SBM Blog

Jessica Chapman to Receive Animal Law Section’s Wanda Nash Award

Jessica Chapman, a third-year law student at MSU College of Law, will receive the Animal Law Section’s 14^th annual Wanda Nash Award at an event on March 10. The Wanda Nash Award is given annually to a graduating law student or recent graduate who has contributed to animal law in a substantial way over the student’s law school career. The award is named for Wanda Nash, who was the driving force behind the Animal Law Section and whose work on behalf of animals inspired many.

Chapman is receiving the award for her many contributions to animal law. MSU Law Professor David Favre, in a letter of nomination, focused on her dedication and commitment to animal welfare. “Jessica is committing her legal career to animal law and wildlife conservation, and currently (and will continue to) dedicate most of her free time challenging the status quo in order to end speciesism, to improve animal welfare everywhere, and to promote animal rights.”

The award will be presented at a ceremony from 4:00–6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at the MSU College of Law (Castle Board Room). Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, please contact Bee Friedlander at [email protected] by Friday, March 6.

Attorneys Cautioned Against Improper Use of Social Security Programs

The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General is warning members of the legal profession about the consequences of fraudulent use of its benefits programs to lure potential clients.

According to Sotiris Planzos, SSA acting counsel for investigations and enforcements, there has been an uptick in this type of activity, which includes:

• Websites, billboards, and print or television advertising that gives the false impression that an attorney or law firm is endorsed or recommended by the SSA
• Signs that falsely convey a law office is an official SSA field office or otherwise associated with the agency
• Correspondence giving the false impression of originating from the SSA
• Telephone scripts or recorded messages that mislead callers into believing they have reached an official SSA office

Section 1140 of the Social Security Act prohibits using SSA program words and/or symbols in advertisements, solicitations, or other communications. It also outlaws charging for reproduction, reprinting, or distribution of SSA forms, applications, and other publications without the agency’s consent and offering fee-based assistance for products or services the SSA provides for free. Financial penalties for violating the Section 1140 range from $10,705 to more than $53,500 per incident.

Questions or requests for more information on this subject can be directed to SSA Deputy Counsel for Section 1140 Enforcement David Rodriguez at (410) 965-3498 or [email protected].

Workers' Compensation Law: Save the Date—Annual Meeting

Dates: June 18–19, 2020
Location: Embassy Suites—Downtown Grand Rapids, 710 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids

Please save the date for the Workers' Compensation Law Section's Annual Meeting taking place in Grand Rapids at the Embassy Suites Grand Rapids Downtown on June 18–19.

Please be advised that there is a limited block of rooms available at a reduced rate. Please use this specialized link to book your room or call (616) 512-5700 and mention you are part of the Workers’ Compensation Section to obtain the discounted rate. The group rate will only be available through May 19, 2020.

Environmental Law: Clearing the Air 2020—Know the Air Issues Impacting Your Business

Date: Thursday, April 16, 2020
Time: 7:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Location: Michigan Manufacturers Association, 620 S Capitol Ave, Lansing
Cost: $70 per person before March 20; $90 per person beginning March 21.

Sign-up is available at the Michigan Manufacturers Association registration page or by contacting MMA’s Sarah Martin at [email protected] or (517) 487-8521.

Manufacturers must comply with an ever-changing number of air regulations all while trying to compete with companies in other states and in low-cost locations around the world.

Join us for the annual Clearing the Air program on Thursday, April 16, in Lansing to keep your regulatory managers informed of the air-related issues that could increase costs or reduce competitiveness.

Please contact Mary Anne Parks at [email protected] or Kurt Kissling at [email protected] with questions.

Read the flyer for more information and a full agenda.

Breakfast Sponsor

Lunch Sponsor

Administrative & Regulatory Law Section Luncheon with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission

The Government Law and Young Lawyers Sections are invited to this informative program.

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Time: Noon–2:00 p.m. (Lunch served at 12:30 p.m.)
Location: Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, Michigan State University, 219 S Harrison Ave, Red Cedar Room, East Lansing
Cost: $25 for section members, as well as for members of the Government Law and Young Lawyers Sections; $15 for law students; and $40 for all other registrants

Register: online or by mail form
Registration deadline is March 20, 2020.

The Administrative and Regulatory Law Section will be hosting a luncheon with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission that includes a panel discussion to gain the expertise, experience, and perspective from members of the Commission. The panel will be addressing the topics and questions that you have about practicing before the Commission.

Attendees are invited to submit questions in advance to our Council Chair, Tony Snyder at [email protected].