers will take place Thursday, February 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. in room 226 at Detroit Mercy Law, 651 East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. A reception will immediately follow the lecture in the atrium.
Rosenberg (Detroit Mercy Law, class of ‘96) is a globally recognized force in the music industry, known for being a longtime manager of Eminem, founder of Goliath Artists and president of Shady Records. He is also the former chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings, and has executive produced acclaimed projects such as, "8 Mile" and “How Music Got Free.”
Hertz formed the law firm of Hertz Schram in 1979. He specializes in entertainment law, and since 1976, he has represented numerous artists and entities in the entertainment field, including authors, screenwriters, directors, recording artists, radio personalities, producers, production companies, record labels, agents, artist managers, music publishers, songwriters, and athletes. Hertz is a member of the Board of Directors and President of the Detroit Music Awards Foundation, and a former member and advisor of the Board of Governors of the Recording Academy Chicago Chapter (Grammys). Hertz earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1976.
To register for the discussion, visit https://law.udmercy.edu. Anyone with questions may contact Brittany at dawsonba2@udmercy. edu.

Attorney discusses ‘Trial Preparations and Jury Selection’
February 12
The Oakland County Bar Association will present “Mastering Trial Preparations and Jury Selection” as a webinar on Thursday, February 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Success in the courtroom starts long before opening statements. This seminar equips appointed defense counsel with practical, battle-tested strategies for effective trial preparation and persuasive jury selection. Attendees will earn how to craft a case story from the ground up, identify and address potential weaknesses, and select a jury that will truly listen to a client’s side.
Speaking at the webinar will be Judith S. Gracey of The Gracey Law Firm PLLC.
Credit has been approved with the OCBA for 1.5 Criminal credits.
Cost for the webinar is $45 for OCBA members; $30 for OCBA new lawyers (P84347+), paralegals, students, admin assistants; and $55 for non-member. Oakland County appointed counsel can attend for free.
To register for this webinar, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”

‘Youth Defense Updates’ offered online
February 17
The State Appellate Defender Office and the Criminal Defense Resource Center will present a webinar on “Youth Defense Updates” Tuesday, February 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
This training will provide attendees with updates on the state of juvenile law from both the courts and the Legislature. It will also explore areas ripe for litigation and review underused cases and statutes that may benefit youthful clients.
Speaking at the webinar will be Joshua Pease, the Youth Appellate Defense Counsel at the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS). After nearly a decade in private practice, Pease joined MAACS in 2022. He is a leading litigator on children’s right to counsel and children being tried as adults.
To register for the webinar, visit www.sado.org and click on “Upcoming Events.” Anyone with questions may email cdrc@sado. org.

Webinar explores best AI practices for legal professionals
February 18
The National Center for State Courts will present a webinar on “Navigating the AI Landscape: Best Practices For Legal Professionals” on Wednesday, February 18, from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the legal profession, offering powerful new tools but requiring an understanding of what they do well and what they don't. This webinar from the Thomson Reuters Institute (TRI) /NCSC AI Policy Consortium for Law & Courts explores the practical implications of AI for legal practitioners, focusing on how to effectively integrate these technologies into daily workflows while mitigating potential risks. The panel of experts will discuss the critical concepts for safely and responsibly leveraging AI in legal practice.
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
• Identify key applications of AI within the legal profession and their potential impact.
• Recognize and understand common pitfalls and limitations of AI.
• Implement practical strategies for the secure and ethical use of AI-powered legal tools.
Speaking at the webinar will be
• Mark Francis, partner, Holland & Knight
• Ashwini Jarral, strategic advisor, IJIS
• Justice Linda Kevins, Supreme Court, Suffolk County, NY
• Moderator Rabihah Butler, manager, Enterprise Content - Risk, Fraud, and Government, Thomson Reuters Institute
To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “Education &?events.”

Lunch & Learn discussion to focus on victim rights
February 19
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, February 19, 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 McGowanA1@michigan.gov, Bill Dailey at DaileyB2@michigan. gov, or Jeannie Wernet at WernetJ @michigan.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.

Webinar to explore the face of drunk driving
February 19
The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will present the Traffic Safety Training Program Webinar “Alcohol Plus Anything Equals Everything” on Thursday, February 19, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
The face of drunk driving is ever changing in Michigan. Drivers are arrested on Michigan roadways with a staggering variety of different controlled substances present in their system, many times in conjunction with alcohol. In this one-hour webinar, Dr. Joey Jones, author of “Alcohol Plus Anything Equals Everything,” will apply his decades-long experiences and multiple real-life case studies to explore the topic of combining alcohol with other drugs, medications, or even food to give prosecutors and law enforcement a better understanding of how alcohol affects the brain, body, and public safety.
Topics that will be covered during this webinar will include:
• An Overview of Alcohol and Its Effects with Various Other Substances.
• A Review of the Limbic System in the Human Body and How these Substance Can Wreak Havoc to the Operation of the Human Brain, including Hypnotic and Sedative Effects.
• A Review of Therapeutic Concentrations of Alcohol, including a Discussion of Plasma/Serum versus Whole Blood.
• A Discussion about Retrograde Extrapolation and Other Courtroom Calculations.
This will be a 1-hour long presentation that will be suitable for law enforcement, prosecutors, and assistant prosecutors who investigate and prosecute individuals for Operating While Intoxicated and Impaired Driving.
To register for this free webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.”

