State Bar ethics opinion
focuses on payment applications
The State Bar of Michigan’s Standing Committee on Professional Ethics issued a new ethics opinion this month that outlines how legal professionals may utilize person-to-person payment applications to receive funds from clients.
The opinion, RI-393, states that lawyers may accept fees via person-to-person (P2P) apps, such as Venmo and PayPal, but “must take additional precautions in utilizing such P2P payment applications when accepting funds, other than earned fees, to ensure that said funds are promptly transferred directly into an IOLTA or other lawyer trust account for safekeeping consistent with the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct.”
It further details how lawyers must take steps to ensure client privacy when using P2P apps and maintain appropriate records.
The opinion, RI-393, states that lawyers may accept fees via person-to-person (P2P) apps, such as Venmo and PayPal, but “must take additional precautions in utilizing such P2P payment applications when accepting funds, other than earned fees, to ensure that said funds are promptly transferred directly into an IOLTA or other lawyer trust account for safekeeping consistent with the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct.”
It further details how lawyers must take steps to ensure client privacy when using P2P apps and maintain appropriate records.
To read the full opinion, visit www.michbar.org/opinions/ethics/numbered_opinions/RI-393.
Bar association presents
‘Trial Etiquette Panel’
The National Arab American Bar Association, Michigan Chapter, will conduct a “Trial Etiquette Panel” on Thursday, Feb. 5, beginning at 5:30 at the Detroit offices of Dykema, 777 Woodward Ave, Ste 400, in Detroit.
The program will focus on courtroom professionalism, advocacy best practices, and real-world insights from experienced litigators. This panel will explore expectations inside the courtroom,
effective communication with judges, opposing counsel, and juries, and the subtle professional considerations that can meaningfully impact trial outcomes.
This program is designed for attorneys at all stages of practice, as well as law students seeking a better understanding of courtroom norms and professional presence.
To register for the free event, visit https://naabamichigan.org/events.
The program will focus on courtroom professionalism, advocacy best practices, and real-world insights from experienced litigators. This panel will explore expectations inside the courtroom,
effective communication with judges, opposing counsel, and juries, and the subtle professional considerations that can meaningfully impact trial outcomes.
This program is designed for attorneys at all stages of practice, as well as law students seeking a better understanding of courtroom norms and professional presence.
To register for the free event, visit https://naabamichigan.org/events.
Bar association plans annual McCree event
The Eastern District of Michigan. Bar Association along with the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, will present the “2026 Wade H. McCree Jr. Luncheon for the Advancement of Social Justice” on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit.
The Wade H. McCree Jr. Award for the Advancement of Social Justice will be presented during the luncheon.
The award honors individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to the advancement of social justice.
Visit https://edmibar.org to register.
The Wade H. McCree Jr. Award for the Advancement of Social Justice will be presented during the luncheon.
The award honors individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to the advancement of social justice.
Visit https://edmibar.org to register.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
