Q:   Does the State Bar of Michigan discipline lawyers and judges?

No.  That is the work of the Attorney Grievance Commission, Attorney Discipline Board, and the Judicial Tenure Commission, all of which work independently of the State Bar.

Q:  Does the State Bar of Michigan establish pay levels for Michigan's state court judges? 

A:  No.  That is the work of the State Officers Compensation Commission.  

Q:  How did you get elected to be President of the State Bar of Michigan?

A:  The State Bar Board of Commissioners elects officers each year, and I was a member of the Board of Commissioners serving my district.  Members of the State Bar elect its Commissioners during annual elections, although the Board also includes individuals appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court as At-Large members.  Board members also includes the Representative Assembly Chair, Vice-Chair and Clerk.  The Young Lawyers Section Chair, Chair-Elect, and Immediate Past Chair serve on the Board, as well. 

My service on the Board of Commissioners included multiple terms.  I served two terms on the Board while Chair, Chair-Elect, and immediate past Chair of the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section (1994-1997), and while Chair, Vice-Chair, and Clerk of the State Bar Representative Assembly (1999-2002).

Q:  Are you on the State Bar of Michigan's payroll during your term of service as President?

Answer:  No.  This is a volunteer job.   I thank my law firm and my clients for tolerating the time I spend away from the office while on State Bar business. The State Bar does reimburse for certain expenses, however.

Q:  Will you continue serving on the State Bar's governing board after your presidency ends?

Answer:  No.  State Bar by-laws allow for no ex-officio seat on the Board of Commissioners.  I have, thankfully, worked on bar-related matters such as the State Bar's 21st Century Practice Task Force, where I was co-Chair. Never will I stop contributing to the Michigan State Bar Foundation's Access to Justice Fund (go to www.msbf.org).  I'm also serving my final term on the Michigan State Bar Foundation's board, where I'm currently Vice President.