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Calendar

1. May 15 Mark the Date
   ‘Search and Seizure Law 2026’ presented online 
   May 15
   The National Business Institute will present a live video webinar on “Search and Seizure Law 2026” Friday, May 15, from 11 a.m. to noon.
   This webinar ill help attorneys keep abreast of new challenges concerning electronic searches, determine what happens when consent is given by someone without authority, and discover the dos and don’ts of challenging searches. Topics on the agenda include:
   • AI, Facial Recognition, and High-Tech Surveillance Tools
   • Police Bodycam and Dashcam Footage
   • Warrants, Exceptions, and Special Stop/Checkpoint Scenarios
   • The Latest on Electronic Data Searches: Social Media, Phones, Cloud Storage, etc.
   • Challenging Searches: Law Enforcement Missteps and Suppression Motions
   • Consent: How Broadly Can It Be Interpreted? What If It’s Given by Someone Without Authority?
   • Recent Trends, Case Law, and Supreme Court Rulings
   Cost for the webinar, which includes course book download, is $199. To register, call 1-800-930-6182 or visit www.nbi-sems.com.
   
   Section heads to TopGolf for networking event
   May 16
   The Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan will host a Social Networking Event on Saturday, May 16, from 2 to 5 p.m. at TopGolf, 500 Great Lakes Crossing Dr. in Auburn Hills.
   The afternoon will feature three hours of unlimited play in climate-controlled hitting bays, a buffet, beverages, and access to a private lounge.
   Section members and law students pay $25 and non-members, including guests, pay $30. 
   Register at https://connect.michbar.org/criminallaw/home.
   
   Courts’ multi-generational workforce focus of panel
   May 16
   The National Center for State Courts will present a webinar on “Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce” on Tuesday, May 19, from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom.
   Today, courts are staffed by four different generations that contribute a wide array of experiences and talents while also representing different communication styles, expectations, and approaches to work. These differences show up in a variety of ways across departments and roles, enhancing the workplace and possibly presenting management challenges. 
   This webinar focuses on practical leadership strategies for navigating and leveraging generational differences within the court environment. Panelists will explore how generational differences impact the workforce, ways to capitalize on the strengths of a multi-generational workforce, fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork through respect and flexibility, and the importance of avoiding generational stereotypes.
   After this webinar, attendees will be able to:
   • Distinguish generational characteristics through a professional lens.
   • Recognize and avoid generational biases.
   • Identify the impact of generational differences in the court workforce.
   • Describe the benefits and opportunities of cross-generational work.
   • Discuss the impact of generational differences on recruitment and retention.
   Speaking at the webinar will be:
   • Dana Bartocci, human resources and development director, Minnesota Judicial Branch
   • Aimee Lay, employee growth & development advisor, Kentucky Department of Human Resources
   • David Yamasaki, executive officer, Orange County Superior Court, California
   • Moderator DeShield Greene, senior court management consultant, NCSC
   To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “Education & events.”
   
   ‘Sentencing Guidelines Updates’ offered online
   May 19
   The State Appellate Defender Office and the Criminal Defense Resource Center will present the webinar “Sentencing Guidelines Updates” on Tuesday, May 19, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. 
   This training will provide a summary of recent and authoritative sentencing guidelines scoring decisions and an overview of some of the more complex issues associated with guidelines scoring.
   Speaking at the training will be Jacqueline McCann who serves as litigation support counsel at the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System. She is a former SADO assistant defender and is the principal author of the latest edition of the “Sentencing Guidelines Annotated.”
   To register for the webinar, visit www.sado.org and click on “Upcoming Events.” Anyone with questions may email cdrc@sado.org.
   
   Attorney discusses misdemeanor sentencing online
   May 19
   The Oakland County Bar Association will present a webinar on “Misdemeanor Sentencing: The Rebuttable Presumption for Non-serious Misdemeanors and Other Practical Considerations” Tuesday, May 19, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
   This webinar, tailored specifically for criminal-appointed attorneys, will explore the complex and continually evolving landscape of misdemeanor sentencing. Will Nahikian, of Will Defend You PLLC, will provide practical insights into sentencing trends, strategic considerations, and the important rebuttable presumption against jail or probation for non-serious misdemeanors. 
   Credit has been approved with the OCBA for 1.5 Criminal credits.
   Cost for the webinar is $45 for OCBA members; $30 for OCBA new lawyers (P84347+), paralegals, students, and admin assistants; and $55 for non-members. Oakland County appointed counsel can attend for free. 
   To register for this webinar, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”
   
