Michigan Legal Marketing

Michigan’s name comes from an Indian word meaning large lake, “Michigama.” It was part of the Northwest Territory until the Michigan Territory was carved out in 1805, and Detroit was its original seat of government. The territory finally became a state on Jan. 26, 1837, the Union’s 26th member.

Today, Michigan is best known for its manufacturing industries, which employed 885,040 workers in 2005. Detroit, home to the Big Three automakers, GM, Daimler Chrysler and Ford, is the state’s largest city, with about 871,100 residents. The capital, Lansing, is home to almost 114,300 people, and the population of the whole state is just over 9,969,700.

Michigan Legal Resources

From general legal information to court opinions, the following resources can help you start your legal research:

  • State Bar of Michigan: Members of the SBM receive access to a variety of valuable resources, including online legal research, assistance programs and legal publications. The Bar’s website also provides links for the public to a lawyer referral service, legal aid programs, legal self-help information and more.
  • Women Lawyers Association of Michigan: The WLAM has worked to promote the interests of women legal professionals since 1919. The Association provides mentoring, networking and educational opportunities to its members.
  • Michigan Courts: The court’s website provides links and resources for both the public and the legal community. Find general court information, court forms, reports, opinions and more.

Resources for Legal Marketers in Michigan

If you provide support to legal services forms, you need to stay current with best-practices and the latest marketing and management tools. The following resources can help:

  • Legal Marketing Association, Midwest Chapter: The not-for-profit LMA provides resources and networking opportunities to professionals who market legal services. The Midwest Chapter, the LMA’s first local chapter, has more than 300 members who receive benefits ranging from regional conferences and other networking opportunities to continuing education and career resources.
  • Association of Legal Administrators: The ALA provides members with education, networking and legal tools to help them achieve the goal of quality management and professionalism within legal services firms. Michigan has three local chapters:
  1. Metropolitan Detroit Chapter: President: Denise C. Doherty; 248-746-4005
  2. Mid-Michigan Chapter: President: Terry A. Blakely; 517-371-8115
  3. West Michigan Chapter: President: Robert H. Sack; 606-732-5033