GTLABA and MRPC 6.1

Sterling Law attorneys belong to optional local bar associations as well as to the required State Bar of Michigan. Michigan has what is called mandatory state bar membership prerequisite to the practice of law in this State. But why do we go beyond the minimum to join the local association, one being the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association (GTLABA)? Some may ask what do we get for our hard-earned dues? At Sterling Law, we turn around that question to be what can we give?

Associate attorney Agnes Jury is President-Elect of GTLABA. Founding attorney Lea Ann Sterling participates as a local delegate to SBM Representative Assembly. Pictured here are Agnes and Lea Ann attending the 2016 Fall Dinner for GTLABA.

We understand that it is our responsibility to "render public interest legal service.” Our rules of Professional Conduct indicate that “a lawyer may discharge this responsibility by providing professional services at no fee … to public service or charitable groups or organizations. A lawyer may also discharge this responsibility by service in activities for improving the law, the legal system, or the legal profession…" Membership and activity with GTLABA helps us meet this responsibility as we pursue the mission of GTLABA "to maintain the highest professional standards and competence among attorneys, to promote collegiality and camaraderie among attorneys, to improve the administration of justice, and to provide law-related service and education to our members and the public."