   Attorneys to discuss ‘Fundamentals of Government Contracting’
   May 19
   Members of Butzel's Aerospace & Defense Industry Team will discuss “Fundamentals of Government Contracting, Federal Contracting 101,” during a Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) webinar from 1 to 2 p.m., on Tuesday, May 19. 
   Attorneys Beth S. Gotthelf, Derek Mullins, and Anthony J. Scalise will share what it takes to successfully enter and operate in the federal marketplace. Butzel attorneys have experience guiding companies of all sizes through the complexities of federal procurement. They will provide practical insights for both new and established contractors. Whether an organization is exploring government contracting for the first time or looking to strengthen its compliance posture, this webinar will help to identify the requirements that apply to a company, the right questions to ask, better understand potential risks and opportunities and focus on the areas that matter most.
   “Government contracts are governed by a unique set of legal and regulatory requirements,” said Derek Mullins. “Contractors must understand those requirements so that they can take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the federal marketplace.”
   Scalise added, “As a result of the ongoing Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) overhaul changes, it is easier for companies to enter the defense market. For existing manufacturers and new technology companies, the defense market can represent significant growth opportunity. Finding success starts with understanding the contracting process, compliance risks, and how to position your company to compete while meeting the government’s expectations.”
   To register for the webinar, visit https://mimfg.org/News-Events/Events.
   
   ‘Mediation Best Practices’ explored in forum 
   May 20
   With nearly 99% of federal civil cases now resolving before trial, the ability to navigate a successful mediation is an essential skill of any modern litigator. On Wednesday, May 20, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Theodore Levin U.S. Courthouse in Detroit, the Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association (EDMIBAR) is hosting a program titled “Mediation Best Practices–a Forum for the E.D. Michigan’s Mediators, Trial Lawyers, and Judges.”
   The program planning committee is comprised of experienced and knowledgeable mediators — Tom Cranmer, Tom McNeill, Jennifer Grieco, Denny Barnes, Nakisha Chaney, Patrick Hickey, and Ken Neuman. They will be joined by current and former U.S. District Court judges of the Eastern District of Michigan, including featuring leading mediators from JAMS Detroit Mediation, Arbitration and ADR Services, and national mediators and experts.
   This seminar will provide an opportunity for attorneys to network with the bench and help shape the evolving conversation on local and national ADR practices. 
   The program will begin with opening remarks by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Stephen Murphy followed by four segments:
   • Segment 1: “Federal Court Mediation: How Judges and Mediators Can More Efficiently Achieve the Early Resolution of Disputes,” with presentation team U.S. District Court Judges Matthew Leitman and Judith Levy, retired Judge Sean Cox, Patrick Hickey, and Tom McNeill, co-moderated by retired Judge Gerald Rosen and Thomas Cranmer, 
   • Segment 2: “The Early Dispute Resolution System, the EDR Institute’s comprehensive 4-step process for quickly and economically resolving disputes,” with presentation team Dennis Barnes and Michael Latiff.
   • Segment 3: “Best Practices and Strategies for Preparing the Client for Mediation, moving from advocacy to negotiating resolution without giving in, and navigating through impasse,” with presentation team Ken Neuman, U.S. District Court Judge Laurie Michelson, Kathleen Bogus, Nakisha Chaney, Jennifer Grieco, and Clarence Pozza.
   • Segment 4: “Cutting Edge Use of Artificial Intelligence in Mediation,” with presentation team William Froehlich, Jeffrey Kichaven retired Judge Lita Popke, and Thomas McNeill. 
   The seminar will conclude with a mix & mingle afterglow.
   Cost for the program is $74 for EDMIBAR members and $124 for non-members. To register, visit https://edmibar.org and click on “events.”
   
   ‘Agentic AI in Legal Settings’ focus of webinar
   May 20
   The National Center for State Courts will present a webinar on “Agentic AI in Legal Settings: Guardrails for Responsible Innovation” on Wednesday, May 20, from 1 to 2 p.m. via Zoom.
   As artificial intelligence evolves, the legal landscape is poised for a significant shift with the emergence of “agentic AI.” Unlike other AI tools that respond to single prompts, agentic AI can independently plan, execute multi-step tasks, and adapt to achieve a goal with limited human intervention. 
   This webinar, based on the upcoming “Guardrails for Agentic AI in Legal Settings” paper developed by the TRI/NCSC AI Policy Consortium, will delve into the critical distinctions, unique risks, and essential governance frameworks for responsibly integrating agentic AI into courts and legal practices. 
   The panel—featuring leaders from AI enablement, legal practice, data science, and the judiciary—will provide practical insights and discuss how to leverage this transformative technology while upholding accountability, transparency, and human judgment in the legal system.
   Following this session, attendees will be able to:
   1. Differentiate between standard, generative and agentic AI, and understand the implications for legal work.
   2. Identify unique risks associated with agentic AI in legal settings, including potential for silent failures and impacts on accountability.
   3. Understand how to apply a tiered risk framework and practical guardrails for the ethical and secure use of agentic AI tools across various legal roles.
   Speaking at the webinar will be:
   • Ankita Upadhyay, senior director, AI Enablement, Thomson Reuters Institute
   • Andre Assumpcao, chief data strategist, NCSC
   • Moderator Aubrie Souza, principal court management consultant, NCSC
   To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “Education & events.”
   
