SBM Blog

In Memoriam: James Shonkwiler

James L. Shonkwiler, Jr. of Grand Ledge, died February 24 at the age of 79, after a long and exemplary career in criminal justice. He was a 1963 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, developing a passion for criminal justice by serving as court-appointed counsel for indigent criminal defendants, serving in leading capacities for most of Michigan's criminal justice enterprises.  In 1967, he was appointed associate director of the Michigan Crime Commission. In 1970, when the Commission created the first state-level office in the United States to train and support county prosecutors -- the Michigan Prosecuting Attorneys Coordinating Council -- Mr. Shonkwiler became the Council's executive secretary, a position he held for 27 years, while simultaneously holding the position of Executive Director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.  His work was felt well beyond Michigan as he advised other countries on the creation of councils and commissions similar to Michigan's. In 1995, at the request of Vietnam, the United Nations sent Mr. Shonkwiler to Hanoi as part of a three-person team to help improve Vietnam's criminal justice system.

Mr. Shonkwiler was also a driving force behind the Criminal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, editing and writing for the section's monthly newsletter, summarizing developments in state and national law. Jim served on the Standing Committee for State Bar Character and Fitness, and in retirement was able to see one of his longstanding dreams come to fruition, the establishment of an Indigent Criminal Defense Commission to reform Michigan’s indigent criminal defendant system. 

Mr. Shonkwiler is survived by his wife Dotti, sons Daniel and John, five grandchildren, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be Sunday March 1, 3:00-6:00 PM, at Palmer Bush and Jensen, 6020 West Saginaw Highway (west side of Lansing).  A memorial service will take place Monday, March 2, 11:00 AM at, University United Methodist  Church, 1120 S. Harrison, East Lansing.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorials to University United Methodist Church or the Refugee Development Center, 122 South Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI. 

 

SBM Young Lawyers Section Launches Everyday Justice Instagram Competition

The State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section has launched a new “Everyday Justice” Instagram photo competition. There is a separate contest for middle school students (in grades six through eight) and high school students (in grades nine through 12).

To enter the contest, middle school students must take a photo that illustrates what people in their community can do to exemplify justice every day, then upload the photo to Instagram on or before March 14 with the hashtag #SBMjusticeeverydayMS.

High school students must take a photo that illustrates what people in their community can do to exemplify justice every day, then upload the photo to Instagram on or before March 14 with the hashtag #SBMjusticeeverydayHS.

For both contests, participants can enter the contest as many times as they wish. They must keep captions to photos within 140 characters in length. They must also obtain a parent or legal guardian’s permission before submitting their entries.

A panel of young lawyers will select four finalists and one winner for each contest. Each finalist will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The winner for each contest will receive a lunch with a legal leader in his or her community, as well as the $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

For more information, email Laura Kubit at [email protected].

Posted by Samantha Meinke

Michigan Supreme Court Appoints Two to Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum

The Michigan Supreme Court has appointed two federal members to the Michigan Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum. Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Jeff J. Davis will serve a term ending July 1, 2016. The Hon. Timothy P. Greeley will serve a term ending July 1, 2017.

Read the order.

Posted by Samantha Meinke

Governor Snyder Appoints T. David Law to Oakland County District Court

Governor Rick Snyder appointed T. David Law to the 52-1 District Court in Oakland County on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Law has served as assistant attorney general in the Children & Youth Division of the Michigan Department of Attorney General. He has also previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives and the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.

Law earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law.

He fills the seat left by the departure of the Hon. Dennis N. Powers.

Posted by Samantha Meinke