An effort led by the State Bar of Michigan to provide important safeguards to Michigan judges is on its way to the full House for consideration.

The Michigan House Judiciary unanimously passed the proposed Michigan Judicial Protection Act out of committee on October 29. Already passed by the state Senate, the act would ensure that state-level judges in Michigan have the same protections currently provided by federal law to federal judges.

“Attempts to intimidate or threaten judges cannot be tolerated, and Michigan judges deserve the same protections already allotted many of their colleagues nationwide,” State Bar of Michigan President Lisa J. Hamameh said. 

The Judicial Protection Act would permit state and tribal judges to request that their or their family’s personal information not be publicly disclosed. Such information includes date of birth, address, phone numbers, and place of employment (except courthouse).

The measure is supported by the State Bar of Michigan, State Court Administrative Office, Michigan Judges Association, Michigan District Judges Association, and the Michigan Probate Judges Association.

Friendsgiving Brunch hosted by WBA Nov. 15

The Women’s Bar Association (WBA), Oakland County region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, will host a Friendsgiving Brunch on Saturday, November 15, at 1 p.m. at The Fed, 15 S. Main St. in Clarkston.

Friendsgiving is a casual meal or celebration shared with friends around Thanksgiving. The WBA is using this opportunity not only to celebrate its membership and connections, but also to give back to the local community.  

The brunch will support the Open Door Outreach Food Pantry in Waterford. WBA members and participants are invited to donate money, gift cards, or physical donations at the event.  

To register for the WBA brunch, email kelley.m.donnelly@gmail.com.

Attorneys to discuss ‘Running Your Own Firm’

The Wolverine Bar Association will present “Running Your Own Firm: Straight Talk from Small Firm Lawyers” on Wednesday, November 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Longstreet, 18971 Livernois Ave. in Detroit.

For those interested in private practice, the program will feature a panel discussion with attorneys Leonard Mungo, Tanisha Davis, Herbert Sanders, and Coleman Potts.

Light fare and beverages will be served.  Register at https://givebutter.com/smallfirmlawyersevent.

headlines Detroit

• Wayne Law hosts Fireside Chat with Bierschbach
• Counsel Connect
• Court rules absentee ballots with mismatched or missing stubs can’t be counted
• New virtual support group for attorneys to start in January
• Daily Briefs

headlines National

• Nikole Nelson champions a national model to bring legal services to those without access
• Social media and your legal career
• OJ Simpson estate accepts $58M claim by father of Ron Goldman, killed along with Nicole Brown Simpson
• Law prof who called for military action and end to Israel sues over teaching suspension
• The advantages of using an AI agent in contract review
• Courthouse rock, political talk lead to potential suspension for Elvis-loving judge