   Sections look into ‘Environmental Claims in Michigan’
   May 20
   The State Bar of Michigan’s Insurance & Indemnity Law Section, in collaboration with the Environmental Law Section, will present “Educational Program - Environmental Claims in Michigan” from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at Oak Pointe Country Club, 4500 Club Dr. in Brighton
   This program aims to equip insurance litigators, coverage counsel, and in-house attorneys with a practical, Michigan-centric framework for understanding and litigating environmental contamination claims. The structure of the program is purposefully designed to progress from the origins of these claims, to the analysis of coverage disputes, and ultimately to the litigation process in Michigan courts.
   To secure a spot for the free program, email Joan O’Sullivan at josullivan3399@gmail.com.
   
   Lunch & Learn discussion to focus on victim rights
   May 21
   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, May 21, 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.
   
   Annual Tax Conference presented in Troy
   May 21
   The Taxation Section of the State Bar of Michigan will conduct its 38th Annual Tax Conference on Thursday, May 21, form 8 a .m. to 5 p.m. at the MSU Management Education Center, 811 W. Square Lake Road in Troy.
   The conference will help attorneys stay on top of evolving issues in tax law—from key changes on the national front to Michigan’s latest legislative and policy developments. Featured speakers will include Eric Bussis, Michigan Department of Treasury; Maria P. Topalovic, Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC; and Wayne D. Roberts, Bodman PLC. Conference attendees will be able to:
   • Hear from top government officials, D.C. insiders, and expert practitioners.
   • Get national and Michigan perspectives on business and individual tax developments.
   • Grasp OBBBA’s impact on Michigan businesses, Section 1202, executive compensation, and employee benefits.
   • Conduct effective due diligence and learn to spot tax risks and hidden liabilities.
   • Get a glimpse of Michigan’s incentive programs for strategic investment.
   Cost for the conference is $220 for section members and $320 for non-members. To register, visit https://connect.michbar.org/tax/home.
   
   ‘Bar Night Out’ planned by OCBA
   May 21
   This spring, the Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) Membership Committee presents another evening of networking and delectable food with “Bar Night Out” on Thursday, May 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Smokehaus Ferndale, 177 Vester Street in Ferndale. 
   Attendees can connect with colleagues while enjoying delicious food, and a cash bar in a festive setting. 
   The event is free for OCBA members and $25 for non-members. Space is limited. To register, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”
   Anyone with questions may contact Katie Tillinger at 248-334-3400.
   
   Women’s Bar Book Club to meet
   May 28
   The Women’s Bar Association (WBA), Oakland County region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, along with the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association, will present the next Literary Ladies Book Club online Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. via Zoom.
   To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the groups will be reading and discussing “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng. The book is a mystery about the Lee family, a mixed-race Chinese-American family in 1970s Ohio, whose lives unravel after their favorite daughter, Lydia, is found drowned in a local lake.
   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.
   
   Series looks at ‘The Elusive Work-Life Balance Conundrum’
   May 28
   The Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association will present its fourth event in its Women’s Series with “Having it All (or not): The Elusive Work-Life Balance Conundrum” on Thursday, May 28, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the offices of Warner Norcross + Judd, 2715 Woodward Ave., suite 300, in Detroit.
   The professional and personal demands on women lawyers are at an all-time high, and so achieving some sort of balance is no longer just an advantage—it is a necessity for a sustainable career. 
   This session is designed for women in all phases of their lives and careers—from those just entering the profession to those managing the complexities of senior leadership and/or family life.
   The program offers attendees:
   • A Relatable Perspective: Join a diverse group of your peers to discuss the “conundrum” of balancing a legal practice with family, fitness, travel, and personal well-being.
   • Networking & Camaraderie: Connect with other women lawyers in the Eastern District to share strategies and support for navigating the modern legal landscape.
   • Actionable Insights: Engage in an honest dialogue about the realities of “having it all” and how to define success on your own terms.
   Space is limited for this evening of networking and professional growth. Registration cost is $48 for members, $38 for federal clerk members, $58 for federal clerk non-members, and $68 for non-members and guests. To register, visit https://edmibar.org and click on “events
   
   Panel examines ‘The Future for In-House Counsel in the Age of AI’
   May 28
   The Association of Corporate Counsel Michigan Chapter and Foley & Lardner LLP will present “The Future for In-House Counsel in the Age of AI” on Thursday, May 28, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pistons Performance Center, 6201 Second Avenue in Detroit.
   The program will feature keynote speaker Peter Stockburger, partner, Foley & Lardner. A panel discussion will then take place featuring Jay Harrington, partner, Latitude; Miyuki Oshima, vice president & chief compliance officer, BorgWarner Inc.; and Lauren Willens, senior counsel, Henry Ford Health.
   Cocktails and networking will follow the program. To register for the event, visit www.acc.com/chapters-networks/chapters/michigan.
   
