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Calendar

1. December 12 Mark the Date
   Straker, Wolverine, BWLAM plan Holiday Party
   December 12
   The D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, Wolverine Bar Association, and the Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan will host their Holiday Party on Thursday, December 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. at LYV Detroit, 20238 Livernois in Detroit.
   The event will feature live DJ, appetizers, and handcrafted cocktails. Net proceeds from the party will benefit a local charity of Michigan.
   Cost is $25 for Straker, Wolverine, and BWLAM members; $35 for non-members; and $15 for students. To register, visit https://strakerlaw.org/meetinginfo.php.
   
   ABA Antitrust Law Section takes its Global Seminar Series to Seoul
   December 12
   The American Bar Association Antitrust Law Section will convene its next Global Seminar Series in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together a group of distinguished speakers on Dec. 12 to discuss competition, consumer protection and data privacy.
   The half-day program begins at 12:30 p.m. and includes regulators from the U.S. and South Korea, as well as a host of practitioners from both countries. Welcome remarks by Hong-sun Cho, vice chairperson, Korea Fair Trade Commission, Sejong, are scheduled from 1:15-1:30 p.m.
   Other programs include:
   • “Antitrust Policy and Enforcement in Generative AI” -- The rise of generative artificial intelligence presents new opportunities and challenges for antitrust regulators around the world. In this panel, experts discuss novel antitrust issues raised by generative AI and examine the evolving landscape of antitrust policy and enforcement related to this transformative technology. Speakers are Sabin Chung, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Washington, D.C.; Felicity Day, senior competition counsel, APAC, Google, Sydney; Yong Lim, Seoul National University School of Law, Seoul; Natalie Yeung, Slaughter and May, Hong Kong.
   • “A New Era for Antitrust Enforcement in U.S. and E.U.”-- With the return of President Trump in the United States and proposed leadership changes at the European Commission, 2025 could be a pivotal year for global antitrust enforcement. Experts discuss how these political events could shape antitrust policies in the U.S. and E.U., as well as potential implications for antitrust enforcement globally. Speakers are Ninette Dodoo, Freshfields, Hong Kong; Laurie-Anne Grelier, Covington & Burling LLP, Seoul; Craig Lee, Paul Hastings LLP, Washington, D.C.; Richard Parker, Milbank LLP, Washington, D.C.
   • “Recent Developments and Trends in Asia” -- Speakers are Soojin Nam, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul; Joon Young Park, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju.
   • “Enforcers’ Roundtable” -- Hear from regulators around Asia about their policy and enforcement priorities. Speakers include Reiko Aoki, commissioner, Japan Fair Trade Commission, Tokyo; Andy Chen, vice chairperson, Taiwan Fair Trade Commission, Taipei; Hwa-ryung Lee, chief economist, Economic Analysis Division, Korea Fair Trade Commission, Sejong. The panel will be moderated by Joonsuk Lee, counsel for international antitrust, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC.
   For additional information on the seminar, visit www.americanbar.org/groups/antitrust_law.
   (https://www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/ 2024/12/antitrust-law-global-seminar-seoul/)
   
   ‘Trends in Traffic Cases’ explored in NCSC webcast
   December 12
   The National Center for State Courts will present a webinar on “Data Dives - What is Driving the Trends in Traffic Cases” Thursday, December 12, at from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   Traffic cases consistently account for nearly half of all incoming cases in the state courts, but have experienced a dramatic decline in recent years. What factors are behind this trend and will the numbers return to previous levels? This webinar will look at what NCSC has uncovered by examining detailed data from several states.
   Speaking at the webinar will be:
   • Humberto “Bert” Cisneros, senior statistical analyst, Court Services Division, Arizona Judicial Branch
   • Mark Ritchey, research manager, Administrative Services Division, Office of State Courts Administrator, Missouri
   • Moderator Nicole Waters, director, data analytics & forecasting, National Center for State Courts
   • Moderator Andrew Ranson, senior court research associate, Data Analytics & Forecasting, National Center for State Courts
   To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “webinars.”
   
   Section hosts holiday party in Bloomfield
   December 12
   State Bar of Michigan Labor & Employment Law Section will present its “LELS Holiday Party 2024” on Thursday, December 12, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wabeek Country Club, 4000 Club Gate Drive in Bloomfield Township.
   The event offers an opportunity for networking and spreading holiday cheer with members of the labor and employment law community.
   To register for the Holiday Party, visit https://connect.michbar.org/laborlaw/home.
   
   Cocktail Sip to raise funds
   December 12
   The Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (BWLAM) is again partying with a purpose with its Annual Cocktail Sip Fundraiser on Thursday, December 12, beginning at 6 p.m.
   Money raised during the event will go to support programs and community outreach.
   Cost for the event is $75 per person. For additional information or to register, visit www.eventbrite.com and search “BWLAM.”
   
