SBM Blog

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Vacancy

The State Bar Board of Commissioners is seeking names of persons interested in filling the following agency vacancy:

Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC): 1 vacancy to complete the balance of a remaining term that expires April 1, 2022.

The MIDC was created through Public Act 93 of 2013. Among other duties, the MIDC proposes minimum standards for the local delivery of indigent criminal defense services and identifies and encourages best practices for delivering the effective assistance of counsel to indigent defendants charged with crimes. Individuals seeking appointment to the MIDC should have significant experience in the defense or prosecution of criminal proceedings or have demonstrated a strong commitment to providing effective representation in indigent criminal defense services. Individuals who receive compensation from this state or an indigent criminal defense system for providing prosecution of or representation to indigent adults in state courts are not eligible to serve as a member of the MIDC. Under the act, the State Bar will submit a list of three names from which the Governor will select one to serve on the commission. For more information on the duties and responsibilities of the MIDC, please see Public Act 93 of 2013.

Deadline for responses is April 1, 2020.

Applications received after the deadline indicated will not be considered. Those applying for this appointment should submit a resume and a letter outlining the applicant’s background and nature of interest in the position.

Applications should be sent to Applications@michbar.org or

James W. Heath, Secretary
c/o Peter Cunningham
State Bar of Michigan
306 Townsend St
Lansing, MI 48933-2012

Judicial Vacancy—Genesee County

Court: 67th District Court, Genesee County
Vacating Judge: Hon. Mark W. Latchana
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted electronically and received by 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2020.

To be considered for this position, you must be a State Bar of Michigan member who meets the legal qualifications for this office. Please be aware that to be appointed you must reside within the judicial district.

Judicial appointment questionnaire, supplemental documents and letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically and received by 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2020. Resume and compiled letters of recommendation must be attached separately. Send all materials to judicialappointments@michigan.gov.

If you have any questions about the judicial appointments process, please send your questions to judicialappointments@michigan.gov.

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 beefriedlander@yahoo.com 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 david.rodriguez@ssa.gov.

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 martin@mimfg.org 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 parks.maryanne@gmail.com or Kurt Kissling at kkissling@wnj.com 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 SnyderA1@michigan.gov.

Do You Have a Plan if a Coronavirus Disease Outbreak Happens Here?

The coronavirus that has caused outbreaks of respiratory disease in dozens of countries around the world has serious implications for almost all industries, including the legal profession here in the United States. While the coronavirus has not yet spread to the U.S., some of the country’s largest law firms are canceling events and restricting travel, and scammers in Michigan are already taking advantage of the situation to target potential victims. 

Attorneys would face unique concerns during a severe outbreak as they would need to work to ensure that the rule of law is respected and protected. The American Bar Association offers disaster guidance for legal professionals, much of which could be applied during an outbreak or pandemic. The ABA offers a preparedness checklist, including questions that attorneys should be able to answer, such as: 

• Can you access critical client records remotely? 
• Have you prioritized your firm’s functions by criticality? 
• Do you have a “go kit” of office items you would need if you could not access your primary office? 

As businesses in many industries prepare for the possibility of an outbreak, attorneys should also be prepared to work with clients whose employers’ emergency policies aren’t consistent with existing workplace laws. 

As the risk of exposure continues to grow, the CDC has issued guidance for employers, of all sizes, to both help prevent an outbreak in the U.S. and to be prepared in case one does happen. The disease, known as COVID-19, spreads in a similar way to the flu, according to the World Health Organization. Therefore, preventive measures include: 

• Encouraging sick employees to stay home 
• Reminding all employees to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer often  
• Regularly cleaning all office surfaces that are frequently touched 

Additionally, people should check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices before going abroad. 

Employers should also revisit their emergency preparedness plans and be ready to respond to varying levels of severity were an outbreak to occur. The CDC advises employers to prepare for the possibility of: 

• Widespread absenteeism, especially if employees need to care for sick family members 
• Many, or all, employees needing to work remotely 
• The need to suspend some business operations 

For updates on the coronavirus, check the CDC and WHO websites.

Representative Assembly Accepting Award Nominations

Nominations are being accepted for two State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly awards. The Michael Franck Award is given annually to an attorney who has made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of the legal profession. The Unsung Hero Award is presented to a lawyer who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others.

Nominees for both awards must be State Bar members in good standing and their contributions may have been made either during the past year or by virtue of cumulative effort or service. Materials submitted should include sufficient details about the nominee's accomplishments. The Assembly's Nominating and Awards Committee will review the applications and make awards recommendations to the Representative Assembly. The Representative Assembly, chaired by Aaron V. Burrell, is the final policy-making body of the State Bar.

The nomination deadline is Saturday, March 14, 2020. Apply online. For more information about the Representative Assembly Awards contact Carrie Sharlow at repassembly@michbar.org or (517) 346-6317.

Judicial Vacancies—Ingham & Ogemaw Counties

Court: 55th District Court, Ingham County
Vacating Judge: Hon. Tom Boyd
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted electronically and received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020.

Court: Ogemaw County Probate & Family Court
Vacating Judge: Hon. Shana A. Lambourn
Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted electronically and received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020.

To be considered for these positions, you must be a State Bar of Michigan member who meets the legal qualifications for this office. Please be aware that to be appointed you must reside within the judicial district.

Judicial appointment questionnaire, supplemental documents and letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically and received by 5:00 p.m. on March 13, 2020. Resume and compiled letters of recommendation must be attached separately. Send all materials to judicialappointments@michigan.gov.

If you have any questions about the judicial appointments process, please send your questions to judicialappointments@michigan.gov.