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Calendar

1. February 13 Mark the Date
   ‘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.
   
   ‘Charging What You’re Worth’ focus of ABA webinar
   February 18
   The American Bar Association will present the webinar “Charging What You’re Worth: Law Practice Management Strategies for Confident, Ethical, and Sustainable Billing” on Wednesday, February 18, from 1 to 2 p.m.
   For lawyers building or managing their own practice, mastering the business of billing is just as critical as mastering the law itself. This session gives attorneys the tools—and the confidence—to align their pricing with their value, ethics, and goals. 
   Attendees will learn:
   • Ethics of Fees and Client Communication: Implement law practice management principles that promote fair, transparent, and sustainable billing systems. Review of ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5 and 1.4 concerning fee reasonableness, communication, and transparency.
   • Law Practice Management Foundations: How sound billing practices support firm operations, client service, and long-term sustainability. Implement law practice management principles that promote fair, transparent, and sustainable billing systems.
   • Value-Based Pricing and Alternative Fee Arrangements: Structuring fees that reflect the value delivered while remaining competitive and fair.
   • Client Relationship Management: Strategies for setting expectations, reducing fee disputes, and improving client satisfaction. Confidently set and communicate fees in a way that supports both firm viability and client satisfaction.
   • Overcoming Barriers: Understanding gender, generational, and cultural factors that influence pricing behavior and negotiation confidence. Identify common barriers (such as bias or discomfort around pricing) and develop strategies to overcome them.
   Cost for the webinar is $130. To register, visit www.americanbar.org and click on “events.”
   
   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.”
   
   ‘Remote CDL Infraction Docket’ focus of webinar
   February 19
   The National Center for State Courts will present a webinar on “Building a Digital Pathway: Connecticut's Remote CDL Infraction Docket” online Thursday, February 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom.
   Connecticut's Judicial Branch has implemented a groundbreaking, end-to-end electronic process that takes an infraction from roadside issuance all the way to a remote hearing — eliminating paper almost entirely and dramatically improving efficiency for the courts and the public.
   This Driving Justice Collective webinar showcases how Connecticut designed, tested, and launched its innovative electronic infraction and CDL docket model, and how incremental technology adoption has created a scalable, user-centered system that enhances access to justice.
   Participants will receive a clear, practical look at Connecticut's three-phase digital pathway for resolving infractions:
   • E-citation: How electronic ticketing establishes clean data and enables downstream automation.
   • Online review docket: The pretrial, digital review process where most cases resolve and where email capture enables electronic communication.
   • Remote hearings: The centerpiece of the session, focusing on operations, courtroom roles, technology setup, and best practices for ensuring meaningful participation.
   Using workflow diagrams and real examples, presenters will explain the evolution of the model, the "baby steps" approach that guided adoption, and key takeaways for courts considering similar modernization efforts.
   By joining this session, attendees will:
   • Discover how Connecticut built a seamless, electronic "roadside-to-hearing" process — and learn how your court can unlock similar efficiency gains with practical, scalable steps.
   • Learn proven strategies that boost appearance rates and streamline operations, including automated reminders, pre-hearing checklists, and user-friendly digital touchpoints.
   • Explore innovative ways to elevate the user experience — through smarter digital communication, integrated livestreams, and public-facing safety messaging — to strengthen trust and engagement in your community.
   Speaking at the webinar will be: 
   • Justin Blain, assistant state's attorney, Office of the State Attorney Judicial District of New Britain
   • Luis Hernandez, police officer, Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
   • Stacey Manware, deputy director for court operations, Connecticut Judicial Branch
   • Andrea Dagostine, caseflow coordinator - centralized services, Connecticut Judicial Branch
   • Michael Weber, magistrate, Connecticut Judicial Branch
   • Moderator Rachel L. Buck, senior court management consultant, NCSC
   To register for the online lecture, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “Education & events.”
   
   ‘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. 
   
   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.
   
