The Rochester Bar Association

The Rochester Bar Association was chartered in November of 1973 by local attorneys who sought to bring together area attorneys to promote and encourage communication and professionalism as well as service to the community.

Membership is open to any attorney who is licenced in the State of Michigan and either living or maintaining an office within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Rochester District Court (52-3).

The purposes of the association, outlined in its constitution, are to:

• Improve the administration of justice

• Promote reform in Law

• Maintain a high standard of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession

• Cultivate a spirit of congeniality and good fellowship among members of the Bar

• Utilize the influence of the membership in promoting the general welfare of the community

• Cooperate with the Oakland County Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan and American Bar Association

 

Initially the association had seven standing committees - Grievance, Lawyer Reference, Judicial Liaison, Membership, Publicity and Public Relations, Ethics and Unauthorized Practice and Funerals and Memorials.

Annual meetings are held in October and luncheon meetings continue to be scheduled several times a year including the annual holiday party and fall golf outing.

The current membership of the Bar Association consists of approximately 75 attorneys as well as each of the current Rochester District Judges. Over the years many of the judges for the 52nd 3rd District Court have been members, served as a board member or served as President of the association including Hon. Robert Shipper, Hon. Mildred Vlaich, Hon. James Sheehy, Hon. Ralph Nelson, Hon. Nancy Carniak, Hon. Lisa Aasadoorian, and Hon. Julie Nicholson.

Over the years the Bar Association has also sponsored numerous public service activities within the community including essay and public speaking contests for the local schools, free legal clinics for the elderly and poor of the community, as well as a May Day lunch at the Older Persons Commission.

The Rochester Bar Association remains committed to the original goals established by its founders and will continue to promote justice, maintain the integrity, honor and courtesy of the legal profession within the community and cultivate a spirit of good fellowship and cooperation among our members.