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Calendar

1. December 04 Mark the Date
   Holiday Gala planned by OCBA at Townsend Hotel
   December 4
   The Oakland County Bar Association will host its Holiday Gala on Thursday, December 4, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St. in Birmingham.
   Attendees will enjoy an elegant evening of friendship and seasonal celebration with festive music, an array of hors d’oeuvres, and delectable treats in a truly memorable atmosphere. Tickets include food, entertainment, and one drink ticket per guest.
   Cost for the gala is $120 for OCBA members; $90 for OCBA new lawyers (P84347+), paralegals, and law students; and $130 for non-members. There will be an additional $40 charge for those who register at the door. To register online, visit www.ocba.org and click on “Events.”
   Anyone with questions may contact Jennifer Quick at 248-334-3400.
   
   Law firm supports Detroit students through Give Merit’s FATE program
   December 4
   Brooks Kushman is proud to continue its partnership with Give Merit’s FATE program, a Detroit-based initiative that empowers high school students through project-based learning, mentorship, career exposure, and character development.
   As part of this year’s collaboration, Brooks Kushman is donating professional attire to support students participating in the FATE Professional Academy, an event designed to help students gain hands-on experience in professionalism, interviewing, and workplace readiness. Several Brooks Kushman professionals will also volunteer their time at the Academy on December 4, offering guidance and sharing career insights with participants.
   Brooks Kushman has previously partnered with Give Merit on student workshops and mentorship events, with team members citing the experience as both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
   Give Merit, a 501(c)(3) organization, was founded to provide innovative and engaging ways for youth to experience academic enrichment and personal growth. Its FATE program (Fashion, Art, Talent, and Entrepreneurship) works with Detroit high school students over a four-year period, using project-based learning to cultivate skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact. For additional information, visit https://givemerit.org/pages/fate.
   
   ‘Cases with Colleagues’ offered for victim advocates
   December 4
   The Prosecuting Attorney Association of Michigan’s Victim Services Training Unit will present “Cases with Colleagues” online Thursday, December 4, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   The PAAM Victim Services Training Unit (VSTU) invites prosecution office based victim advocates to join together for a peer-to-peer discussion about case situations victim advocates encounter.
   VSTU will facilitate this discussion, encouraging attendee participation as an opportunity for victim advocates to share challenges they face in their cases with peers sharing constructive avenues to move forward positively.
   Victim advocates encounter multiple challenges as they navigate the criminal justice system with crime victims. Some of those challenges include helping a victim through a case that is dismissed or when there is an acquittal; cases with multiple victims; advocates working on multiple cases at one time in multiple courtrooms; working with child victims; interacting constructively with community service organizations; cases with out of town victims; difficulties in effectively communicating with other participants involved in the case; cases where it seems nothing is going right and more. 
   Victim advocates can take advantage of this opportunity to share the challenges they are facing in their cases and provide mutual support to work toward positive outcomes.
   The training session will be provided at no cost to participants. To register, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.” In order to confirm participation, it is necessary to complete the entire registration form. Anyone with questions may email Alex McGowan at mcgowana@mipaam .org
   This training is supported by a Crime Victim Rights Award. This award was made to the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Victim Services.
   
   ‘How to Train Court Navigator Staff’ explored online
   December 5
   The National Center for State Courts will kick off a year of learning at Court Navigator School — a series of one-hour virtual webinar sessions that provide information, ideas, and tangible suggestions to help start a navigator program or enhance an existing program. “How to Train Court Navigator Staff, Part 1” will take place Friday, December 5, from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom.
   This session will look at how court navigator programs effectively train new staff and keep experienced team members current on the law, court procedures, and community referrals. This session will showcase proven training models and real-world examples of professional development in action in a court navigator setting. 
   Through a lecture format, students will learn how to teach staff about how courts operate, distinguish legal information from legal advice, and make effective referrals. This session will also cover safe harbor rules — what they are and why they are helpful. Speaker Jill Roberts, deputy director, Access to Justice division, Illinois Courts, will discuss ways to keep staff motivated and engaged through ongoing training and professional growth. She will also explore how to provide effective customer service, and tips for assisting vulnerable populations. 
   Following the webinar, participants can further explore the topic during the online “study hall” session, “How to Train Court Navigator Staff, Part 2” on Friday, Jan. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m.
   To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “Education &events.”
   
