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March 2026

March 30 Mark the Date
Webinars to focus on MRPC 1.15 and 1.15A
March 31
The State Bar of Michigan is offering virtual half-day webinars providing practical information on the ethical management of lawyer trust accounts.
Open to lawyers and their staff, these virtual half-day webinars offer guidance on MRPC 1.15 and 1.15A, including the analysis used when processing property, record keeping requirements, and other ethical responsibilities lawyers have when managing client or third-party property.
The webinars are open to lawyers, other legal professionals, law students, and unlicensed graduates.
Upcoming webinars will take place on:
• Tuesday, March 31
• Tuesday, June 23
• Tuesday, October 27
To register, visit www.michbar.org/trustaccounts.
Materials will be emailed to participants one day prior to the webinar via the email they provided during registration. All seminars are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon. Times are subject to change.
Registrants seeking a Confirmation of Attendance Certificate must meet the requirements by attending at least 90% of the program, completing 90% of the poll questions provided throughout the seminar, and viewing the seminar on a computer or device that allows attendees to view and hear the presentation.
Registration is $25. Payment and registration must be completed by 5 p.m. the Friday prior to the webinar.
To learn more about SBM’s Lawyer Trust Accounts seminar, visit michbar.org or contact the State Bar of Michigan ethics hotline at 877-558-4760 or ethics@ michbar.org.

Section conducts its 2026 ADR Spring Series online
March 31
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan’ 2026 ADR Spring Series will be held virtually over two days. On Tuesday, March 31, “The Art of Impasse Breaking in Mediation’ will be offered online from 9 to 1 p.m.
This interactive workshop covers a range of impasse-breaking techniques, building on speaker David A. Hoffman’s recently released book, which describes 60 such interventions. The workshop will include small group discussion, videos, and role-plays, and will also focus on impasse prevention and negotiation pitfalls.
Course materials include excerpts from Hoffman’s book, published by the American Bar Association, “The Art of Impasse-Breaking in Mediation: A Handbook for Mediators, Lawyers, and Other Conflict Resolvers.”
Cost for the online program is $50 for section members and $75 for non-members. For additional information and to register, visit https://connect.michbar.org/adr/home.

Domestic violence, child abuse focus of online roundtable
March 31
The Violence Against Women Project (VAWP) and Child Abuse Prosecution Resources (CAPR) units at the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will conduct an open forum roundtable discussion on Tuesday, March 31, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom.
This informal Zoom session is designed to allow prosecutors and assistant prosecutors from around the state to join in on a discussion on various topics and issues in cases that involve domestic violence, sexual assault, child physical abuse and child sexual abuse.
During March’s roundtable, participants will be discussing Adverse Childhood Experiences and Interpersonal Violence. Following the topic discussion, the PAAM VAWP and CAPR staff encourage attendees to bring questions, discuss cases, and brainstorm or strategize about topics and issues they are facing with cases in their offices and in courts.
To register for the free webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”

MAACS seeks summer interns/externs
April 3
The Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (MAACS), the Private Counsel Division of the State Appellate Defender Office (SADO), is seeking law students committed to public service, racial equity, and social justice for internship and externship opportunities during the summer of 2026.
MAACS is responsible for the recruitment, training, and oversight of private attorneys who accept court appointed appeals from the state’s circuit courts. MAACS roster attorneys handle thousands of appellate assignments across the state each year, including direct appeals, motions for relief from judgment, and juvenile lifer re-sentencings.
Working under the supervision of MAACS Roster Support and Performance Manager, Stephanie Farkas, students will work with MAACS roster attorneys on all aspects of appellate representation. Work will include transcript and discovery review, client counseling and investigation of client concerns, document collection, mitigation, legal research, and the drafting of pleadings. Oral advocacy is possible as students may potentially appear in court, consistent with MCR 8.120.
Because Michigan has a unique criminal appellate process which allows for factual development on direct appeal, interns have an opportunity to work in both trial and appellate courts, and to attend trial court hearings and Court of Appeals arguments.
Start and end dates are flexible and will be determined by the school’s academic calendar and program. SADO is a hybrid office and has space in both the Lansing and Detroit offices for interns/externs to work in-person. Interns are encouraged to come into the office to form relationships with each other and the rest of the SADO team. There is also the potential for client visits and court attendance throughout Michigan.
Due to limited resources, the internship opportunities are currently unpaid. Applicants are encouraged to seek funding from their academic institutions or third-party funders.
To apply, submit a single PDF with a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample, to Farkas at sfarkas@sado.org with the subject line “MAACS Summer Internship Application.” The cover letter should indicate why the applicant wants to be part of the MAACS team and work for MAACS clients. All questions can be directed to Farkas. The deadline for applications is Friday, April 3.

