News and Notices:

26 July 2024

To Our Chapter Community:

As shared at Chapter events and meetings this past year, the National Federal Bar Association is requiring our members to join National in order to remain Chapter members.  Historically, the bulk of our members (currently over 95%) have not been members of National and have instead only paid local dues. We have been seeking a solution in response to National’s demand, as we believe most of you are part of the Chapter primarily because of the local benefits it offers and you have chosen not to pay National’s dues, which are higher than the Chapter’s.

After discussions with National, and with its consent, we have decided to form a new organization: the Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association (“E.D. Mi. Bar”). The Chapter will remain for those who wish to join National, but its focus will be on national matters.  E.D. Mi. Bar will focus on the local events, training, and professional support previously provided by the Chapter.  Some programming will be done in partnership.

A few key points concerning these changes:

• Your current Chapter membership will transition to E.D. Mi. Bar, with unchanged benefits, until its current expiration date.
• Future membership renewals will come from E.D. Mi. Bar, which will retain the same dues structure and benefits the Chapter previously offered.
• National is extending a temporary discounted membership dues structure for Chapter members.  Dues to National will cover Chapter membership.  More details to follow.
• Current Chapter Officers and Executive Board Members will become Officers and Executive Members of E.D. Mi. Bar, and current committee chairs and members will transition to E.D. Mi. Bar.

We understand that you may have questions about this transition.  To learn more, feel free to contact any of the officers below and/or join us at one of the following remote information sessions (links also at https://fbamich.org/events/): 

Meeting #1: Monday, August 12th @ 5:00 p.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89872592779?pwd=AG7t1a6UkJ4vTW6mWeClOkIK2HOIOZ.1

Meeting ID: 898 7259 2779

Passcode: 522103

Meeting #2: Tuesday, August 20th @ 12:00 p.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88305409875?pwd=hfbJr0aiFzba8hyjK0S3Uky7sYp2Xa.1

Meeting ID: 883 0540 9875

Passcode: 458672

We look forward to continuing to operate an award-winning bar association that provides value to our members.  As always, we thank you for your continued support of our mission.

Sincerely,

Andrew Lievense, Charissa Potts, Lauren Mandel, Matthew Allen, Robin Wagner and George Donnini

The above letter was sent several times via email to community, sent in eBlast numerous times, posted and discussed.