The Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ) has named Attorney Barry Conybeare as its 74th President. Conybeare officially began his one-year term on June 1, 2026, serving as the leading voice for Michigan trial attorneys and consumers seeking equal access to justice across the state. Stephen Pontoni, MAJ Executive Director, made the announcement.
A longtime trial attorney and shareholder at Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers in St. Joseph, Conybeare has built his career representing individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. His practice focuses on personal injury litigation, including automobile negligence, medical malpractice, product liability, and insurance disputes.
“For me, this work has always been personal,” said Conybeare. “I have seen firsthand how quickly a family’s life can change after a serious injury or loss, and that perspective has shaped the way I practice law and advocate for clients while reinforcing the importance of protecting access to justice and holding powerful interests accountable. As President of MAJ, I look forward to continuing our work to ensure every person in Michigan has a fair opportunity to be heard in our civil justice system while strengthening the collaboration, shared knowledge and professional support that help our members better serve the people they represent every day.”
Throughout his career, Conybeare has paired his legal advocacy with a strong commitment to community service. He previously served eight years on the St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education and has led numerous local initiatives supporting families, seniors, and students across Southwest Michigan. He has also remained deeply involved with MAJ for years, serving on its Executive Board and helping foster collaboration among plaintiff attorneys throughout the region.
“Barry brings authenticity, compassion, and a collaborative spirit to this role,” said Pontoni. “He understands the real-world impact trial lawyers have on families and communities, and he has spent his career advocating for people who need a voice. His leadership, both within MAJ and in Southwest Michigan, makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide the organization into its next chapter.”
Conybeare said he hopes to continue strengthening MAJ’s role as both an advocacy organization and a professional community for Michigan trial lawyers. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he earned his law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. He began his legal career as a commercial litigation associate with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom before returning to Southwest Michigan to practice alongside his father, Bruce Conybeare, at the family firm.
Along with Conybeare, new MAJ officers for 2026-2027 include:
• President-Elect – Wayne J. Miller, Miller, Tischler & Vislosky, PC, Farmington Hills
• Vice President – Alan Latham, Latham Law Group, Birmingham;
• Secretary – Steffani Chocron, Lipton Law, Southfield;
• Treasurer – Emily Peacock, Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, Berkley;
• Immediate Past President – Nick Andrews, Liss & Andrews, PC, Bloomfield Hills
A longtime trial attorney and shareholder at Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers in St. Joseph, Conybeare has built his career representing individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. His practice focuses on personal injury litigation, including automobile negligence, medical malpractice, product liability, and insurance disputes.
“For me, this work has always been personal,” said Conybeare. “I have seen firsthand how quickly a family’s life can change after a serious injury or loss, and that perspective has shaped the way I practice law and advocate for clients while reinforcing the importance of protecting access to justice and holding powerful interests accountable. As President of MAJ, I look forward to continuing our work to ensure every person in Michigan has a fair opportunity to be heard in our civil justice system while strengthening the collaboration, shared knowledge and professional support that help our members better serve the people they represent every day.”
Throughout his career, Conybeare has paired his legal advocacy with a strong commitment to community service. He previously served eight years on the St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education and has led numerous local initiatives supporting families, seniors, and students across Southwest Michigan. He has also remained deeply involved with MAJ for years, serving on its Executive Board and helping foster collaboration among plaintiff attorneys throughout the region.
“Barry brings authenticity, compassion, and a collaborative spirit to this role,” said Pontoni. “He understands the real-world impact trial lawyers have on families and communities, and he has spent his career advocating for people who need a voice. His leadership, both within MAJ and in Southwest Michigan, makes him exceptionally well-suited to guide the organization into its next chapter.”
Conybeare said he hopes to continue strengthening MAJ’s role as both an advocacy organization and a professional community for Michigan trial lawyers. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he earned his law degree from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. He began his legal career as a commercial litigation associate with Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom before returning to Southwest Michigan to practice alongside his father, Bruce Conybeare, at the family firm.
Along with Conybeare, new MAJ officers for 2026-2027 include:
• President-Elect – Wayne J. Miller, Miller, Tischler & Vislosky, PC, Farmington Hills
• Vice President – Alan Latham, Latham Law Group, Birmingham;
• Secretary – Steffani Chocron, Lipton Law, Southfield;
• Treasurer – Emily Peacock, Olsman MacKenzie Peacock, Berkley;
• Immediate Past President – Nick Andrews, Liss & Andrews, PC, Bloomfield Hills
