State Bar of Michigan

05/31/2026

Stress is inherent in the legal profession, which requires intense focus, swift decision-making under pressure, and emotional regulation during tense times. Structured breathing, brief cold exposure, and a physiological reset are some recommended techniques legal professionals can use to improve their nervous system regulation.

If one were to search “hot topics in lawyer well-being” or “lawyer wellness trends for 2026,” right up there with cold plunging, high protein or plant-based diets, and the use of AI in mental health support would be nervous system regulation — in particular vagus nerve stimulation. This ar...

05/30/2026

In Memoriam information is shared monthly and published in the Michigan Bar Journal as soon as possible after receiving it. These were shared in the May 2026 issue.

To notify us of the passing of a loved one or colleague, please email [email protected].

05/29/2026

"The pipeline is changing. The question is whether the profession is changing with it. Because representation is not just about who enters the law — it is about who stays, who advances, and who feels that they belong once they arrive. The data shows progress, but it also suggests friction: movement at the entry level, slower change at the top. That tension is not new," states SBM President Lisa J. Hamameh.

SBM's 9th female president, she shares her path to becoming an attorney, and her insights on the current state of women in the legal profession in her latest column in the Michigan Bar Journal.

I did not set out to become a lawyer. There were no attorneys in my family — none in my immediate or extended circle. For much of my childhood, and even into young adulthood, higher education itself felt out of reach. The idea of law school was not just distant; it was unrealistic.

05/28/2026

The latest issue of the Michigan Bar Journal is here with an overview of the Sixth Circuit’s four en banc decisions from 2024, and additional en banc decisions from 2025.

Plus, a structure for determining if litigation or arbitration is the better path for the resolution of a given dispute, an introduction of Grand Rapids' new Mayor, and much more.

Read the full issue here: https://loom.ly/UxGp0So

05/28/2026

Meet Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand, a practicing criminal law attorney and former state representative motivated by a desire to address critical issues such as criminal justice reform and child welfare.

Read about Mayor LaGrand's journey and the experiences that shaped his path to leadership in this special profile in the Michigan Bar Journal.

In an era of wavering public trust in government, people such as Grand Rapids’ mayor, David LaGrand, stand out for their firm commitment to justice, policy reform, and community revitalization. As a practicing attorney and a dedicated public servant, Mayor LaGrand has leveraged his legal expertise...

05/27/2026

Is it more important that your adversary feels the threat of your claims, or would you prefer a confidential and relatively quick proceeding? That’s one of the considerations lawyers may need to make when deciding whether arbitration or litigation is the right path for you and your client.

Steven Susser and Jessica Fleetham of Evia Law discuss the differences between litigation and arbitration and the advantages of each in the May issue of the Michigan Bar Journal.

This article presents a structure for determining if litigation or arbitration is the better path for the resolution of a given dispute. We refer to a court adjudication as “litigation” and a private adjudication by, typically, one or three arbitrators as “arbitration.” The dispute resolutio...

05/27/2026

The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued four en banc decisions in 2024 — the highest number in one year since 2021. Read about each decision in the latest issue of the Michigan Bar Journal.

The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued four en banc decisions in 2024 — the highest number in one year since 2021.

05/26/2026

Michigan attorneys can now cast their votes in the 2026 State Bar Elections. Each Michigan attorney has been emailed a link to their personalized ballot. Voting ends 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026.

For more information, visit loom.ly/SZuXBK8

05/23/2026

Do you have questions about the ethical management of lawyer trust accounts? Our webinar on Tuesday, June 23, provides an analysis used when processing property, record keeping requirements, and other practical information and ethical responsibilities regarding MRPC 1.15 and 1.15A.

This webinar is open to all SBM members. Registration is just $25 and is due by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19.

For more information visit loom.ly/q3HQOzk

05/22/2026

Are you feeling the stress of your job in the legal field? There's still time to register for our upcoming virtual wellness webinar!

This 90-minute webinar is free to all State Bar of Michigan members and will provide you with tips to help you manage stress and actionable tools you can use to recover from burnout.

Register today at loom.ly/F7XiRx4