Genesee County Bar Association Committees  

All committees are commissioned by and responsible to the Board of Directors, appointed annually by the president of the Board. Committee actions, recommendations, endorsements and resolutions must be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. Ad-hoc committees shall be established by the president when necessary.


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ADR: Works to educate members on matters involving alternative dispute resolution. 
Chair:  Alan Himelhoch

Appeals: Works to improve the appellate practice in Genesee County by developing programs to educate attorneys and to keep members informed about pending appeals before the various appellate courts that may impact the practice of law in Genesee County.
Chair: Glenn Simmington

Bar Beat: Publishes the bi-monthly Association newsletter and develops other public relations activities.
Chair: Shelley Spivack and Sean Siebigteroth

Bankruptcy Committee: Works to promote education in the practice of bankruptcy law and work with judges, court administration and trustees. 
Chair: Leo J. Foley

Bench & Bar: Works with judges and court administrators to make recommendations to improve the system of justice and to educate attorneys and the public about changes in the law.  Subcommittee’s:  District Court, Circuit Court, and Federal Court
Chair: Jeremy R.M. Piper, jpiper@piperlegal.com

Business & Real Estate Committee:  Works to provide educational and professional opportunities on transactions and litigation in the practice of business law and real estate law.
Chair: Craig Fiederlein

Community Action Committee: Works to increase our charitable activities in Genesee County.
Chair: Hon. Jessica Hammon

Criminal Law and Defender Program: Develops activities to educate attorneys and the public about criminal matters and makes recommendations to improve the criminal law system. 
Chair: Jessica Mainprize-Hajek

Family Court Committee: Works with judges and court administrators to make recommendations to improve the system of justice and to educate attorneys about changes in the law. Also charged with improving the practice of domestic relations in Genesee County. 
Co-Chairs: Barbara Dawes, Julie Griffiths, and Cara Willing  

Golf Outing: Makes arrangements for the annual golf outing. 
Chair:  Anthony Tomaszewski

Holiday Dinner: GCBA members and friends work very hard to provide a festive celebration to those who are less fortunate than we. Our guests enjoy a turkey dinner with all the fixings while local groups provide holiday entertainment. After dinner, all children have their pictures taken with Santa and receive a gift and a book of their choice.
Chair: Brian M. Barkey

Law Day: Organizes activities including the mock trial, debate, luncheon, guest speaker, awards, advice clinics and related publicity. 
Chair: Sherri L. Belknap, sbelknap@lsem-mi.org

Lawyer Referral and Information Service: Recommends policy for the Lawyer Referral and Information Services.
Chair: Kurtis L.V. Brown, kbrown@usol.com

Marijuana:    With the legalization of marijuana in Michigan, this committee will focus on the interplay between state and federal laws as well as how the recreational and/or medical use can impact other areas of life.  The committee will keep members educated on the law.  Chair:  Bruce L. Leach

Membership: Focus on member recruitment and retention, reviews membership benefits raise awareness of our members.
Chair: 

Negligence and Personal Injury Committee:  A committee comprised of plaintiff and defense counsel whose practice area include but not limited to personal injury, products liability, malpractice, and insurance litigation.  The purpose is to help educate members about changes in the law. 
Chair: Morgan H. Jakeway

 

Pro Bono: Promotes pro-bono opportunities for members within the county. 
Chair: Stacy Davis

 

Probate Committee: Works with judges and court administrators to make recommendations to improve the system of justice and to educate attorneys and the public about changes in the law.  Chair: Eric Mead

 

Professional Practice and Ethics Committee: Helps members improve civility. May develop mentor programs to assist attorneys in the practice of law and other matters relating to professional development. Chooses Herbert A. Milliken Civility Award recipient. 
Chair: Hon. Judith A. Fullerton 

Social Security Works to promote education in the practice of social security and work with judges, court administration and trustees.
Chair: Brian M. Barkey

Young Lawyers:  The committee is for attorneys who are age 35 or younger and/or have been in practice for five years or less.  The purpose of this committee is to support activities and education of interest to young lawyers.  Chair:  Craig Datz

Ad-Hoc and Special Committees
The following committees are ad-hoc or special committees not open to the general membership due to restrictions on bylaw provisions or by special designation by the president: Bylaws, Executive, Finance, Nominating, LRIS Review, and Bench and Bar.