Bar Committees

Interested attorneys can volunteer for committee service by contacting the Bar Association at 454-5550.

ADMISSIONS

Acts as host at admissions ceremonies for new lawyers. All ceremony arrangements made by GRBA staff.

CLERKSHIP

Offers minority law students an opportunity to participate in summer clerkship programs with Grand Rapids law firms and other legal employers.

COMMUNITY INTERACTION

Works to increase the legal profession's understanding of the needs in the community by encouraging GRBA member involvement in civic and community projects; plans programs of general interest to give GRBA members a better understanding of the community; and provides assistance to specific community projects upon request.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Ensures the health and vitality of community partnerships by identifying and cultivating new community partnerships, while monitoring and evaluating existing ones.

COURT INTERMEDIARIES/LIAISON

Serves as a liaison to the court as needed. Also serves to provide a process through which judges and attorneys can resolve complaints about each other on a confidential basis. Committee members act as intermediaries between the two parties. Organizes the annual Bench/Bar Conference.

DIVERSITY

Identifies, plans, and implements short and long term goals for enhancing the diversity of the Grand Rapids legal community. Works in a variety of sub-committees to achieve the goals of the GRBA Diversity Strategic Plan developed by the committee; these goals include increased representation of people of color among GRBA members, assist women attorneys to succeed and advance in their careers, and increase the representation of people of color as non-attorney personnel in GRBA member firms and organizations.

FINANCE

Reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees prior to adoption of the proposed and mid-year budgets. Reviews and makes recommendations for capital expenditures for the Association. Also makes an annual recommendation regarding member dues.

FOUNDATION

Evaluates and recommends funding requests for “special purpose” projects, those which further the cause of justice in the community. Reviews the trust investment strategy and makes recommendations regarding same to the Board of Trustees. Works to build Foundation membership. Works to provide funds for the Legal Assistance Center, as well as other projects that may be designated by the trustees, and to bridge the gap created by a major dues decrease.

FUND DEVELOPMENTS

Creates and implements GRBA and Foundation development plans.

JUDICIAL CANDIDATE REVIEW

Evaluates candidates for election in contested races to the judicial offices in the Circuit, District, and Probate Courts of Kent County, including incumbent candidates running for reelection, and informs the public of its evaluations. May also evaluate Michigan Court of Appeals candidates.

JURY REPRESENTATION

Works to increase minority juror representation on Kent County juries including community education projects.

LAW DAY/ LIBERTY BELL AWARD

Plans and implements annual Law Day observance activities and develops process for and oversees the selection of the Liberty Bell Award winner. Activities may include essay contests in schools, luncheons, and seminars in conjunction with CLE, all designed to increase the knowledge of the law.

LAW SCHOOL LIAISON

Develops and implements programs to support law students through the transition of law school while enhancing the retention and success of law students. Disseminates information, support programs and job seeking support to ease students' transition to the practice of law.

LAWYER REFERRAL AND INFORMATION SERVICE

Recommends programs and policies for the LRIS. Examines opportunities through which the LRIS can better serve members and the community through enhanced services and programs. Assists in developing marketing, communication strategies and recruitment of panel members.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE CENTER

Recommends policies and programs for the Legal Assistance Center. Examines opportunities through which the LAC can better serve members and the community through enhanced services and programs. Assists in developing marketing and communication strategies.

MEMBERSHIP

Evaluates and promotes GRBA services and programs to address member needs. Reviews membership categories and privileges, dues structure, and fees for services. Makes recommendations to the trustees regarding same. Reviews programs and activities in light of dues and fees and makes recommendations. Works to enhance membership retention and benefits and encourages new memberships.

PERSONNEL

Inventories and prioritizes needed skill sets for GRBA to implement its strategic plan and redefine goals, roles and responsibilities as needed. Rewrites job descriptions, plans for obtaining needed skills through training, redeployment and/or creating new/alternative positions.

Reviews programs and services and creates new staff efficiencies to sustain necessary services; recruits and matches volunteers to program and service roles more carefully. Defines volunteers’ roles and responsibilities.

PRO BONO

Works in partnership with the WMLS Pro Bono offices to plan and implement the delivery of pro bono legal services and volunteer programs, including fund solicitation and recruitment of attorneys to accept cases. Also presents training for pro bono volunteers.

PUBLICATIONS/EDITORIAL

Oversees the Association’s publications, legal directory and website publications. Effectively present timely and informative news to GRBA members about the Association’s, the justice system, and the legal community, and to provide members with a forum for exchanging ideas and topics. Not currently active.

SOCIAL INTERACTION

Plans, promotes, and executes social events for members, including quarterly lunch & learn programs as well as other special projects.