   Wolverine Bar celebrates Black History Month with Trivia Night
   February 19
   The Wolverine Bar Association will celebrate Black History Month with a Trivia Night for a fun-filled evening of knowledge, networking, and friendly competition. The event will take place Thursday, February 19, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Parlay Detroit, 1260 Washington Blvd. in Detroit.
   Friends, colleagues, and teams are all welcome to test their knowledge, enjoy great company, and engagingly honor Black history. Cost is $25. To purchase tickets for the Trivia Night, visit https://givebutter.com/BHMTrivia.
   
   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.” 
   
   Catholic Lawyers Society to conduct Lenten Retreat
   February 21
   The Catholic Lawyers Society of Metropolitan Detroit will conduct a Lenten Retreat on Saturday, February 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mt. Elliot St. in Detroit.
   The event will be led by retreat master Rev. Paul Czarnota, chaplain of the Catholic Lawyers Society of Metropolitan Detroit, judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal, Archdiocese of Detroit. The retreat will feature mass, fellowship, and reflection. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.
   Cost is $40 a person and members’ guests are welcome. Law students may attend for free. To register, visit www.catholiclawyerssociety.org/lenten-retreat-2026.
   
   ‘Attorney-Client Privilege’ explored in webinar
   February 24
   The National Business Institute will present a live video webinar on “Attorney-Client Privilege: New Risks and Challenges” Tuesday, February 24, from11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
   The webinar will bring attendees up to date on the latest challenges and best practices for protecting attorney-client privilege. Participants will: 
   • Review the ins and outs of attorney-client privilege.
   • Stay informed of the latest updates concerning privilege risks.
   • Discover common attorney misunderstandings about the privilege rule.
   • Delve into the effects of non-attorney law firm ownership on privilege.
   Cost for the webinar, which includes course book download, is $259. To register, call 1-800-930-6182 or visit www.nbi-sems.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.
   
   Law students present ‘Black History Month Panel’
   February 25
   Wayne State University Law School’ Black Student Association will conduct at “Black History Month Panel” on Wednesday, February 25, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Partrich Auditorium at Wayne Law, 471 W. Palmer Ave. in Detroit.
   BLSA’s 2026 Black History Month programming will examine the central role that Detroiters and Michiganders play in shaping the present and future of democracy. The panel will explore how election law, administration, litigation, and grassroots organizing operate in practice, and how decisions made at the local and state levels directly affect access to political power in our communities. 
   Panelists will discuss Detroit’s unique position in statewide elections, the legal and administrative pressures placed on Black-led jurisdictions, and the ways in which Michigan’s election system both relies on and scrutinizes Black political participation. The conversation will also address how recent legal, political, and social developments are reshaping democratic institutions, and what those changes mean for voters, election officials, and advocates on the ground.
   Invited panelists include Norman Clement, Detroit Change Initiative; Andre Gilbert, deputy city clerk, City of Detroit; Khyla Craine, chief legal director, Michigan Department of State; and Bonsitu Kitaba, ACLU MI legal director.
   To register for the free event, visit https://law.wayne.edu and scroll down to “events.” For additional information about this event, contact Cece Huddleston at pbhudd@wayne.edu.
   
   Society hosting Happy Hour in Detroit 
   February 25
   The Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers (ISIAL) will host a Networking and Happy Hour event on Wednesday, February 25.
   Participants will gather from 6 to 8 p.m. at Six Spoke Brewing Company, 2445 Michigan Ave. in Detroit.
   To register, visit the ISIAL website at http://irish-lawyers.org/upcoming-events.
   
   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.
   
