What is SBA of Michigan?

The Stonewall Bar Association ("SBA") is a voluntary state-wide professional association of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lawyers and our allies providing a visible LGBT presence within the Michigan legal system.

Purpose and Goals

The purposes of this Association shall be to promote human rights; to provide opportunities for lawyers, judges and law students to meet in a professional setting; to encourage the appointment of members of the LGBT Community to the judiciary; to provide a forum for members of the LGBT Community in the legal community to exchange ideas and information of mutual concern; to promote the spirit of unity among attorneys who are members of the LGBT Community; to promote the hiring and advancement of members of the LGBT Community to public agencies and commissions; to discuss and take action on questions of law in the administration of justice that affect the LGBT Community; to promote the creation of coalitions with other legal organizations; to promote and stimulate the practice and professional expertise of lawyers who are members of the LGBT Community; to promote sensitivity to legal issues particularly faced by members of the LGBT Community; to demonstrate the presence of members of the LGBT Community in the law; to facilitate and improve the administration of justice; to promote legislative and administrative reforms for the purpose of eliminating discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression; and to assure fair and just treatment of members of the LGBT Community under the law.

Justice

SBA promotes the administration of justice throughout Michigan for all persons without regard to their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Education

SBA educates the Michigan legal community about issues and laws that affect the lives of the LGBT community, monitors emerging legal trends and participates in legislative hearings and judicial proceedings which impact members of the LGBT community.

Support

SBA promotes full and equal participation in the legal profession by lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgenders; and provides a business and social support network to LGBT members of the Michigan legal community in all areas of professional practice.

Leadership

SBA provides an established, non-partisan, and visible LGBT presence within the Michigan legal community; and encourages opportunities for leadership by LGBT lawyers in Michigan.