   ‘Understanding the Elements of Crimes in Child Abuse Cases’ discussed
   May 28
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s Child Abuse Prosecution Resources unit (CAPR) will present the online training “Building Your Case for Court: Understanding the Elements of Crimes in Child Abuse Cases”on Thursday, May 28, beginning at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
   CAPR Director Pamela Maas will discuss what prosecutors need to prove to be able to establish cases and will provide with the information that can focus their investigation.
   This training is for all multidisciplinary team members including prosecutors, law enforcement, children's protective services/DHHS, forensic interviewers, and other MDT partners. To register, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
   
   Sergeant discusses ‘Investigating Fatal Crashes As Homicides’
   May 28
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will present the webinar “No Stone Unturned: Investigating Fatal Crashes As Homicides” on Thursday, May 28, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   When thinking about homicide, thoughts turn to gunshot residue, ballistics analysis, stab wounds, and blood splatter. But homicide can have a different face too. Homicide can be mangled metal, empty prescription and alcohol bottles, skid marks, and Event Data Recorder (EDR) data. Many crashes involving serious injuries and/or fatalities have an impaired driving component, but oftentimes that part of the investigation is overlooked. Fatal crashes require agencies to collaborate and share resources so that these crimes can be investigated as the homicides that they are. 
   This webinar will cover all the various aspects of a crash scene and what can be done to full investigate these crimes so that the prosecution has all available evidence to use at trial. Presenting at the program will be Michigan State Police Sergeant Jim Janes.
   This webinar is designed for police officers, city attorneys, prosecutors, and assistant prosecutors. To register, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
   
   Free virtual wellness offered by State Bar
   May 29
   The State Bar of Michigan will present a free virtual wellness event featuring Karissa Wallace on Friday, May 29, at 11:30 a.m. “Stress Less, Live More: Practical Tools for Lawyer Wellbeing” will be offered via Zoom and is free to all State Bar of Michigan members.
   By attending the 90-minute event, participants will:
   • Receive an overview of research on how stress affects legal professionals.
   • Discover the impact of stress and why some stress is needed for peak performance.
   • Learn science-backed strategies necessary to recover from, and prevent, burnout.
   • And create an action plan to boost your wellbeing in just 30 minutes per day.
   Wallace is a wellbeing coach, teacher, speaker, and corporate lawyer, most recently serving as in-house counsel for Detroit Venture Partners. She became a wellbeing coach after experiencing burnout, and uses the latest science, along with her own experience, to highlight the importance of career wellbeing and provide actionable tools for stress management.
   The State Bar of Michigan offers virtual wellness events twice per year to help attorneys maximize their professional competency by improving their overall wellbeing. To learn more or register for the May 29 wellness event, visit www.michbar.org/ljap.
   
   Section conducts Day of Education in Farmington Hills
   May 29
   The Paralegal/Legal Assistant Section of the State Bar of Michigan will conduct its 2026 Day of Education on Friday, May 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Oakland County Community College, 27055 Orchard Lake Rd. in Farmington Hills.
   The event will feature:
   • An insider look at how the courts really work.
   • Trial preparation in action.
   • Updates on paralegal licensing.
   • Core skills for everyday practice.
   • Sign-ups for complimentary headshots.
   The event is $25 for section members, $35 for non-members, and $10 for current paralegal students. To register, visit https://connect.michbar.org/paralegal/home. For additional information, email sbmiparalegal@gmail.com.
   
   Honors presented at JBAM awards ceremony
   June 4
   The Jewish Bar Association of Michigan (JBAM) will host its 2026 Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Knollwood Country Club, 5050 W. Maple Rd. in West Bloomfield.
   During the event, the Ruth Bader Ginsburg Champion of Justice Award will be presented to Oakland County 48th District Court Judge Kimberly Small, the Avern Cohn Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to retired federal Judge Gerald Rosen, and the Chutzpah Attorney Advocate Award will be presented to Neil Rockind, founder of Rockind Law.
   The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a conversation, Q&A, and book signing with Rosen as he discusses his book “The Grand Bargain: The Inside Story of Detroit's Dramatic Journey from Bankruptcy to Rebirth.” Copies will be available for purchase. The dinner and awards ceremony will follow.
   Registration is $90 for JBAM members, $100 for non-members, and $36 for law students. Judges can attend for free. To purchase tickets, visit www.jewishbar.org and click on “events.”