   Panel discusses how missed appearances impact courts
   February 25
   The National Center for State Courts will present the webinar “Missing in Actions: Understanding How Missed Appearances Impact Courts” on Wednesday, February 25, from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom.
   The webinar will feature a discussion about the new NCSC report, “Missing in Actions: How Low Appearance Rates Impact Courts,” which explores how missed appearances impact courts, from altering caseflow management to staff morale to resource usage.
   Each year, state courts hear millions of cases, many of which touch upon critical issues like public safety, housing, financial security, and family stability. And each year, state courts see high rates of missed appearances – when litigants do not attend court events. Important work has explored the barriers that cause missed appearances and how they impact litigants, but until recently, there was little discussion of the consequences of missed appearances for courts.
   After attending the session, participants will be able to:
   • Analyze how courts are impacted by missed appearances.
   • Understand several models for quantifying the impacts of missed appearances.
   • Identify the data needed to calculate the impacts of missed appearances.
   • Learn about opportunities to partner with NCSC to calculate the cost of missed appearances and develop a custom action plan for increasing appearance rates in their jurisdiction.
   Speaking at the webinar will be:
   • Hannah Makowske, court management consultant, NCSC
   • Mairead Napolitano, civil division administrator, Las Vegas Justice Court
   • Andy Wirkus, senior court management consultant, NCSC 
   To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “Education &?events.”
   
   ‘Bankruptcy & Restructuring in 2026’ focus of ACC-MI event
   February 25
   The Association of Corporate Counsel Michigan Chapter and Kerr Russell will present an education and networking event exploring “Bankruptcy & Restructuring in 2026: Key Updates, Trends, and Protection Strategies for In-House Counsel.” 
   The event will take place Wednesday, February 25, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Ally Detroit Center, 500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 2500, in Detroit. Speaking during the program will be Kerr Russell’s Jason Blank, William Blasses, and Danielle Love.
   To register for the event, visit www.acc.com/chapters-networks/chapters/michigan.
   
   ‘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.
   
   Ethical issues for lawyers serving as trustees explored
   February 26
   The American Bar Association will present the webinar “Ethical Issues When Lawyers Serve as Trustees” on Thursday, February 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
   Lawyers increasingly serve as trustees of private trusts, charitable trusts, and court-created fiduciary structures, particularly for complex estates, special needs beneficiaries, and closely held business interests. Wearing the dual hats of attorney and fiduciary introduces unique ethical risks that are not fully addressed by conventional estate planning or fiduciary law training. This webinar will help to understand the unique ethical risks that wearing dual hats of attorney and fiduciary introduces.
   Attendees will learn how to:
   • Distinguish the roles and duties of a lawyer acting as trustee from the duties owed when acting as legal counsel, and identify who the “client” is in each context.
   • Analyze conflicts of interest and business transaction pitfalls that arise when a lawyer-trustee or the lawyer’s firm provides legal or nonlegal services to the trust.
   • Apply confidentiality and privilege doctrines to fiduciary communications, including the common-interest doctrine.
   • Evaluate compensation structures, fee disclosures, engagement terms, and indemnification provisions for compliance with professional conduct rules and fiduciary law.
   • Develop defensible practices for engagement, supervision, documentation, and withdrawal or succession when the lawyer serves as trustee or co-trustee.
   Cost for the webinar is $175. To register, visit www.americanbar.org and click on “events.”
   
   Law firm accepting applications for Richard Rassel Butzel Core Values Scholarship
   February. 27
   Butzel is accepting applications for the Richard Rassel Butzel Core Values Scholarship, an annual $15,000 award to be presented to a deserving law school student. The award will recognize those law students who best embody Butzel’s Core Values of Excellence, Drive, Trust, and Teamwork. The scholarship honors Richard “Dick” Rassel, a Michigan Lawyers Hall of Fame litigator and former managing partner of Butzel, who has embodied these values throughout his career as an attorney, leader, and community advocate. 
   —Eligibility
   • Current 1L law students enrolled at an accredited Michigan law school.
   • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.5.
   • Must be enrolled for the 2L academic year at an accredited Michigan law school to receive funds.
   —Application Requirements
   Applicants must complete and submit the following:
   1. Application Form
   • Personal information, GPA, and law school details.
   • Statement of motivation for attending law school and post-graduate plans.
   2. Personal Statement (Essay)
   • Applicants must submit an essay (500-1,000 words) explaining how they embody the Butzel Core Values: Excellence, Drive, Trust, and Teamwork. 
   3. Resume
   • Highlighting academic achievements, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities. 
   4. Letter of Recommendation 
   • One letter from a professor, mentor, or employer attesting to the applicant’s alignment with the Core Values.
   5. Transcript
   • An unofficial or official law school transcript verifying academic standing. 
   —Timeline
   • Application Period: Open now and closes February 27.
   • Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed in March by the Selection Committee.
   • Scholarship Announcement: The recipient will be announced by early March. 
   • Scholarship Award: Funds will be disbursed to the recipient later this spring.
   • Recognition Event: The recipient will be invited to a special event to celebrate their award.
   Applicants should submit their application via www.cognitoforms.com/Butzel1/RichardRasselButzelCoreValuesScholarship. In addition, applicants should provide a personal statement (500-1000 words detailing how they embody the Butzel Core Values), a Resume/CV, at least one letter of recommendation, and an unofficial or official law school transcript via the link.
   All required materials must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 27.
   Anyone with questions may contact Lori Simoncic or Yara Shadda at simoncic@butzel.com or shadda@butzel.com.
   