‘Tips and Tools’ webinar presented by SBM
April 7
The State Bar of Michigan will present its “Tips and Tools” for a Successful Practice Seminar online Tuesday, April 7, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The webinar features presentations on how to maintain mutually beneficial client relationships, draft effective fee agreements, analyze ethical issues, and use innovative techniques and technology for effective law office management. It provides an opportunity for solo practitioners and new lawyers to obtain ethical guidance and practical information from colleagues who have successfully implemented law office management techniques and utilized economically-priced technology to improve the efficiency of their law practices.
Cost is$50 for lawyers, other legal professionals, law students, and unlicensed graduates. Materials will be emailed to the email address used for registration approximately one week prior to the seminar. To register, visit www.michbar.org/tipstools.
For additional information, contact the State Bar of Michigan ethics helpline at 877-558-4760 or ethics@michbar.org.

Training offered online for probation officers/caseworkers
April 7-9
The Michigan Judicial Institute will present a “Basic Interviewing, Counseling, and Communication Techniques Webinar” online Tuesday through Thursday, April 7-9, beginning at 9 a.m. each day via Zoom.
This webinar is held pursuant to Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 1985-5, which states, in part: “A probation officer/caseworker . . . must complete the Michigan Judicial Institute certification training for juvenile court staff within one year after date of employment.” (Administrative Order No. 1985-5, § I.C.1.b.1.)
Participation in this training webinar is one segment of the certification process. The other segment is successful completion of the juvenile probation officer/caseworker certification examination, based upon the self-paced Juvenile Probation Officer/Caseworker Self-Instructional training manual.
Eligibility to participate in this webinar is limited to primary probation officers/case workers responsible for the development and implementation of case plans for youth placed on formal probation.
The Michigan Judicial Institute has worked with the Michigan Association for Family Court Administration to develop this online program.
To register for the webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and scroll down to “upcoming MJI events.”

Program looks at effectively using a SANE in trial
April 8
The Prosecuting Attorney Association of Michigan’s Violence Against Women Project will present “Understanding the SANE Exam/Strangulation Assessment & Effectively Using the SANE in Trial” on Wednesday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Avalon Healing Center, 601 Bagley St. in Detroit.
As more jurisdictions around the state are utilizing Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs, SANE testimony is becoming an integral part of adolescent and adult sexual assault cases. This training will focus on understanding medical-forensic examinations and strangulation assessments for the adolescent and adult patient. Kimberly Hurst PA-C, founder, and executive director of Avalon Healing Center in Detroit will be presenting on the topic.
The training will also cover qualifying a SANE as an expert, how to effectively use a SANE on direct examination/re-direct and using a SANE exam as corroborating evidence in your case-in-chief. This training will be interactive and time will be allotted for discussion, questions, and practice direct from volunteers.
This training satisfies 6.5 hours of continuing legal education for purposes of PAAM’s Best Practices Recommendations.
To register for the free program, prosecutors should visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.” Registration will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. Anyone with questions regarding the training or registration may contact Katlyn Bolan at Bolank@mipaam.org.

SBM president speaks with bar associations
April 8
The Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers—along with the Women’s Bar Association, Oakland County region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and the South Asian Bar Association—will host a “Gathering Featuring SBM President Lisa Hamameh” on Wednesday, April 8, beginning at 6 p.m. at Brewery Faisan, 1087 Beaufait in Detroit.
Hamameh will provide the groups with an update on State Bar of Michigan activities. She it is the 91st SBM president and a shareholder at Rosati, Schultz, Joppich, & Amtsbuechler PC. She is the first Palestinian American and ninth woman to serve as SBM president.
Pizza and beer will be provided at the event. To register for a the free event, visit https://irish-lawyers.org and click on “Upcoming Events.”

‘Presiding Over Ballot Access Litigation’ explored
April 8
The Michigan Judicial Institute will present a “Presiding Over Ballot Access Litigation Webinar” online Wednesday, April 8, from noon to 1 p.m.
This webinar will provide an overview of trends and legal challenges in ballot access litigation with a focus on common case types, election timeline concerns, and complexities driving modern ballot access disputes.
This program is eligible for 1.0 continuing judicial education (CJE) credit [Judicial Practice & Related Areas].
To register for the webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and scroll down to “upcoming MJI events.”