   ‘Evidence Boot Camp D’ conducted in Detroit
   December 6
   The Criminal Defense Association of Michigan will present “Evidence Boot Camp D” on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the State Appellate Defender Office, 3031 W. Grand Blvd #450 in Detroit.
   This program offers hands-on, small-group skills training with a focus on laying a foundation. Attendees do not have to take prior Boot Camps to attend this Boot Camp. Speaking at the training will be Thomas Cranmer of Miller, Canfield, Paddock, & Stone PLC; and Glenn Simmington of Law Office of Glenn M Simmington PLLC.
   Cost for the training is $320 for CDAM members and $400 for non-members. Continental breakfast, lunch, and materials are included. To register for the training, visit https://cdam.wildapricot.org.
   
   ‘Overview of Michigan Drug Interdiction’ offered online
   December 8
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s Education and Training Committee will present the webinar “Overview of Michigan Drug Interdiction” on Monday, December 8, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
    Knowing what kinds of drugs are currently being trafficked into Michigan, where they are coming from, how they are coming into the State of Michigan and by what means, and the efforts being utilized by law enforcement to stem the tide of illicit drugs plaguing our communities, are all key to being prepared to meet the challenges associated with drug trafficking and drug enforcement. 
   This lunchtime webinar will provide a comprehensive analysis and review of the current status of drug interdiction efforts in Michigan. The virtual presentation will cover:
   • What drugs are currently trending in Michigan and what areas of the state they are most prevalent;
   • Where these drugs are being traced from and their suspected points of origin;
   • What methods and networks are being employed to get these illicit drugs into Michigan; and
   • What efforts are being expended by Michigan law enforcement to combat this on-going problem.
   Speaking at the webinar will be Sergeant Casey Omiljan, SIS Enforcement Team, 6th District MSP.
   To register for this webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.”
   
   Hanukkah Party hosted by JBAM in Royal Oak
   December 9
   The Jewish Bar Association of Michigan (JBAM) will host a Hanukkah Party on Tuesday, December 9.
   The celebration will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Platform 18 located at 116 E. 7th St. in Royal Oak. Beer, wine, and latkes will be served.
   Cost to attend is $18. Judges and law students can attend for free. To register for the party, visit www.jewishbar.org and click on “events.”
   
   ‘Marketing Must Haves for Attorneys’ discussed online
   December 9
   The Oakland County Bar Association’s Professional Development Committee will present a webinar on “Marketing Must Haves for Attorneys: Standing Out in a Sea of Suits” Tuesday, December 9, from noon to 1 p.m. 
   This Zoom seminar will cover using social media the right way to build recognition and reputation as an expert, personal marketing and building a brand, what “content” means, what should be on a website, and more. Speaking at the program will be John Reed, founder and chief relationship officer, Rain BDM.
   Cost for the webinar is $30 for OCBA members; $20 for committee members; $20 for OCBA new lawyers and paralegals; and $45 for non-members.
   To register for the webinar, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”
   
   Annual Holiday Party hosted by ACC-MI and firm
   December 9
   The Association of Corporate Counsel Michigan Chapter will host its 2025 Annual Holiday Party presented by Brooks with a casino night theme on Tuesday, December 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. at M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Dr. in Pontiac.
   Attendees will enjoy an entertaining night featuring classic casino table games, delicious food, networking, and festive cheer. Each guest will receive casino chips to join in the fun—no real money is required.
   To register for the event, visit www.acc.com/chapters-networks/chapters/michigan.
   