   Speakers discuss helping youth, families through re-entry process
   February 27
   The Michigan Judicial Institute will present a two-part webinar series, “Supporting Justice-Involved Youth and Families Through the Re-Entry Process,” in which presenters will provide an overview of the evidence-based service model Intensive Care Coordination with Wraparound (ICCW), discuss the Serious Emotional Disturbances Waiver (SEDW), and describe the youth re-entry process.
   On Friday, February 27, “Part 1: Intensive Care Coordination with Wraparound and Serious Emotional Disturbance Waivers” will be presented from noon to 1 p.m. This webinar will discuss:
   • An overview of ICCW and how it supports youth and families.
   • Eligibility for ICCW and how services can be accessed.
   • How ICCW planning is utilized in transition planning for re-entry purposes.
   • An overview of the SEDW, including eligibility, the referral process, and available services.
   Speaking during the program will be Tammy Sattelberg, departmental specialist for Intensive Care Coordination with Wraparound at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in the Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports; and Bethany Sebree, the SED waiver analyst for the State of Michigan’s Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports. 
   The intended audience for the webinar include juvenile probation officers and caseworkers, Case Management Organizations, MDHHS juvenile justice specialists and foster care workers, school personnel, attorneys, social service providers, Juvenile Justice County Team members, mental health providers and supervisors, family court administrators and supervisors, and other juvenile justice stakeholders.
   To register for the webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and scroll down to “upcoming MJI events.”
   
   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.
   
   Bowling night hosted by ADTC in Royal Oak
   February 27
   The Association of Defense Trial Counsel will host its “2026 Bowling Event” on Friday, February 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
   A fun night of bowling will take place at Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy. in Royal Oak.
   Cost for the event is $30. Tickets to the event can be purchased online at https://adtcdetroit.org.
   
   ‘Immigration Compliance at Work’ explored online
   March 3
   McDonald Hopkins will present the webinar “Immigration Compliance at Work: Visas, I-9s, and Enforcement Trends” on Tuesday, March 3, from noon to 1 p.m.
   From I-9s and visas to audits and enforcement trends, immigration issues can quickly become complex—and costly—if not handled correctly. This webinar will equip HR professionals and employers with practical guidance, best practices, and real-world insights to help navigate immigration compliance with clarity and confidence.
   McDonald Hopkins' labor and employment attorneys David Schelberg (Detroit) and Ryan Neumeyer (Cleveland) along with guest speaker Aleksandar Cuic, from Brown Immigration Law, will lay out a practical, plain-language discussion designed to help stay compliant, confident, and prepared.
   Topics will include:
   • Key employment-based visas employers should know
   • ICE enforcement trends and how to respond to audits
   • I-9 completion, retention, and internal audit best practices
   • Managing immigration risk through HR–legal coordination
   For additional information on the webinar, visit www.mcdonaldhopkins.com and click on “events.”
   