   Webinar looks at work of CCJ/COSCA 2.0 Task Force
   December 12
   The National Center for State Courts will present a webinar on   “The Work of the CCJ/COSCA Fines, Fees, and Pretrial Practices 2.0 Task Force” Thursday, December 12, at from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   The 2.0 Task Force builds on the work of a previous Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) Task Force, established in 2016. Throughout 2024, it produced resources discussing the current landscape of state reforms to legal financial obligations and pretrial practices, developed case studies to highlight innovative and successful approaches, and created educational materials for courts.
   This webinar will highlight tools and resources developed by the 2.0 Task Force and feature a conversation between the 2.0 Task Force members and members of the original Task Force.
   Speaking at the webinar will be:
   • Chief Justice Nathan Hecht, Texas Supreme Court
   • Chief Justice Matthew Fader, Maryland Supreme Court
   • Gayle Lafferty, state court administrator, Delaware Judicial Branch
   • Moderator Laurie Givens, vice-president, Court Consulting Services, National Center for State Courts
   To register for the webinar, visit www.ncsc.org and click on “webinars.”
   
   Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders focus of webinar
   December 13
   The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) a webinar on “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the Criminal Justice System” Friday, December 13, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
   Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are common affecting between 1 and 5% of the population. FASD is rarely diagnosed and as a result is often not considered in criminal or mental health proceedings.
   Participants in this webinar will:
   • Be introduced to the diagnostic criteria for FASD.
   • Be informed about the implications of FASD in criminal proceedings.
   • Demonstrate how to develop a maternal alcohol exposure history.
   • Understand key neuropsychological impairments in FASD.
   • Discuss how to utilize FASD as a mitigating factor in criminal proceedings.
   Cost for the webinar is $50. To register, visit https://publicdefenders.us/event/fetal-alcohol-spec trum-disorders-in-the-criminal-justice-system.
   
   Webcast looks at how to start a successful small firm
   December 16
   American Law Institute Continuing Legal Education will present the webcast “How to Start (and Run!) A Successful Small Firm” on Monday, December 16, from noon to 1 p.m.
   Deciding to leave a current job to hang one’s own shingle is arguably one of the most impactful career decisions attorneys will ever make. How do lawyers know if it’s the right move? And, if attorneys do decide to take the leap, how can they ensure a smooth transition and a solid foundation for long-term success? This course will examine the critical steps of successfully building and managing a thriving small firm.
   In this one-hour program, the founder of a thriving small firm as well as a successful solo practitioner will explore:
   • Making the Decision: Gain insights into the crucial considerations and strategic thinking required to leave your current job and embark on the journey of starting your own firm.
   • Business Planning: Learn whether to hire a professional consultant, how to create a robust business plan that sets clear goals, outlines your firm’s vision, and defines the path to achieving sustainable growth.
   • Financial Planning: Understand the essentials of financial management, from budgeting and cash flow to securing funding and managing expenses.
   • Marketing Strategies: Develop an effective marketing plan to attract and retain clients, build your brand, and stand out in a competitive legal market.
   • Team Building: Explore whether a partner, a professional consultant, or an office manager is the right choice at the right time.
   • Hiring Challenges: Navigate the complexities of hiring: growing at a financially comfortable pace, identifying the right talent, and building a cohesive team that aligns with your firm’s values and goals.
   Questions will be submitted live to the faculty and all registrants will receive downloadable course materials to accompany the program.
   Cost for the webcast is $199.  To register, visit www.ali-cle.org.
   
   Neurodevelopmental disorders explored in NAPD webinar
   December 16
   The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) a webinar on “Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) and False Confessions: Causes, Consequences and Solutions” Monday, December 16, from 3 to 4 p.m.
   Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), and intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) are common disorders that are associated with several cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and physical health deficits and challenges.
   For a variety of reasons, some individuals with NDDs come into contact with the criminal justice and legal systems. Once involved in these systems, the impacted individual may be at greater risk for miscarriages of justice like false confessions and wrongful convictions as well as an increase in vulnerability and victimization. This is especially the case when professionals lack an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the deficits, challenges, and barriers persons with NDDs frequently face.
   This training will focus exclusively on the causes, consequences, and solutions associated with NDDs and false confessions. Other topics discussed in this training include problematic interviewing tactics, confabulation, memory distrust, suggestibility, compliance, gullibility, developmental factors, fantasy proneness, executive dysfunction, error monitoring deficits, uncertainty, stress sensitivity, carelessness, problematic coping strategies, sleep disturbances, circadian rhythm misalignment, fatigue, and memory problems to name a few. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training.
   Cost for the webinar is $50. To register, visit https://publicdefenders.us/event/neurodevelopmental-disorders-ndds-and-false-confessions.
   
