New News - All StateBarWatch operations are being conducted by Thomas Lawrence, who has today been named President of StateBarWatch.  Please note that former President Frank Lawrence has resigned effective immediately.  His only connection with StateBarWatch will be the retention of his "statebarwatch.org" e-mail address.

New News - A new federal lawsuit has been filed.  Click here to read the Complaint.  This new federal suit is administratively stayed pending the conclusion of all state proceedings. Click here to see the Order of the U.S. District Court.  The licensing officials have made it clear that they will spend the State Bar into oblivion before they give Frank Lawrence a law license.  They've already admitted in court papers that a quarter of a million dollars was spent between 2003-2006. Click here to see the proof.

March 11, 2009 - StateBarWatch has learned that Gerald Marcinkoski (a member of the Michigan Board of Law Examiners) was accused of lying to the Michigan Court of Appeals in a workers' compensation case wherein he represented Wal-Mart.  Click here for more.

March 10, 2009 - Michigan's Attorney General, Mike Cox, refuses to obey his oath of office by upholding the Legislature's intent in MCL 600.922 to have Corbin Davis, the Clerk of the Michigan Supreme Court, serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Board of Law Examiners.   Click here for more.  

February 4, 2009 - StateBarWatch has invoked the procedure pursuant to MCL 600.4501 to request that the Attorney General remove Timothy Raubinger as the Assistant Secretary of the Michigan Board of Law Examiners.  MCL 600.922 states "The clerk of the supreme court ex-officio is the assistant secretary and treasurer of the board." The clerk of the supreme court is presently Corbin Davis, not Timothy Raubinger.

January 5, 2009 - StateBarWatch founder Frank Lawrence is getting ready for round 3 with the Michigan attorney licensing officials. Click to read more.

November 10, 2008 - The State Bar of Michigan's attempt to recoup the first $237,000.00 that it spent fighting StateBarWatch founder Frank Lawrence's request for a law license has failed.  The dues-paying members of the Michigan Bar are responsible for the tab. Click here to see the Court's opinion

June 18, 2007 - The State Bar of Michigan files suit against its own insurance company to try to recoup nearly a quarter of a million dollars that it spent to fight StateBarWatch founder Frank Lawrence.  Click here to see the State Bar's complaint.  Specifically, take a look at paragraph #39 

June 24, 2006 - Project AvadenkaWatch Has Found New Information - StateBarWatch has Judge Edward Avadenaka's deposition in the federal Horton v 48th District Court case.  Canon of Judicial Conduct 2(C) says "A judge should not appear as a witness in a court proceeding unless subpoenaed." Click here to see the depo transcript and see page 4, which suggests that Avadenka may not have been subpoenaed.  StateBarWatch is investigating.  Click here for more on the Horton case

June 23, 2006 - We need assistance in the Traverse City area - Pursuant to a tip that StateBarWatch recently received concerning Louis A. Smith of the Michigan Board of Law Examiners, we need someone in the Traverse City area to inspect (and possibly copy) a Circuit Court file for us.  If anyone is interested in helping, please e-mail us.  The file is Cullen v. Smith, 1985-3486 NM in the Grand Traverse County Circuit Court. 

April 27, 2006 - StateBarWatch is looking for past and present licensing applicants who have had their character and fitness questioned by the Michigan Bar or the Michigan Board of Law Examiners, specifically on the grounds that the applicants were combative, aggressive or argumentative.  This may violate the federal Americans With Disabilities Act, which protects citizens from discrimination by licensing officials based on perceived behavioral issues.  Please contact us if you know of any applicants who fit this category.  Click here to see a recently filed lawsuit in Mississippi by a Bar applicant falsely accused of behavorial problems. 

A Federal Grand Jury Has Demanded Records From The State Bar of Michigan’s Character & Fitness Department.  Click here to see. 

March 2, 2006 - The oral argument tape has arrived - Click here to listen to the February 2, 2006 oral argument before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, regarding StateBarWatch founder Frank Lawrence's lawsuit against the corrupt Michigan Bar Association.  In this case, StateBarWatch is seeking to end the abuse of the Michigan character and fitness process by the State Bar of Michigan and the Michigan Board of Law Examiners. 

