October 2026

An informative e-newsletter for the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

The Michigan Supreme Court Narrows Michigan Consumer Protection Act Exemption for Residential Builde

By Jienelle R. Alvarado, Kerr, Russell and Weber, PLC

House The Michigan Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney General v Eli Lilly & Co., ___ Mich ___; ___ NW3d ___ (2026) has important consequences for residential builders and the lawyers who represent them. By expressly overruling Liss v Lewiston-Richards, Inc., 478 Mich 203 (2007) and Smith v Globe Life Ins Co., 460 Mich 446 (1999) the Court narrowed the circumstances in which a regulated business may rely upon the immunity defense for consumer claims arising under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act (“MCPA”).

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Legislative Report

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Real Estate Outlook 2027

Iroquois Club, Bloomfield Hills
Thursday, October 29, 2026

Breakfast: 8:00 a.m.
Speaker: 8:30-9:15 a.m.
Roundtables: 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Speaker: Paul Traub, Economic Consultant for Act Research will present an Economic Outlook

Registrants can attend 2 one-half hour round table sessions

Registration Fees:
Section Members: $99 Non-Section Members: $169

Program Information

Click here to register

Save the Date

Recent Legislation on the Horizon
Thursday, January 14, 2027
“Virtual” Program: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Program
Registration to come

The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach, Florida
March 4-6, 2027
Program Information to come
Registration to come
Book your room TODAY!
or call Reservations: 1-800-282-1116

RPLS Introduces…
Practice Development Institute

RPLS is introducing a new program designed for early- and mid-level real estate lawyers seeking to develop and enhance their practice development skills.

“Virtual” Programs (open to all State Bar members):
January 21, 2027/ February 18, 2027/ March 18, 2027
Client Engagement/ Client Management and Relations/ Time and Financial Management
“In-Person” Program (RPLS Members only):
Troy - May 20, 2027
Client Development
Program Information
Registration to come

Join a Committee!

Take the opportunity to get involved by writing for one of our publications, presenting at a conference or seminar, or joining one of the committees that cover virtually every area in real estate law. See our committees and how you can join or see the committees you're already subscribed to.

Note to Committee Members:
Communication settings for RPLS Special Committee members have been changed to "Daily Digest." This means when a message is posted on your Committee page, you will receive the message the day after it is posted.

Write an Article

Interested in writing an article for the e-Newsletter? Contact co-editors Samuel Kilberg at SKilberg@dykema.com or Glen Zatz at gzatz@bodmanlaw.com.

Can't remember where you saw that e-Newsletter article? Check the e-Newsletter article index.

We are also looking for suggested authors and topics for the Michigan Real Property Review. Please contact Chair-Elect, Roxana Zaha at zaha@butzel.com for suggested topics and ideas.

The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors, and they do not reflect in any way the positions of the State Bar of Michigan or the Real Property Law Section. These columns are meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.