   Holiday Party hosted by ALA in Detroit
   December 9
   The Association of Legal Administrators, Metropolitan Detroit Chapter, will host its Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Barcade, 666 Seldon St. in Detroit.
   The event will feature holiday cheer with food, drinks, and games. ALA members, business partners, and friends are all welcome.
   There is no cost for the party. To register, visit https://aladetroit.org.
   
   ‘Michigan Sentencing Guidelines 101’ presented online
   December 10
   The Oakland County Bar Association will present “Michigan Sentencing Guidelines 101” as a webinar on Wednesday, December 10, from noon to 2 p.m. via Zoom.
   Understanding Michigan’s sentencing guidelines is essential to effective criminal defense advocacy, both at plea negotiations and at sentencing. This foundational webinar offers a practical overview of how the guidelines work and how to use them strategically to achieve better outcomes for clients. Speaker Anne Yantus, of Michigan Sentencing PLLC, will break down complex concepts into clear, usable tools for everyday practice. 
   Credit has been approved with the OCBA for 2 Criminal credits.
   Cost for the webinar is $55 for OCBA members; $45 for OCBA new lawyers (P84347+), paralegals, students, administrative assistants; and $70 for non-members pre-registration. Oakland County appointed counsel can attend for free. 
   To register for this webinar, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”
   
   ‘Joint Legal Custody Disputes Webinar’ offered
   December 10
   The Michigan Judicial Institute will present a “Joint Legal Custody Disputes Webinar” on Wednesday, December 10, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   What is the role of the judge in cases where parents do not agree on the important decisions affecting the welfare of the child What issues rise to the level of "important decisions"—Vaccines Online schools Parental controls on cell phones? This webinar will explore these questions and more.
   This webinar is eligible for 1.0 Continuing Judicial Education (CJE) Credit [Judicial Practice & Related Areas].
   To register for the webinar, visit www.courts.michigan.gov/events.
   
   Annual federal bar Holiday Party scheduled in Detroit
   December 10
   The Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association will host its Annual Holiday Party Wednesday, December 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Beaubien Room of the Atheneum Hotel, 1000 Brush St. in Detroit.
   Attendees will be able to enjoy great food, camaraderie, adult beverages, and entertainment. Jasen Magic will be on hand from 5 to 6 p.m. to delight with table to table magic.
   Tickets cost $65 for FBA members and $85 for non-members. To register for the party, visit https://fbamich.org and click on “calendar.”
   
   ‘Courtroom Accommodations for Minor Victims’ explored online
   December 11
   The Prosecuting Attorney Association of Michigan’s Child Abuse Prosecution Resources Unit and Victim Services Training Unit will offer an online training presentation on the topic of “Courtroom Accommodations for Minor Victims and Certain Vulnerable Victims” Thursday, December 11, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. 
   Prosecutors and victim advocates will learn about different potential courtroom accommodations, and most importantly how to critically assess whether, when, and which accommodations may be appropriate. Prosecutors will gain a better understanding of the importance of making a solid record in support of a request for courtroom accommodations. Topics will include:
   • Having victim centered engagement with victims throughout the criminal justice process about the possibility of courtroom accommodations
   • Statutory authority (or lack of) for certain courtroom accommodations
   • Caselaw interpretations and considerations of different types of courtroom accommodations
   • Which victims may be afforded courtroom accommodations
   • Which types of cases may be appropriate for requesting courtroom accommodations
   This training is for AAGs, APAs, AG Advocates, and prosecutor-based victim advocates only. It satisfies 1.5 hours of continuing legal education for purposes of PAAM’s Best Practices Recommendations.
   The session will be provided at no cost to participants. To register, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.” In order to confirm participation, it is necessary to complete the entire registration form. Anyone with questions may email Alex McGowan at mcgowan a@mipaam.org or Samantha Dodson at dodsons@mipaam.org.
   This training is supported by a Crime Victim Rights Award. This award was made to the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan by the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Victim Services.
   
