Detroit Bar Association

04/07/2026

New to the legal profession? On April 15, the DBA is hosting an evening designed to help new lawyers build confidence, sharpen their networking skills and master professional communication.

Etiquette coach and founder of Courtney Opalko Etiquette, Courtney Opalko, will lead an engaging session on business etiquette and effective networking strategies.

A reception with members of the DBA Board of Directors and Foundation Trustees will follow. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your professional future!

📅 Wednesday, April 15
⏰ 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Miller Canfield | 150 W Jefferson Ave, Detroit

04/06/2026

Big updates from the Detroit Bar Association Foundation!

The Foundation welcomes Everardo Tapia of Forvia as its newest Trustee. We look forward to the perspective and leadership that he will bring.

Congratulations to Todd Flood of Flood Law on his reappointment for another three-year term as Trustee. We're glad to have his continued leadership at the table.

And, a heartfelt thank you to Lisa Screen of Sam Bernstein Law and Michael Gruskin, deputy general counsel at General Motors, for their time and service on the Foundation board. Their contributions have left a lasting impact.

04/02/2026

In “The Power Matrix of a Practicing Attorney,” Christopher J. Webb unpacks how power, influence and expectations shape the attorney–client relationship, and why successful advocacy comes from navigating those dynamics with clarity and discipline.

Read all about it in Detroit Lawyer Magazine here: https://bit.ly/4dYLO70

03/31/2026

Risk management isn't just about what you avoid, it’s about how you prepare.

In “The Time to Diversify: Three Dimensions to Consider,” Donald Calcagni outlines a practical approach to firm diversification that looks beyond the portfolio to your broader financial plan and investment strategy. Drawing on his work as Chief Investment Officer at Mercer Advisors, Calcagni explains how thoughtful diversification can help manage volatility, protect assets and support long-term financial goals.

Read more in Detroit Lawyer Magazine:

Patron Spotlight on Listening to Our Clients

03/31/2026

The 2026 Inn of Court series will conclude on Tuesday, April 7 at Miller Canfield. We look forward to closing out the series with you and celebrating another successful Inn of Court season with our DBA community.

More: detroitlawyer.org/calendar

03/30/2026

The DBA is looking for attorney volunteers for Law Day, and your time can make a meaningful impact.

Law Day brings Detroit high school students into the legal community to learn about the courts, explore legal careers and participate in mock oral arguments before members of the Third Circuit bench. Volunteers will help review student essays, coach participants and connect with students during the program.

Learn more and sign up: detroitlawyer.org/law-day

Sponsored by Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Family Law / Divorce Attorneys and Butzel Long

03/28/2026

True client advocacy begins with understanding not just the facts, but the human story behind them.

In “Listen to Your Client,” James Allen of Schenk & Bruetsh, PLC, explains how careful listening can reshape legal strategy, build trust and lead to better outcomes. It's a reminder that clients often need to be heard as much as they need to be represented.

Read more in the newest Detroit Lawyer Magazine:

Patron Spotlight on Listening to Our Clients

03/27/2026

The DBA Foundation recently hosted its first-ever Trivia Night Fundraiser at Corktown Taphouse, and it did not disappoint. Teams from across the Detroit legal community came together for an evening of fierce (and friendly) competition, great food and meaningful conversation, all in support of the DBA Foundation's Pro Bono Clinic and the newly launching Affordable Legal Assistance Program.

Thank you to emcee Todd Flood for keeping the energy high all night, and congratulations to Team We Object...To Losing! for taking home the trophy and the bragging rights for 2026! 🏆Special shout out to Team Kitch Me if You Can for having the most unique team name of the evening, and to Team Bank Rifkin for being the night’s biggest loser.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you to: Deldin Law PLLC | Flood Law | McKeen & Associates, P.C. | Records Deposition Service | Bodman PLC | Ottenwess Law | The Sargent Consulting Group, LLC | SGH Wealth Management | Veritext Legal Solutions | Slater Seibert | Warner Norcross & Judd LLP, Family Law / Divorce Attorneys

Photo Gallery: 144529125@N05/albums/72177720332738566" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/144529125@N05/albums/72177720332738566

Stay tuned for more DBA Foundation events, and start studying up for next year. 📚

03/26/2026

Need reliable support for investigations, service of process or online research? DBA members receive an exclusive benefit with ASG Investigations, including 10% off Verified Locate Services, Internet Profile and Social Media Investigations, and Michigan Process Service. Plus, consultations with investigators are always free.

Take advantage of this valuable resource to help you track down the information you need and keep your cases moving forward.

More info: detroitlawyer.org/benefits

03/25/2026

The 2026 Inn of Court season continued this week with another strong presentation from Team 3!

DBA's 2026 Inn of Court series will conclude with on Tuesday, April 7 at Miller Canfield.

03/24/2026

Judges may speak sparingly, but their words can leave a lasting impression. Sometimes, a single comment in the courtroom can shape how you practice for years to come. Hear from a DBA member on the most impactful thing a judge has ever said to her, and why it has stayed with her throughout her career.

Disclaimer: Content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing, liking, commenting on or sharing content does not create an attorney-client relationship.

03/23/2026

Want to elevate your brand with DBA? A DBA sponsorship puts your organization in front of thousands of attorneys and judges throughout the year.

With tiered sponsorship levels and a 12-month partnership window, our program is designed to give you sustained engagement, trusted exposure and lasting connections within the profession.

Learn more and secure your spot: detroitlawyer.org/sponsor