‘Galentine’s Day Book Club’ hosted by WLAM
February 19
The Women’s Bar Association, Oakland County Region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, along with the Wayne County region of WLAM will host a “Galentine’s Day Book Club” on Thursday, February 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mother Handsome, 14661 W. Eleven Mile Rd. in Oak Park.
To celebrate Galentine’s Day and Black History Month, the evening will be spent discussing “Honey & Spice” by Bolu Babalola. This debut novel is full of passion, humor, and heart, and centers on a young Black British woman who has no interest in love and unexpectedly finds herself caught up in a fake relationship with the man she warned her girls about.
Sponsored by Varnum, this event will include free pizza, salad, snacks, and soft drinks. Space is limited. To secure a spot, email natasha-rao@hotmail.com.

‘Specialty Court Restricted License Process’ focus of webinar
February 24
The Michigan Judicial Institute will present “Navigating the Specialty Court Restricted License Process in Your State Certified Problem-Solving Court Virtual Webinar” online Tuesday, February 24, from noon 1 p.m. via Zoom.
In this training, the Michigan Department of State will inform attendees about the processes related to the Specialty Court Restricted License and Ignition Interlock Program for state-certified problem-solving courts. This training is designed for all problem-solving court types. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of relevant statutes and the roles of the court, the Michigan Department of State, and the participants.
To register for the webinar, contact PSC@courts.mi.gov.

OCBA Challenge heads back to the bowling lanes
February 25
The Oakland County Bar Association’s New Lawyers Committee is gearing up to face off against the OCBA Board of Directors for the 21st Annual New Lawyers vs. The Board Challenge. This year, it’s heading back to one of the favorite activities—bowling!
The Challenge will take place Wednesday, February 25, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy. in Royal Oak.
Tickets include food and the chance to join in on the friendly rivalry between the New Lawyers Committee and the Board. The New Lawyers team has taken the win for the last two years, but will they be able to three-peat, or will the Board reclaim the trophy?
Everyone is welcome to join the fun. “Observer” tickets are available to soak up the excitement from the sidelines.
Cost for the event is $40 for OCBA members and member guest tickets, $60 for non-members, and $25 for observers.
To register, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.” For questions, contact Katie Tillinger at 248-334-3400 or ktillinger@ocba. org.

‘New Friend of the Court Employees Webinar’ offered
February 26
The Michigan Judicial Institute (MJI), in collaboration with the Friend of the Court Bureau (FOCB), is pleased to offer a webinar for new(er) friend of the court (FOC) staff. The “New Friend of the Court Employees Webinar” will take place Thursday, February 26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. The webinar is designed for FOC staff with two years or less experience.
By the conclusion of this webinar, staff will be familiar with purpose and meaning of the office of the friend of the court. The webinar will include presentations on:
• Functions of the Friend of the Court Office
• Custody and Parenting Time
• Child Support Formula
• Customer Service and Practical Tips
• Engagement Services
Speaking at the webinar will be:
• Steven D. Capps, director, FOCB, State Court Administrative Office (SCAO), Michigan Supreme Court (MSC).
• Jamie Eichenberg, court analyst, FOCB, SCAO, MSC
• Paul Gehm, management analyst, FOCB, SCAO, MJI
• Lisa Harris, management assistant, FOCB, SCAO, MSC
• Tanner Hickman, court analyst, FOCB, SCAO, MSC
• Lara Markovitz, court analyst, FOCB, SCAO, MSC
• Morgan Titus, court analyst, FOCB, SCAO, MSC
• Elizabeth West, management analyst, FOCB, SCAO, MSC
• Nicole Withrow, management analyst, FOCB, SCAO, MSC
To register for the training, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and click on “events.” Once registration is approved, MJI will notify attendees of their acceptance to the training and send a personal link to join the webinar.

Webinar looks at ‘Everything You Need to Know About the MIDC’
February 27
The Criminal Defense Association of Michigan will present “Everything You Need to Know About the MIDC (even if you don't take assignments!)” online Friday, February 27, from noon to 1 p.m.
The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission has dramatically changed the state's criminal legal system and practice: how assignments are made, how attorneys are paid, and who approves requests for resources needed for clients and their representation. This session will review the MIDC's standards and client-centered best practices for compliance. It will also cover answers to the most common questions about attorney billing, caseload caps, how to obtain expert and investigative funding, and more.
Attendees will:
• Understand all MIDC Standards, including the new standards covering caseloads, qualification, and review of counsel.
• Review attorney billing practices including allowable expenses and common mistakes to avoid ensuring payment for services and understand the MIDC's role related to the attorney compensation standard.
• Understand how to seek funding for defense experts, investigators, and related resources - everything you need to adequately defend your client through the case.
Speaking at the webinar will be MIDC Deputy Director Marla McCowan. Prior to joining the MIDC, McCowan served as a public defender at the appellate level for more than sixteen years at the Michigan State Appellate Defender Office, nearly four of which included overseeing training for indigent defense practitioners around Michigan in her capacity as the manager of SADO’s Criminal Defense Resource Center and training director at SADO.
Michigan criminal defense attorneys and defense support staff members can attend the webinar for free by visiting https://cdam. wildapricot.org.

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