   ‘Accounting 101 for Attorneys’ presented online
   December 11
   The National Business Institute will present a live video webinar on “Accounting 101 for Attorneys” Thursday, December 11, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
   It is imperative that attorneys are able to develop a working understanding and analytical framework of accounting terminology to strengthen their background and avoid unintentional accounting errors. This course will teach the basics of accounting so attorneys can be knowledgeable when reviewing statements and identifying red flags. 
   Attendees will learn how to:
   • Build an understanding of financial statements: gain perspective on calculating important ratios and how they’re interconnected.
   • Recognize potential red flags: hone error detection skills with help from seasoned experts.
   • Interpret income statements and cash flow to accurately determine profitability and liquidity.
   • Develop an accounting vocabulary to ensure clear communication with financial professionals.
   • Get a primer in accounting standards and fundamental principles to understand the “lay of the land” for financials.
   • Understand how accounting documents vary depending on the business’s entity structure.
   • Learn how forensic accounting methods are used for finding hidden assets in divorce.
   • Mitigate liability when dealing with financial statements and accounting documentation.
   This program will provide attorneys with an overview and offer a practical understanding of financial records and accounting methods. It will also benefit business owners, law office administrators, accountants, bankers/loan officers, and paralegals.
   Cost for the webinar, which includes course book, is $389. To register, call 1-800-930-6182 or visit www.nbi-sems.com.
   
   Cocktail Sip to raise funds
   December 11
   The Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (BWLAM ) is again partying with a purpose with its Annual Cocktail Sip Fundraiser on Thursday, December 11, from 6 to 11:30 p.m. at the Ivory Coach Fisher Mansion in Detroit.
   Money raised during the event will go to support programs and community outreach.
   Cost for the event is $108.55 per person. For additional information or to register, visit www.facebook.com/Blackwomenlawyers.
   
   Society hosting Annual Christmas Party
   December 11
   The Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers (ISIAL) will hosts its Annual Christmas Party on Thursday December 11, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at Vivio’s (Eastern Market), 2nd Floor, 2460 Market Street in Detroit. 
   The evening will feature special guest State Bar of Michigan President Lisa Hamameh. Guests will enjoy dinner (chicken and salmon entrées), drinks, and Irish Christmas fellowship.
   Cost for this event is $55 for ISIAL members, $65 for non-members, and $45 for law students. To register online, visit http://irish-lawyers.org.
   
   ‘Evidence Boot Camp C’ offered online 
   December 12
   The Criminal Defense Association of Michigan will present “Evidence Boot Camp C” online as a Zoom program on Friday, December 12, from 9 to 5 p.m. The Zoom room will open at 8:30 a.m.
   This program offers hands-on, small-group skills training with a focus on laying a foundation. Attendees do not have to take prior Boot Camps to attend this Boot Camp. Speaking at the training will be Patrick Cherry, of McCurdy, Wotila, and Porteous PC; and Nicole Smith of Smith Mihas PLLC.
   Cost for the training is $320 for CDAM members and $400 for non-members. Continental breakfast, lunch, and materials are included. To register for the training, visit https://cdam.wildapricot.org.
   
   Attorneys discuss ‘Compliance Foundations Under IDEA’
   December 15
   Clark Hill will present the webinar “Special Education Bootcamp - Compliance Foundations Under IDEA: Part 2” on Monday, December 15, from 9 a.m. to noon via Zoom.
   Whether new to special education leadership or looking to reinforce foundational knowledge, this interactive webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the core compliance requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Designed for special education administrators, building principals, ISD supervisors, and other district leaders, this session blends legal insight with practical tools to help teams ensure that placement determinations align with both IDEA requirements and sound educational practice.
   The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees that students with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment (LRE) appropriate to their individual needs. Yet, translating that legal standard into everyday practice often challenges even experienced educators and administrators in a post-COVID environment presented with staff shortages, limited capacity within existing programs, and students presenting with increasing need.
   This webinar will unpack the legal framework surrounding LRE, including recent hearing decisions, state guidance, and practical implications for IEP development and placement decisions. Attendees will gain clarity on:
   • The federal and Michigan standards governing LRE and placement decisions.
   • How to document meaningful consideration of supplementary aids and services.
   • Common compliance pitfalls and strategies to mitigate legal risk.
   This session will be led by Jordan Bullinger and Vickie Coe, experienced education attorneys with Clark Hill’s Education Law Group. Together, they bring experience representing school districts in special education and disability law matters, as well as training educators and administrators across Michigan.
   For additional information or to register for the webinar, visit www.clarkhill.com and click on “News & Events.”
   
