About the State Bar
The State Bar of Michigan is the professional association of the state's attorneys. Lawyers who practice in Michigan's courts are members, and the State Bar keeps the roster of who they are and whether they are in good standing.
The State Bar works under the authority of the Supreme Court, which oversees the legal profession in Michigan. Its role is to support lawyers in doing their work well, and to help the public find and use the legal system.
What the State Bar does
- Keeps the attorney roster. Tracks who is licensed to practice in Michigan and whether they are in good standing.
- Supports continuing education. Offers training so attorneys keep their knowledge current.
- Promotes professional standards. Provides guidance on ethics and the rules attorneys must follow.
- Serves the public. Helps people understand the legal system and find legal help.
- Appoints the bar boards. The State Bar Director appoints the members of the Board of Law Examiners and the Attorney Discipline Board, and the Supreme Court must approve each appointment.
- Gives input on court rules. Members and committees study and comment on proposed rule changes.
Who handles what
Several offices connect to the legal profession, and each does a different job. Use this to find the right one.
| If you want to... | Go to |
|---|---|
| Become a lawyer in Michigan | Board of Law Examiners |
| Report a lawyer's misconduct | Attorney Grievance Commission |
| Report a judge's misconduct | Judicial Tenure Commission |
| Learn about the profession, or find legal help | State Bar of Michigan (this page) |
The State Bar doesn't discipline attorneys. Complaints about a lawyer's conduct are handled by the Attorney Grievance Commission, not the State Bar.
For the public
If you need a lawyer or need help understanding your options, there are several places to start. The Self Help page has guides for people handling a case without a lawyer, and the court forms page lists the standard forms the courts use.
Court staff and the State Bar can explain how the legal process works, but they can't give you legal advice about your own case. Only a lawyer can do that.
For attorneys
Attorneys are expected to meet the State Bar's membership requirements to remain in good standing. That includes following the rules of professional conduct. An attorney who breaks those rules can face discipline through the Attorney Grievance Commission, with the case heard and decided by the Attorney Discipline Board.
Attorneys filing in the Supreme Court or the District Court should review the filing information for the current formatting and filing rules.