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Barristers Section

Service to the Community, Service to the Bar

The “Barristers” is the new lawyers section of the Detroit Bar.  Historically, the Barristers have been the Association’s most active and service-oriented section, with a focus on service to the community and service to the Bar.

The Barristers provide new lawyers with the opportunity to expand their leadership skills, become involved in community service projects, attend educational seminars geared towards their practice area, and participate in fun networking activities designed with new lawyers in mind.

Congratulations to the 2023 Barristers award winners, presented at this year’s Summer Breeze event.

One to Watch Award, Drew Ruby
Pro Bono Award, Erika Giroux
Community Impact Award, Matthew Monahan
The Barrister’s President Award, Leanna Belcher

Who Can Become a Member of the Barristers Section?

Attorneys duly licensed to practice in the State of Michigan for ten years or less on the date of the Barristers’ Annual Meeting automatically become members of the Barristers section when they join the Detroit Bar Association. Membership in the Detroit Bar is free to all new attorneys for the first year following admission to the bar.

Also, students of accredited law schools who are members of the Detroit Bar are members of the Barristers section; however, law students are ineligible to hold office or vote.

Upcoming Events:
March 21: Barristers March Madness Meet-Up
April 11: Pins-N-Pinstripes Barristers Bowl
July 15: Barristers Summer Breeze

Barristers Programs

  • Community Service Programs
  • Law School Committee
  • New Lawyer Admission Ceremony
  • School Partnership Program
  • Social Committee

2023-2024 Barristers Section Board
President: Blake Padget, Butzel
Vice President: Jeffrey Turner, BSP Law
Secretary: Shanel Thomas, Kerr Russell & Webber
Treasurer: Patrick Masterson, Dickinson Wright
Past President: Essence Patterson, Honigman
Law Day Chair: Antonia Giles 

Law Student Liaisons:
Asia Adieh, University of Detroit Mercy Law
Natasha Shlaimon, Wayne State University Law School

For additional information please contact Blake Padget, padget@butzel.com