   ‘Delinquency Petitions and Charging’ explored online
   March 3
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will present “In the Lunchroom with Juvenile Justice: Delinquency Petitions and Charging Open Forum” online Tuesday, March 3, beginning at noon via Zoom.
   The program will feature a short presentation on Delinquency Petitions and Charging followed by an open discussion time. Participants are encouraged to bring questions, issues, and concerns. This is not a comprehensive training but rather an overview and time for discussion. Questions may also be emailed in advance to Karen Field at fieldk@mipaam.org.
   There is no charge to attend but advance registration is required. To register, prosecutors and APAs should visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
   
   Speakers discuss youth resentencing hearings
   March 4
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council (PACC) is pleased to present the Lunch & Learn Webinar “Miller Hearings – Legal and Practical Considerations” on Wednesday, March 4, from noon to 1:15 p.m. via Zoom
   With last year’s Michigan Supreme Court decisions broadening the number of youthful murderers entitled to a resentencing hearing, more offices are facing the prospect of trying to convince a local judge, and later the appellate courts, that certain offenders merit a sentence of life without parole.
   Prosecutors and APAs are invited to learn more about both the legal issues and some of the more practical steps in presenting cases to a trial judge. Jim Benison, the training attorney for the Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council, will moderate a discussion with Jon Wojtala, the chief of appeals for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office; Michelle Jarczewski, the director of the Juvenile Lifer Unit at Wayne County; and Katie Wendt, the chief appellate attorney for Kent County, on things to think about when presenting these cases. There will be time for Q&A.
   There is no charge to attend but advance registration is required. To register, prosecutors and APAs should visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.” Registrants will receive the Zoom link in your registration confirmation email. The webinar will be recorded and available for other prosecutor offices in case court or life prevents someone from attending.
   Anyone with questions may email Jim Benison at benisonj@michigan.gov.
   
   Ethics of AI drafted legal documents explored
   March 5
   The National Business Institute will present a live video webinar on “Ethical Considerations When Using AI to Draft Legal Documents” Thursday, March 5, from noon to 3:15 p.m.
   Imagine drafting a legal brief with the help of artificial intelligence (AI)… only to find out that the citations provided were bogus, and now, as a result, your reputation and your client’s case are at stake. Are you willing to gamble with those odds? 
   In this course, practitioners delve into essential guidelines for sidestepping ethical landmines in AI-assisted legal research and drafting. To reinforce confidence in AI-assisted legal documents, attendees will learn how to:
   • Review key ethics rules and opinions regarding AI use in legal writing.
   • Find out how AI-assisted drafting triggers potential legal exposure.
   • Examine best practices for safeguarding client data while using AI.
   • Establish a quality control workflow for AI-assisted drafting.
   (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.
   
   Informational webinar on Smokeball Bill software to be held
   March 5
   Michigan attorneys can learn how to incorporate Smokeball Bill, a free trust accounting and billing software, into their practices during an informational webinar at noon Thursday, March 5.
   The free, 30-minute webinar will detail Smokeball Bill’s features and how to create an account that you can use immediately. The software is designed to help law firms manage trust accounts compliantly, bill easily, and get paid faster. The webinar will also include a live demonstration.
   To register for the webinar, visit smokeball.com/webinars.
   Smokeball Bill, which retails for $588 per year per user, is available at no cost to members of the State Bar of Michigan as part of SBM’s Preferred Partner Program.
   
   Law school to host 110th Law Review Symposium on ‘AI?in the Legal Profession’
   March 6
   The Law Review at University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will host the 110th Law Review Symposium on Friday, March 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This event will be taking place in-person at the school’s downtown location, 651 East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. 
   This year’s symposium is titled “From Policy to Practice: Navigating AI in the Legal Profession.” The Detroit Mercy Law Review welcomes legal professionals, students, academics, scholars, practitioners, and other stakeholders from across the country to discuss topics involving AI and its impact on the law.
   The practice of law is undergoing a profound transformation. Imagine a courtroom where predictive algorithms assist attorneys in crafting winning strategies, a boardroom where AI models help navigate complex transactions with precision and creativity, and a classroom where professors use AI to enhance learning and prepare students for the evolving legal landscape. Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant possibility or a temporary technological achievement—it is rapidly reshaping how attorneys conduct research, draft documents, advise clients, and advocate for justice.
   AI’s potential is vast, but so too are the ethical, professional, and legal questions it raises. For instance: How will AI reshape the training and education of the next generation of lawyers? How do we maintain client confidentiality in an age of automation? How can lawyers leverage AI without compromising the human judgment and advocacy that are the hallmarks of our profession?
   This symposium topic seeks to examine the evolutionary role of AI in the practice of law, exploring not only how lawyers can effectively leverage emerging technologies, but also how to navigate the legal, ethical, and policy implications that accompany their use. By fostering dialogue among leading practitioners and scholars, the Review aims to investigate the future of legal work in an age of automation and innovation. Participants will gain insight into both the practical applications of AI in daily practice and the broader considerations for justice, equity, and the rule of law.
   Registration for the symposium is required but is free and open to the public. To register, visit https://law.udmercy.edu/students/law-review/symposium/index.php.
   Anyone with questions may contact Executive Symposium Editor Hannah Bloomfield at bloomfhj@udmercy.edu.
   