‘Diversion and Rehabilitation with GRACE’ discussed online
April 9
The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s Juvenile Justice & School Safety Training Project will present a webinar on “Diversion and Rehabilitation with GRACE (Grand Rapids Alternative Corrections Experience)” Thursday, April 9, from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom.
Attendees will learn more about the GRACE program – what it does, how it is done, and if this might be something that might translate to another community. GRACE partners with the Kent County Prosecutor's Office and the courts to offer diversion and rehabilitation services in a manner that encourages acceptance of responsibility, fosters accountability, and promotes development of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Speaking at the webinar will be Rev. Darryl S. Gaddy Sr., director
There is no charge to attend this webinar, but advance registration is required by April 9. To register, prosecutors and APAs should visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”

‘Nuts & Bolts of an OWI Case’ offered online
April 15
The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will present the Traffic Safety Training Program webinar “Nuts & Bolts of an OWI Case” on Wednesday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to noon via Zoom.
Officers handling Operating While Intoxicated cases must have a solid foundation of the “nuts and bolts” of these types of investigations. Having a solid foundation of the basics will allow officers to build on their OWI investigative skills as they advance in their careers.
This training will cover all the “nuts and bolts” that go into making a solid and complete OWI investigation that will help prosecutors hold impaired driving offenders responsible for their dangerous actions.
Prosecutors and city attorneys handling OWI cases also need to have a solid understanding of how law enforcement officers investigate these cases so that they can effectively present them in court to a jury and work with officers to provide proper testimony on direct examination, how to admit chemical test results at trial, and how to prepare the officer for cross examination on the witness stand.
The webinar will cover:
• OWI Detection Phases
• How to Recognize a Drugged Driver and the Seven Drug Categories
• Surviving the Courtroom
This webinar is designed for prosecutors, law enforcement, and traffic safety partners.
To register for this free webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.”

Bar association plans ‘Gilman Award’ lunch
April 15
The Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association will host the “2026 Leonard R. Gilman Award Luncheon” on Wednesday, April 15, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Westin Book Cadillac, 1114 Washington Boulevard in Detroit.
The event celebrates the ideals of excellence, professionalism, and commitment to public service embodied by Len Gilman and this year’s award recipient.
The Gilman Award is given annually to an outstanding practitioner of criminal law who exemplifies the excellence, professionalism, and commitment to public service of U.S. Attorney Len Gilman. Alan Gershel wrote of him, “As the United States attorney (Len) instilled a level of excellence, professionalism and commitment to public service that exists to his day… (and) his presence is felt everyday in numerous, often subtle ways. Whether it be in the recognition that depriving a person of his liberty is an awesome responsibility that requires the utmost care or in the treating of others with respect, his influence is never far.
“Lenny was the paradigm of what a prosecutor should be. He balanced aggressive advocacy with compassion,” Gershel noted. “While he always took his work seriously he never took himself too seriously. A smile and self-deprecating sense of humor could disarm the most strong-willed adversary.”
To register for the luncheon, visit https://edmibar.org and click on “events.”

SBM President Hamameh to be honored at NAABA-MI event
April 15
The National Arab American Bar Association Michigan Chapter (NAABA-MI) will host its 4th Annual Khalta to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month on Wednesday, April 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at The Atheneum, 1000 Brush St. in Detroit.
During the event, NAABA-MI will present the Arab American Heritage Month Legacy Award to Lisa Hamameh in honor of her historic election as the 91st President of the State Bar of Michigan. Hamameh is the first Palestinian American to hold this position.
Hors d’oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar will be available. Semi-formal and business casual attire is recommended. To register for the event, visit https://naabamichigan.org/events.

Judges featured in ‘A Path to the Bench’
April 16
Wayne State University Law School will present “A Path to The Bench” on Thursday, April 16, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Wayne Law’s Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, 471 W. Palmer Ave. in Detroit.
Wayne Law’s American Constitution Society provides this opportunity to hear from Michigan judges about their path to the bench. Invited speakers include:
• Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch
• Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Adrienne N. Young
• Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Dan Korobkin
For additional information about this program, visit https://law.wayne.edu and scroll down to “events.”

Law firm cybersecurity readiness focus of webinar
April 16
The Oakland County Bar Association will present the professional development webinar “Too Small to Be a Target Cybersecurity Readiness and Litigation Fallout for Law Firms” online Thursday, April 16, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Many smaller law firms assume they are unlikely targets for cyberattacks — but attackers often see them as easy marks. This seminar offers both preventive and post-incident perspectives.
The presenters will address cybersecurity risks for smaller firms, practical safeguards, training, and the role of cyber insurance. They will also examine what happens after a breach, including how forensic findings and security systems become evidence in discovery disputes, expert reports, insurance coverage fights, and potential malpractice claims.
Speaking at the webinar will be Rob Cote, president, Security Vitals; Brandon Fannon, managing director of Digital Forensics & E-Discovery, Axis Discovery LLC; and moderator Linda D. Kennedy, Panagos Kennedy PLLC.
Cost for the seminar is $30 for OCBA members; $20 for committee members; $20 for OCBA new lawyers and paralegals; $15 for OCBA students; and $45 for non-members.
To register for the webinar, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”

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