February 20, 2006 - The taxpayers of Bloomfield Hills want the 48th District Court to answer questions about the Court's litigation conduct in the federal lawsuit brought by Judge Edward Avadenka's former clerk, Michelle Horton.  This is an interesting case that involves allegations of fixed traffic tickets, criminal favors and abuse of the LEIN system.  Click here for more. 

February 10, 2006 - Oakland County Circuit Judge Judge Deborah Tyner is caught by undercover WDIV Channel 4 investigators skipping work, and then lying about it.  Click here to see more.  Judge Tyner is presently under consideration by our sanctimonious governor, Jennifer Granholm, for an appointment to the Michigan Court of Appeals.  Please call the governor's office at (517) 373-3400 to voice your concerns.  Granholm avoids controversy at all costs.  Therefore, your calls will help.

February 8, 2006 - StateBarWatch has opened up an investigation into the 48th District Court.  A former 48th District Court employee has filed a federal lawsuit against the Court, claiming that she was fired for releasing LEIN information.  Click here to see one of the federal court documents. 

February 6, 2006 - StateBarWatch is investigating (former) 48th District Court Judge Edward Avadenka's relationship with a man that Federal Judge Paul Gadola labeled "an illegal scalper dressed up as a legitimate businessman."  Click here for more about this troubling information. 

February 2, 2006 - The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit heard oral arguments in the federal lawsuit brought by StateBarWatch founder Frank Lawrence.   In this case, StateBarWatch is seeking to end the abuse of the Michigan character and fitness process by the State Bar of Michigan and the Michigan Board of Law Examiners.  Click here for more about this important case.

January 28, 2006 - StateBarWatch would like to thank those who have contacted us regarding Project AvadenkaWatch.  Today, the Detroit Free Press reported that (former) 48th District Court Judge Edward Avadenka purchased tickets from, and in fact testified on behalf of, a ticket scalper.  We are now working on ascertaining the facts and circumstances of Avadenka's testimony in that case.  Anyone with information, please contact StateBarWatch.  Click here to see the Free Press article. 

BREAKING NEWS January 11, 2006 - Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca is under investigation for improper use of the LEIN system to investigate Judge Rae Lee Chabot, a member of the Michigan Board of Law Examiners. Click here to read the news article.

December 1, 2005 - The State Bar is unnecessarily spending enormous amounts of money.  Is a $2,700.00 laptop, and mobile phones costing $2,800.00, really what the State Bar needs during these hard economic times?  Click here to see how John Berry is spending the dues collected from SBM members.

Also, click here to read about the staggering amount of money that SBM Executive Director John Berry has been spending to fight three bar applicants.  It may be worth it to John Berry, but is it worth it to the dues paying members?

December 1, 2005 - We're still awaiting the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit in the Dubuc v State Bar of Michigan case.  The Court heard oral argument on September 19, 2005 before Judges Karen Nelson Moore, Martha Craig Daughtry and D.J. Ann Aldrich (N.D. Ohio).  Click here for more about this extremely costly litigation.

November 3, 2005 - Congratulations to Ira Braswell IV, who recently started StateBarWatch of North Carolina.  Click here to see the web site. 

October 20, 2005 - AvadenkaWatch is a success, and StateBarWatch would like to thank those who helped.  Judge Edward Avadenka's (ret.) advertisement in the Michigan Bar Journal has been changed. 

October 5, 2005 - StateBarWatch opens a corruption investigation into the State Bar of Michigan after it decided to print a highly questionable advertisement of (former) Judge Edward Avadenka. Did the State Bar permit Avadenka to print an advertisement, in violation of its own ethics opinions, because of Avadenka's ties to the State Bar of Michigan?  Click here for more.

September 6, 2005 - The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has scheduled Dubuc v. State Bar of Michigan for oral argument on September 19, 2005 before Judges Karen Nelson Moore, Martha Craig Daughtry and D.J. Ann Aldrich (N.D. Ohio).  Click here for more about the Dubuc case.

8/21/05 - The Sixth Circuit affirms in the Dean v. Byerley litigation.  Click here to see the opinion.  Click here for more about the Dean case.