   Women’s Bar Book Club to meet
   December 16
   The Women’s Bar Association (WBA), Oakland County region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, will present its next Literary Ladies Book Club online Tuesday, December 16, at 6 p.m. via Zoom.
   For the December meeting, the club will be discussing “Like Mother, Like Mother” by Susan Rieger. This book is based, in part, in Detroit and follows three generations of strong-willed women navigating their way through life and its various challenges.
   Anyone interested in attending this event, or joining the Literary Ladies for the monthly Book Club in the future, should email Natasha Rao at natasha-rao@hotmail.com.
   
   ‘Problem-Solving Courts Certification Process’ focus of webinar
   December 17
   The Michigan Judicial Institute will present a webinar on “Problem-Solving Courts Certification Process” hosted by Problem-Solving Court (PSC) Wednesday, December 17, from 9 a.m. to noon via Zoom.
   This training will provide a comprehensive overview of the PSC certification process, what is required to achieve certification, and the certification site visit process. This training is intended for coordinators and other leaders of adult problem-solving courts, especially those who have a certification site visit in 2025. 
   For registration information, contact PSC@courts.mi.gov. After registering, participants will receive a separate e-mail with the Zoom credentials.
   
   ‘Traffic Safety Legal Update’ presented online by PAAM
   December 18
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will present the Traffic Safety Training Program Webinar “End-of-Year Traffic Safety Legal Update” on Thursday, December 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
   This webinar will wrap up the year with a review of traffic-safety-related cases from 2025. PAAM’s traffic safety resource prosecutors, Kinga Canike and Eric Wanink, will go over important cases that came down from the U.S. Supreme Court as well as from Michigan’s Supreme Court and Court of Appeals that impact disclosure of evidence, search warrants, traffic stop investigations, impaired driving investigations and prosecutions, and the ever-changing laws surrounding marijuana investigations in Michigan. They will provide an overview of each case’s issues, analysis, and holding with recommendations for moving forward and implementing best practices based on the court’s holding. 
   To register for this free webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.” 
   
   Lunch & Learn discussion to focus on victim rights
   December 18
   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, December 18, 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.
   
   ‘Building an Unstoppable Law Firm’ explored online
   December 23
   The National Business Institute will present a live video webinar on “Building an Unstoppable Law Firm: A Boot Camp for Attorneys” Tuesday, December 23, from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
   Running a law firm is stressful and exhausting for attorneys managing cash flow, juggling billable hours with administrative tasks, and choosing the right tech tools for practice management. The good news, though, is that there are ways to ease the pressure. 
   During the webinar, expert practitioners will reveal tips and tricks for building and running a thriving law firm with confidence. Attendee will learn how to:
   • Streamline workflow through automation.
   • Gain tips and tricks for staying profitable and getting paid.
   • Examine best practices for hiring and leading support staff.
   • Take a pulse on the latest legal tech trends small firms need to know.
   (Any mention of specific products in this program is intended as part of a general overview and does not constitute NBI’s endorsement or recommendation of any specific product or provider. This program is not sponsored by any technology or electronics provider.)
   Cost for the webinar, which includes course book download, is $299. To register, call 1-800-930-6182 or visit www.nbi-sems.com.