In its first six months, more than 15,000 attorneys and other legal professionals have signed on to be a part of a new statewide program designed to help their peers facing critical needs in times of crisis.

The State Bar of Michigan launched the SOLACE program in July 2021 with support from an implementation team made up of nine leaders from the legal community and partner organizations that include local and affinity bar associations from across the state.

SOLACE is a program that is both for and by the legal community. Based on a basic premise of goodwill, the program relies on the generosity of network members to aid others from within the legal community and their immediate families who are facing critical needs because of a sudden catastrophic illness, injury, or event.

“The speed at which SOLACE is growing is a powerful testament to the generosity and selflessness of Michigan’s legal community. It is moving to see so many of us eagerly step up to help our peers in times of crisis,” said Dana Warnez, president of the State Bar of Michigan and a member of the SOLACE Implementation Team.

IT IS ABOUT GIVING AND RECEIVING

Being a part of the SOLACE network is simple and straightforward.

SOLACE members simply sign up to be notified by email when there is a need among their peers. Then, if members want and have the ability to help, they can. Since the State Bar of Michigan launched SOLACE, network members have been alerted to needs an average of once per month — and 100% of needs have been fulfilled, typically within 24 hours and several in just minutes.

There is no cost to participate in or receive assistance from SOLACE. All Michigan judges, lawyers, court personnel, paralegals, legal assistants, legal administrators, law students, and their immediate families are eligible to request help through SOLACE regardless of their income SOLACE members simply sign up to be notified by email when there is a need among their peers. Then, if members want and have the ability to help, they can. Since the State Bar of Michigan launched SOLACE, network members have been alerted to needs an average of once per month — and 100% of needs have been fulfilled, typically within 24 hours and several in just minutes.

There is no cost to participate in or receive assistance from SOLACE. All Michigan judges, lawyers, court personnel, paralegals, legal assistants, legal administrators, law students, and their immediate families are eligible to request help through SOLACE regardless of their income or assets. SOLACE membership is not required to receive assistance.

SOLACE does not offer direct financial support, but the gifts are nonetheless incredibly valuable to those who receive them.

Donations may meet physical needs — such as a wheelchair or hotel credits to cover the cost of temporary housing near a hospital. Or the assistance may meet other needs such as navigating life insurance issues, providing mentorship, and offering problem-solving advice.

For example, Michigan’s SOLACE network:

• Connected a judge’s widow with others who have experienced loss to learn coping mechanisms to help during the holidays
• Provided weights and a walking cane to a solo practitioner who had been unable to work because of an illness and required physical therapy
• Assisted an intake coordinator at a law firm in finding reliable, low-cost childcare.

Not all requests for assistance are sent to all SOLACE network members. Typically, requests are sent to a targeted segment of the network who would be most able to help based on location or area of expertise.

SOLACE network members are notified of requests via email. They are then directed to the SOLACE webpage at www.michbar.org/solace, where they can sign up to fulfill a need posted there.

THE NETWORK IS GROWING

SOLACE started in 2002 in New Orleans and now more than 20 states including Michigan operate independent versions of the program within their own legal communities. The State Bar of Michigan committed last year to launching a version for the Great Lakes State.

What started as an idea was made a reality at the State Bar of Michigan by Robert Mathis, Justice Initiatives counsel, and Molly Ranns, director of the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program. A core group of advisors came together as part of an implementation team and continues to provide overall guidance to the statewide effort.

Members of the implementation team include:

• Bruce A. Courtade, chair, of Rhoades McKee and a past State Bar of Michigan president;
• Dana M. Warnez, SBM president;
• Robert Buchanan, past SBM president;
• Kristina Bilowus of MSU College of Law and chair of the Young Lawyers Section;
• Erika Lorrain Bryant of Butler Davis and member of the SBM Board of Commissioners;
• Robert J. Buchanan of Buchanan Firm and a past SBM president;
• Lori Buiteweg of Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon and a past SBM president;
• Aaron V. Burrell of Dickinson Wright and member of the SBM Board of Commissioners;
• Leo P. Goddeyne of Miller Canfield; and
• Victoria A. Radke, emeritus attorney and past chair of the SBM Representative Assembly.

As part of constructing the SOLACE network, organizers identified key partners that might be willing to join and contribute to its success. The response was immediate and continues to grow.

When organizations agree to be SOLACE partners, their entire membership also joins the network. As of early February, 12 organizations have signed on as partners: Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, the Detroit Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, Genesee County Bar Association, Grand Rapids Bar Association, Ingham County Bar Association, Macomb Bar Association, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, Oakland County Bar Association, SBM Criminal Law Section, Washtenaw County Bar Association, and Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.

HOW TO JOIN OR GET HELP

SOLACE organizers are actively recruiting new members and partner organizations. To join the network, simply go online to www.michbar.org/solace. Near the bottom of the page are options on how individuals and groups can get involved.

State Bar staff is available to make presentations to groups to help spread the word about SOLACE and encourage participation from sections, local and affinity bar associations, and other legal organizations.

The slogan for SOLACE is “coming together instead of standing alone,” and raising awareness that help is available remains a priority. Members of the legal community are encouraged to contact SOLACE for help — and let those in need know about the program.

To request help, an online form is available at the SOLACE webpage. A member of the SOLACE Implementation Team works one-on-one with individuals who ask for help to prepare an email message requesting practical and appropriate assistance depending on that person’s specific needs.

For more information, visit michbar.org/solace or email solace@michbar.org.