Welcome to the West Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

A professional organization for private and government lawyers who practice in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.

Our goal is to improve the practice of law in our federal courts and foster a positive and collegial relationship among the attorneys and judges who practice law and dispense justice in this district.

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Apply for the 2025 Hillman Advocacy Program

The West Michigan Chapter’s Hillman Advocacy Program is now accepting student applications for its 2025 program, which will take place in Grand Rapids at the federal courthouse on January 22-24, 2025. The Hillman Advocacy Program is a unique program designed to assist both new and practiced trial lawyers in developing their courtroom skills under the […]

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Supreme Court Review and Preview Program

The West Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association invites you to attend its Supreme Court Review and Preview Program on November 13th at noon. The program will be held in the Jury Assembly room at the Grand Rapids federal courthouse with a Zoom option. The Zoom link will be sent out closer to the event date. […]

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West Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association Board of Directors

  • Sean Tilton, PresidentFederal Public Defender's Office

  • Amy Murphy, President-ElectMiller Johnson

  • Stephen van Stempvoort , SecretaryMiller Johnson

  • Charlie Quigg, TreasurerWarner Norcross + Judd

  • Rachel Frank, Vice President of ProgramsRachel Frank Law

  • Andrew Brege, Vice President of OperationsRosati Schultz Joppich & Amtsbuechler

  • James Liggins, National DelegateWarner Norcross + Judd

The district comprises the western half of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula.

We offer continuing legal education opportunities, including the annual Hillman Advocacy Program and periodic lunch programs focused on specific aspects of federal practice. We offer an award winning newsletter, the Bar & Bench, and we act as a liaison between the practicing lawyers and the judges in the district.

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