Joseph P. McGill becomes 90th SBM President
Congratulations to Joseph P. McGill, 90th President of the State Bar of Michigan.
McGill, a member of Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip, was sworn in by Hon. Brian K. Zahra Sept. 19, 2024, during the Presidential Inauguration and Awards Luncheon and the Detroit Marriott Troy. He will serve a one-year term, effective immediately. Serving all 46,000 Michigan attorneys, the State Bar of Michigan promotes the professionalism of lawyers; advocates for an open, fair, and accessible justice system; and provides services to members to help them best serve clients.
In his acceptance speech, McGill said he will work to bring Michigan's diverse group of lawyers together, further stating, "I pledge, and I ask all of you to pledge, not only to strive to advance your own careers but also to contribute to the advancement of our profession."
A member at Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip, McGill’s practice includes complex litigation matters including business torts, construction litigation, product liability, commercial disputes, and probate and estate planning. He has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2015.
McGill currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Michigan State Bar Foundation and previously served as chair of the Representative Assembly. He is a proud Irish American and helped found the Michigan Irish American Chamber of Commerce, now known as Irish Network Detroit. He also is past president of the Catholic Lawyers Society Detroit and the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers.
McGill earned his Bachelor of Arts in finance from Michigan State University, Doctor of Law from University of Detroit Mercy, Master of Business Administration from University of Detroit Mercy, and Masters of Laws in both taxation and corporate/finance law from Wayne State University. He and his wife, Lauren, and son, William, live in Plymouth.
Other elected Board of Commissioner officers for 2024–2025 are:
- President-Elect Lisa J. Hamameh
- Vice President Erika L. Bryant
- Treasurer Thomas H. Howlett
- Secretary David C. Anderson
The luncheon also recognized the contributions of eight individuals for their exceptional dedication to the legal profession and commitment to ensuring justice for all. The honors went to:
- Roberts P. Hudson Award: Maura D. Corrigan
- Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award: Edward J. Plawecki, Jr., and William M. Wolfson
- Champion of Justice Award: Marilena David, Andrew Densemo, Bonsitu A. Kitaba-Gaviglio, and Erika Riggs
- John W. Reed Lawyer Legacy Award: Gary M. Maveal
- John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award: Wendolyn W. Richards
- Liberty Bell Award: Elaine Stocking
Posted: September 19, 2024