Council Information

The Young Lawyers Section provides education, information, and analysis about issues of concern through meetings, seminars, this site, public service programs, and publication of a newsletter.

The YLS bylaws provide that the objectives and purposes of the YLS "shall be to sponsor and carry on activities of particular interest and value to young lawyers in Michigan; to coordinate activities of the various local young lawyer groups in Michigan; to cooperate fully with, and as an integral part of, the State Bar of Michigan; and to cooperate with the various local bar associations in the State of Michigan, and the American Bar Association, including its Young Lawyers Division, in the promotion of their programs."

Founded in 1940, the YLS is the oldest and second largest section of the State Bar of Michigan. The YLS began as the "Junior Bar of Michigan." In 1961, its name was changed to the Young Lawyers Section.

Membership in the YLS is automatic for every member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan who is under the age of thirty-six or who has been admitted to practice for five years or less, whichever period is greater.

Statements made on behalf of the YLS do not necessarily reflect the views of the State Bar of Michigan.

1. To sponsor and carry on activities of particular interest and value to young lawyers in Michigan.

2. To coordinate activities of the various local young lawyer groups in Michigan.

3. To cooperate fully with, and as an integral part of, the State Bar of Michigan.

4. To cooperate with the various local bar associations in the State of Michigan and the American Bar Association, including its Young Lawyers Division, in the promotion of their programs.

The Executive Council governs the YLS. It is comprised of a maximum of 23 members, of which 10 are elected each year for two-year terms by district mail balloting. The Executive Council, in turn, elects a chair-elect, who automatically succeeds to chair the following year, vice-chair, and secretary/treasurer. The chair is the chief executive officer who directs the activities, committees, and projects of the YLS.

The expectations for Executive Council members are as follows:

• Attend Executive Council meetings (Executive Council seats are declared vacant if a member has 2 consecutive unexcused absences or misses 3 meetings during the Bar year for any reason)
• Develop and Implement at least one project during the Bar year
• Submit an Annual Report of a project

The activities of the YLS are governed by the Bylaws of the YLS. Most YLS activities consist of projects and programs that benefit young lawyers and fit within one of the Bylaws. The projects and programs that arise from the Bylaws take place during a Bar year that commences on the 1st of October and ends on the last day of September. Projects must be approved by a majority of Executive Council members before being implemented.