Oakland County Bar

Here's what's happening at the OCBA this week! We're kicking off November with committee meetings on Tuesday and Thursday, along with Luncheon Limine on Thursday, November 5. Visit ocba.org/events for more information.

Congratulations to OCBA member Frank T. Mamat of Plunkett Cooney on graduating from the 2026 FBI Detroit Citizens Academy. The program gives community leaders an inside look at the FBI and its work. Leading Law Professionals. It’s who we are. It’s what we do.

Celebrate the season with the OCBA at Holiday Gala 2026 on Dec. 2, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. Enjoy live entertainment, gourmet fare, and great company. Early-bird pricing ends Nov. 1! ➡️ ocba.org/holidaygala

This week, the OCBA recognizes the National Celebration of Pro Bono. Pro bono service helps individuals and families access legal assistance. We appreciate the attorneys and legal professionals who volunteer their time and skills to serve those in need.

Mark your calendar for Update on the State of Criminal Law Year-End 2026 on Nov. 19, from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. via Zoom. Alona Sharon will review criminal law developments, including sentencing rulings and significant U.S. Supreme Court opinions. ➡️ ocba.org/criminallawupdate

Applications for the OCBA Inns Academy are due tomorrow, October 28. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this season’s academy and connect with members of the legal community through practical learning, mentorship, and collaboration. Apply today at ocba.org/inns_academy.

Meet Michael A. Knoblock and Thamara E. Sordo-Vieira, chair and vice chair of the OCBA Municipal Law Committee. Join them this Wednesday, October 28, from Noon-1:00 p.m. via Zoom for Lindsey R. Johnson on Gordon v. Hamtramck. ➡️ ocba.org/events

This week at the OCBA: Three committee meetings are on the calendar, along with Pathways to the Judiciary on Thursday. Hear from four distinguished judges as they share their paths to the bench, obstacles they overcame, and advice for others. ➡️ ocba.org/events

Congratulations to OCBA member Todd Roeser on joining Miller Canfield’s Corporate Group as senior counsel in the firm’s Troy office. Todd brings more than 25 years of legal experience in private practice and senior in-house leadership roles.

There’s still time to apply for the OCBA Inns Academy. Applications are due October 28. Launching in November, the Academy offers practical learning, mentorship, networking, and opportunities to build connections across the legal community. Learn more: ocba.org/inns_academy

Join us Oct. 29, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Emagine Royal Oak for Pathways to the Judiciary. Hear from four distinguished judges as they share their paths to the bench, obstacles they overcame, and advice for others. Registration closes Oct. 26. ➡️ ocba.org/pathways

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Taste of Diversity! We were proud to honor Zenell B. Brown with the Leon Hubbard Community Service Award and Syeda F. Davidson with the Michael K. Lee Memorial Award.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The OCBA joins in raising awareness and supporting survivors. For support, contact HAVEN at 248-334-1274 or 877-922-1274, or Common Ground at 800-231-1127. Both are available 24/7.

Mark your calendar for Persuasive Advocacy: A Master Class in Objections on Nov. 12, from Noon-1:00 p.m. via Zoom. Hear practical, courtroom-tested strategies for making and defending objections from experienced litigators. ➡️ ocba.org/objections

Carve out some time for Bar Night Out: Novemberfest on Nov. 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Sidecar Slider Bar - Bloomfield. Join fellow OCBA members for networking, food, and a cash bar. ➡️ ocba.org/novemberfest

Join us November 5, from Noon-1:00 p.m. via Zoom for Luncheon Limine: Federal Court. Judge David R. Grand will share courtroom protocols, advocacy strategies, and tips for federal court. Moderated by Matthew P. Allen and Robert J. Morad. ➡️ ocba.org/luncheonlimine

Meet Eric J. Gould and Christine M. Zarycky, chair and vice chair of the OCBA Tax Law Committee. Join them tomorrow, October 20, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. via Zoom for Arjan Malushi of Ayar Law on “Growing Rift on Cannabis Taxation.” ➡️ ocba.org/events

This week at the OCBA: committee meetings and two events on Tuesday. Join us for Persuasive Advocacy: A Master Class in Motion Practice and the Ask a Lawyer Legal Aid Clinic. ➡️ ocba.org/events

Please join us in welcoming the OCBA’s newest members from September: LaChelle Arrington Geoffrey Brown Cameron Coury Kaitlin Crapo Nathan Davis Monique Esparza Paul Klenczar Vicki Lieberman Chanelle Manus Dana Reece Ashley Turner Ingrid Yin

Congratulations to OCBA member Brooke Moore on her new role as a paralegal at Brewtopia. We are pleased to recognize Brooke as she begins this next chapter in her career and wish her continued success in her new position.