WBA Committees
Enhance your knowledge and make the most of your WBA membership.
Are you looking for a way to be more involved in WBA activities? Find the committee that is right for you!
The WBA’s committees keep members informed of significant developments in their areas of practice and shape association policy on issues of professional concern. Participation in a committee is a great way to meet your peers and to show your support and interest in your area of practice.
Committee members gather, usually once a month, to discuss developments within substantive areas of the law and react to or suggest changes to improve the legal system. Networking, and sharing ideas and tips from fellow WBA members are just a few of the benefits you can expect from committee participation. In addition to regular business meetings, many committees host special events and fun off-site social activities.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution – The ADR Committee provides a forum for supporting minority ADR practitioners and educating WBA members, the legal community, and the general public on issues related to alternative dispute resolution.
- Bylaws – The Bylaws committee evaluates the bylaws on a regular basis and makes recommendations to the WBA board and general membership about suggested revisions.
- Community Outreach – The Community Outreach committee coordinates free legal education programs, pro bono services, and charitable events focused on helping metro Detroiters.
- Finance – Chaired by the treasurer, the Finance committee makes recommendations to the board regarding the development of the WBA budget and financial policy.
- Fundraising Committee – The Fundraising Committee is responsible for seeking funding to support the WBF’s programming, scholarships and operations.
- Judicial Qualification Committee – The Judicial Qualification Committee evaluates candidates for judicial office based upon, among other things, the candidate’s legal ability, relevant experience, scholarships, civic involvement, reputation, temperament, and commitment to diversity. The Committee does not endorse any candidate for judicial office, but issues written ratings after reviewing the candidate’s questionnaire and conducting an in-person interview
- Media, Communication & Newsletter – The Media, Communications & Newsletter committee generates communications about the WBA’s activities and services and provides information that aims to enhance members’ knowledge about the organizations. This committee oversees the electronic newsletter.
- Nominations – The Nominations committee is responsible for overseeing the process of nominating the Board of Directors and Officers. Officers and board members are elected each year at the Annual Meeting held in May.
- President’s Dinner – The President’s Dinner committee’s primary task is to coordinate all details related to the annual year-end celebration for the outgoing presidents of the Wolverine Bar and the Association of Black Judges of Michigan.
- Pro Bono Council Committee – The Pro Bono committee was created to ensure access to justice through the coordination of legal and other law-related services to the underserved through volunteer efforts of legal professionals. Some of the activities hosted by the committee include expungement clinics, lunch and learn workshops and coordinating the WBA’s participation in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of MI’s Pro Bono Council. Participation in the program will help to ensure that indigent citizens are afforded access to legal services by assigning federal pro bono cases to WBA members.
- One of our most recent pro bono efforts involves a partnership with the State Appellate Defenders Office and Chance for Life Program
- The WBA has partnered with these organization to assist rehabilitated ex-offenders obtain a second chance at life. These individuals have participated in an integrated program that transforms and educates, while focusing on community safety. Volunteers, who receive full training through SADO, will be assisting with commutation applications.
- Social Justice – This committee discuss and determines courses of action to create programs, initiatives, opportunities, and policies to promote equality and address discrimination affecting our community.