Duly Noted . . .

Court of Appeals Judge Christopher Murray named President of Michigan Board of Law Examiners


The Michigan Supreme Court announced that Court of Appeals (COA) Judge Christopher M. Murray has been named President of the Michigan Board of Law Examiners, succeeding Gerald Marcinkoski who recently retired after a decade of service.

“Judge Murray is dedicated to serving and protecting the public,” says Justice Brian Zahra. “With his experience in private practice, in the executive branch, and in the judiciary, he is ideally prepared to lead the Board and make sure that lawyers admitted to the bar... have the skills and knowledge needed to represent their clients.”

The Michigan Board of Law Examiners is responsible for administering examinations to applicants to the state bar in order to ensure competence in the legal profession. Members are nominated by the Michigan Supreme Court and appointed by the governor. Judge Murray’s duties include leading Board meetings and acting as Presiding Officer at the Board of Law Examiners Character and Fitness Hearings.

Judge Murray has served on the COA since 2002 and is currently Chief Judge Pro Tem.  He was previously a Wayne County Circuit Judge; Deputy Legal Counsel for Governor John Engler; and in private practice. Judge Murray is a member of numerous organizations, including the State Bar of Michigan; Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association; Catholic Lawyers Society; and the Michigan Chapter of the Federalist Society, for which he serves as Chair of the Board of Advisors. A graduate of Hillsdale College, Judge Murray received his J.D. from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
“The Supreme Court is grateful to Gerry Marcinkoski for his service,” Justice Zahra added. “His dedicated effort has helped to make Michigan a national leader.”

 

State Bar of Michigan forms Marijuana Law Section


The State Bar of Michigan (SBM) has recognized the importance of the emergent field of marijuana law by establishing a new Section. Michigan is second only to Colorado in creating this specialized forum for attorneys who work with the cannabusiness industry.

The SBM Marijuana Law Section was established on July 24 through the efforts of attorney Bernard Jocuns of Lapeer, a criminal defense attorney, who petitioned SBM with a list of more than 50 attorneys willing to sign on.

Jocuns  is listed as Chair, while noted attorney Mary Chartier is Secretary/Treasurer. “Attorneys will join when they... renew their Bar Association dues,” Jocuns explained. “We expect to have several hundred attorneys signing up in the first year.” Joining costs $65 and is reserved for SBM members only.

“[W]e will form a coherent voice, plan for various changes in law and help attorneys prepare for that,” Jocuns explained.

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