Community

The members of the Ingham County Bar Association are committed to giving back to the communities in which they live and work by giving generously of their time and talents in countless civic and charitable activities, including the following programs of the ICBA.

Peer Mediation

For the past ten years, the ICBA has partnered with the Lansing School District in offering Peer Mediation training and support for elementary and middle school students. With the assistance of lawyers and law students, our children are taught problem-solving skills to successfully resolve disputes without violence. The program was designed and implemented by former ICBA president, Nancy Wonch, and has been successfully replicated in school districts throughout the state.

Law Day Essay Contest

Each year, the ICBA conducts a Law Day essay contest for middle school students in Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties. This year’s Law Day theme is “Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy”. Students submitting the top four essays at each grade level will receive United States Savings Bonds and will be honored at an Awards Ceremony in late April or early May 2007.  More information on this year's essay contest, including rules and entry forms, will be available on this website in mid-January.

Horn of Plenty Food & Clothing Drive

In November, the Young Lawyers Section of the ICBA coordinates a food and clothing drive utilizing drop off locations at a dozen local law firms. Each year an entire semi-truck is filled with non-perishable food items and gently used clothing for donation to our local Salvation Army.

Young v Old Lawyers Basketball Game

Each spring the ICBA’s Young Lawyers (under age 36 or less than 5 years of law practice) take on the “Old” Lawyers in a battle benefiting Special Olympics, Area 8. Who will survive this year's gladiatorial battle of wills – the Stamina of Youth or the Wile of Age? Stay tuned for more information on the 2006 showdown. Lawyers who wish to take part in the on-the-court action should contact event coordinator, Joshua S. Smith, attorney, at (517) 377-0872 or jsmith@fraserlawfirm.com.

Access to Justice Center

Operated by Legal Services of South Central Michigan, the Access to Justice Center is located in Veterans Memorial Courthouse/Grady Porter Building in downtown Lansing (303 W. Kalamazoo) and is available to the public for assistance in completing and filing legal paperwork. Members of the ICBA are regular volunteers at the Access to Justice Center. For Center hours or additional information, please call (517) 483-6417.