   Visiting judges featured online in ‘Luncheon Limine’
   March 12
   In its continuing efforts to foster collegiality between the Oakland County bench and bar, the Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) will continue its “Luncheon Limine” brown bag lunch series between judges and attorneys online via Zoom. “Luncheon Limine: Insights from the Visiting Judges” will take place Thursday, March 12, from noon to 1 p.m.
   This month will feature three visiting judges from the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court for an exclusive, behind-the-bench conversation. Attendees will hear firsthand their tips, insights, and preferred courtroom practices. 
   Speaking at the luncheon will be retired Judge James M. Alexander, Sixth Judicial Circuit Court visiting judge, JAMS; retired Judge Amy Ronayne Krause, Sixth Judicial Circuit Court visiting judge; retired Judge Wendy L. Potts, Sixth Judicial Circuit Court visiting judge, JAMS; and moderator Victoria B. King, Sixth Judicial Circuit Court. 
   Participants can bring their questions (and their lunch) for an open, informal discussion on real-world legal issues, advocacy strategies, and what truly makes a difference in the courtroom. 
   This event is free for OCBA member and $20 for non-members. Space is limited. To register and receive the Zoom details, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.” For questions, contact Jennifer Quick at 248-334-3400.
   
   Programs presented by CDAM in Pontiac 
   March 12
   Prior to its 2026 Spring Conference, the Criminal Defense Attorney of Michigan will present several programs on Thursday, March 12, at the Auburn Hills Marriott, 3600 Centerpoint Pkwy. in Pontiac.
   Four programs will be offered including:
   • “Evidence Boot Camp E” from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This program offers hands-on small group skills training. Attendees do not have to take prior Boot Camps to attend this Boot Camp. Speaking at the training will be Beth LaCosse, Mitch Foster, and Bernard Jocuns. Cost is $320 for CDAM members and $400 for non-members. 
   • “A Is for Attorney” from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDAM’s new lawyer training has been refreshed and will feature Tiffany DeBruin, Rhonda B. Ives, and Lisa Kirsch Satawa. Cost is $320 for CDAM members and $400 for non-members. 
   • “Trilogy, Triads, and Triumph: The Persuasive Power of Three” from noon to 4 p.m. Speaker James R. Samuels will explore the art of using trilogy to create an impactful courtroom presence. Cost is $160 for CDAM members and $200 for non-members.
   • “Your Case Issues” from 4 to 6 p.m. Tracie Dinehart and Mike Steinberg will facilitate an open discussion for attendees to bring their questions and issues for candid, practical feedback from experienced trial lawyers. The session is free, open to all attendees, and no reservation is needed.
   To register for any of the CDAM programs offered Thursday, March 12, visit https://cdam.wildapricot.org.
   