   Attorney presents ‘Update on the State of Criminal Law’
   December 17
   The Oakland County Bar Association will present “Update on the State of Criminal Law 2024 Part Two” as a webinar on Tuesday, December 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   Speaker Alona Sharon, of Alona Sharon PC, will provide an overview of the most recent published Michigan Court of Appeal cases with a focus on sentencing decisions. She will also review the most important decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court.
   Credit has been approved with the OCBA for 1.5 Criminal credits and 1.5 Juvenile credits.
   Cost for the webinar is $12 for OCBA members pre-registration and $25 for non-members pre-registration. Oakland County MIDC court appointed attorneys can attend for free.
   To register for this webinar, visit www.ocba.org and click on “events.”
   
   ‘Michigan Probate Process: In 7 Simple Steps’ offered online
   December 17
   The National Business Institute will present a live video webinar looking at “Michigan Probate Process: In 7 Simple Steps” on Tuesday, December 17, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
   This step-by-step instruction offers knowledge of probate processes and best practices for handling each unique case effectively. Attendees will learn how to tackle crucial first steps; handle the personal executive; gather, value, and distribute all assets; and successfully complete the final accounting and tax returns.
   The webinar will examine:
   • Opening the Estate
   • Preparing the Personal Representatives for the Job
   • Managing the Estate: Valuations, Spousal Share, and More
   • Addressing Creditor Claims
   • Post-Mortem Tax Planning, Distributions, and Trust Administration
   • Handling Estate Closing, Final Accounting, and Tax Returns
   • Maintaining an Ethical Practice
   • Resolving Disputes and Navigating Probate Litigation
   Speaking at the webinar will be James A Carolan of EWM Legal Services, Theresa K Cottrell of Phelps Law Office PLC, Brianna R Keller of Rhoades McKee, Morgan Maul of The Maul Law Group PLLC, and Jessica L Myers of Rehmann Robson & Co.
   This basic level online seminar is designed for attorneys, accountants, tax professionals, trust officers, executors and other fiduciaries, 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.
   
   ‘Fighting Fraud from Both Sides’ presented online
   December 17
   The Bankruptcy Committee of the Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association will present “Fighting Fraud from Both Sides” online Tuesday, December 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
   During the virtual program, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Paul Hage, Eastern District of Michigan, will moderate a discussion between U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison and U.S. Trustee Andrew Vara about fraud.
   To register for the free program, visit https://edmibar.org/event/edmi bar-bankruptcy-committee-event. Anyone with questions may email kelley.callard@usdoj.gov or dlerner @plunkettcooney.com.
   
   Corroborating Evidence in Child Abuse Cases’ focus of webinar
   December 18
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s Child Abuse Prosecution Resources Director Pamela Maas will be featured in a lunchtime webinar, “Building a Case for Court: Corroborating Evidence in Child Abuse Cases,” on Wednesday, December 18, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   Attendees will learn how to take the child’s statements and look for the corroborating details which can make the difference in the jury believing the child beyond a reasonable doubt. Participants will also learn what expectations to set for multidisciplinary team investigations and how to build solid cases for court.
   This training is for prosecutors, members of the multidisciplinary training team including CPS, and Law Enforcement. It is approved for 1 hour of credit under PAAM’s recommended CLE Best Practice.
   To register, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
   
   Lunch & Learn discussion to focus on victim rights
   December 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, December 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@mich igan.gov, Bill Dailey at DaileyB2@michigan.gov, or Jeannie Wernet at WernetJ@michi gan.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.
   
   ‘Traffic Safety Legal Update’ presented online by PAAM
   December 19
   The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will present the Traffic Safety Training Program Webinar “End-of-Year Traffic Safety Legal Update” on Thursday, December 19, from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom.
   This end-of-year presentation will provide prosecutors and law enforcement a comprehensive update on traffic safety legal issues and cases that arose in 2024.
   Speaking at the webinar will be Kinga Canike and Eric Wanink, traffic safety resource prosecutors for the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.
   To register for this free webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.”
   
   Women’s Bar Book Club to meet
   January 6
   The Women’s Bar Association (WBA), Oakland County region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, will present its next Book Club online Monday, January 6, beginning at 6 p.m. via Zoom.
   For the January meeting, the club will be discussing “A Quiet Life in the Country,” the first of the Lady Hardcastle mysteries by T. E. Kinsey.  Set in Edwardian Gloucestershire, Lady Hardcastle and her lady’s maid, Florence Armstrong—former spies and now amateur sleuths—retire to the countryside for a quiet life, but murder seems to follow them wherever they go.
   To register for this discussion and receive the Zoom link, email Janine.M.Plourde@Fryung.com.