   ‘Re-Entry Process for Justice-Involved Youth’ discussed
   March 13
   The Michigan Judicial Institute will conclude its two-part webinar series, “Supporting Justice-Involved Youth and Families Through the Re-Entry Process,” in which presenters provide an overview of the evidence-based service model Intensive Care Coordination with Wraparound (ICCW), discuss the Serious Emotional Disturbances Waiver (SEDW), and describe the youth re-entry process.
   On Friday, March 13, “Part 2: Understanding the Re-Entry Process for Justice-Involved Youth” will be presented from noon to 1 p.m. This webinar will discuss:
   • Information regarding the youth re-entry process.
   • The planning that occurs throughout youth re-entry, from arrival at a residential facility until they are returned to a community setting.
   Speaking during the program will be the Michigan Public Health Institute’s Victoria Key-Walker, Abigail Schaedig, Bianca Burch, and Curshawn Drake.
   The intended audience for the webinar include juvenile probation officers and caseworkers, Case Management Organizations, MDHHS juvenile justice specialists and foster care workers, school personnel, attorneys, social service providers, Juvenile Justice County Team members, mental health providers and supervisors, family court administrators and supervisors, and other juvenile justice stakeholders.
   To register for the webinar, visit https://mjieducation.mi.gov and scroll down to “upcoming MJI events.”
   
   CDAM Spring Conference taking place in Pontiac
   March 13-14
   The Criminal Defense Attorney of Michigan will present the CDAM 2026 Spring Conference, “The Watchful Eye: Threats, Cybercrime, Privacy, and Surveillance,” Friday and Saturday, March 13-14, at the Auburn Hills Marriott, 3600 Centerpoint Parkway in Pontiac.
   The schedule includes:
   —Friday, March 13
   • 8 a.m. Registration check-in and breakfast buffet.
   • 9 a.m. Welcome and keynote, “Judicial Misconduct: The Greatest Threat to Justice” by Brian Steel.
   • 10:45 a.m. “No More Open Roads: Automatic Vehicle Tracking” by Sidney Thaxter.
   • Noon-1 p.m. Lunch options: 
   - Working Lunch, “Preventing Wrongful Convictions: Lessons from Wayne County” by Marilena David
   - Group Lunch
   - Lunch on Your Own
   • 1 p.m. 1st Breakout with options/select 1:
   - “Detecting AI Images in Criminal Defense Cases” by Kenneth G. Hartman
   - “Facial Recognition and Criminal Defense—Detroit and Beyond” by Phil Mayor
   - “Litigating and Mitigating Terroristic Threat Cases” by Matt Monahan 
   - “Non-Flock Surveillance” by Eric Grabski 
   • 2:25 p.m. 2nd Breakout with three options/select 1:
   - “Cell Phone Search Warrants—Identifying Recurring Problems” by Tristen Chamberlain
   - “Expungements” by Tiffany Hughes
   - “When Google Searches for You” by Eric Grabski
   • 3:55 p.m. 3rd Breakout with four options/select 1:
   - “Building Cyber Resiliency into Your Everyday Practice” by Cynthia Rast
   - “ICAC’s Watchful Eye: CDAM and Torrential Downpour” by Kenneth G. Hartman
   - “Inside ICE Surveillance: Tools, Tactics, and Civil Liberties” by Amy V. Doukoure 
   - “Chill Out and Relax:Yoga” by Marina Chupac and Jordan Zuppke
   • 6:15 p.m. CDAM Annual Awards Dinner honoring:
   – Anne Yantus—Penny R. Beardslee Excellence in Education Award
   - Stuart Friedman and Thomas J. Tomko—Right to Counsel Award
   —Saturday, March 14
   • 8 a.m. Check-in and breakfast buffet
   • 9 a.m. “Michigan Law Updates” by Erin Van Campen
   • 10:10 a.m. “Stakeholder Updates” by Bernard Jocuns, CDAM, MIDC; and Kathy Swedlow, SADO, MAACS.
   • 10:40 a.m. “Deconstructing the Brian Steel Contempt Case” by Ken Mogill and Arthur Jay Weiss
   • 11:50 a.m. “Michigan Sentencing Guidelines” by Anne Yantus
   Cost for the conference is $480 for CDAM members and $600 for non members. Some county/court funding units will pay for part, or all, of the cost of a registration. It is up to registrants to contact their local funding unit to determine what is applicable and what payment or reimbursement method will be used.
   To register online, visit www.CDAMonline.org. For questions, call CDAM at 517-579-0533.
   
   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.