July 19, 2005 - The United States Court of Appeals has scheduled oral argument in the Dean v. Byerley case for 7/26/05.  If Dean is again successful in the 6th Circuit, StateBarWatch intends to begin a public campaign to push for SBM Executive Director John Berry's resignation.  Anyone interested in helping with this project, please contact StateBarWatch.  Click here for more about the Dean case.

June 27, 2005 - Click here to read the Michigan Lawyer's Weekly article about the Van Aken case, along with comments by StateBarWatch founder Frank Lawrence. 

June 8, 2005 - The Michigan Supreme Court says "the notice requirements are dispensed with" and the Court attempts to get around the case in which StateBarWatch required the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission to disclose its records, Lawrence v. Van Aken. et. al., 316 F.Supp.2d 547 (W.D. Mich. 2004).  Click here to see the Supreme Court order, and see the Staff Comment on p. 3.  Also, click here to see read the Lawrence v. Van Aken case. 

May 9, 2005 - State Bar Watch adds a compilation of court cases regarding character and fitness issues on its "Character & Fitness" page.  Click here to see.

March 14, 2005 - StateBarWatch Prepares For Litigation With The Department of Attorney General Concerning Its Refusal To Disclose Records Pertaining To A StateBarWatch Investigation of the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board Vice Chairman. Click here for more.

February 23, 2005 - StateBarWatch asks the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Professionalism to investigate why State Bar of Michigan Executive Director John T. Berry failed to acknowledge that an article he published was based upon another person's work.  Click here for more.

February 9, 2005 - StateBarWatch continues its efforts to protect the public from the State Bar of Michigan by demanding that the State Bar correct defamatory and misleading statements located on its website.  Click here for more.

January 19, 2005 - StateBarWatch demands that State Bar of Michigan Deputy Regulation Counsel Victoria Kremski turn over the identity of the employee who sent anonymous and inappropriate e-mails to StateBarWatch. Click here.

January 18, 2005 - The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals rules that attorneys for the State Bar of Michigan in the Dubuc litigation violated the rules.  Click here

January 17, 2005 - You've Heard The Rumors, You've Heard The Talk Around The Water Coolers, You've Read The December 2003 Edition of the Michigan Bar Journal - Now Hear It For Yourself In The Character and Fitness Director's Own Words.  Click here to listen to the head of the SBM Character and Fitness Department....

January 15, 2005 - Is there where our judges come from?  Click here to see what a criminal did in the hopes of a judicial appointment by Governor Granholm.

December 27, 2004 - StateBarWatch Understands Why So Many Organizations and People Oppose the Nomination of Judge David W. McKeague to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Click here for more.

December 16, 2004 - A State Bar of Michigan employee is caught sending inappropriate e-mails to StateBarWatch founder Frank Lawrence, Jr.  Click here for more.

November 24, 2004 - How is the State Bar of Michigan spending its money?  Click here to see.  Is an $1,800.00 shredder, two laptops at the tune of $7,600.00 and a $2,000.00 digital camera really what the State Bar needs?  StateBarWatch is watching how the State Bar of Michigan spends your money.  Click here for more.

Breaking News - October 26, 2004 - The Dean v. Byerley trial resulted in a jury verdict in favor of State Bar of Michigan Regulation Counsel Thomas Byerley.  Click here to see the judgment.   Today, E. Stephen Dean notified StateBarWatch that he intends to appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.  The last time that Dean appealed, he was successful.  Click here to see the Court's opinion.  Keep checking back on this important case. 

September 23, 2004 - StateBarWatch is in possession of an audio tape of 48th District Court Chief Judge Kimberly Small using the prestige of her judicial office to advance the business interests of (former) State Bar President Thomas Ryan. Click here to listen to this troubling judicial behavior. 

BREAKING NEWS - August 23, 2004 - Is it permissible for a Michigan judge to be an owner of a legal services corporation?  StateBarWatch is investigating 48th District Court Judge Edward Avadenka.  Click here for more.  Click here to see the evidence.

StateBarWatch is demanding that Judge Avadenka immediately dissolve the corporation.  Click here for a State Bar of Michigan ethics opinion that discusses Canon of Judicial Conduct 5.C(2).  ("This language is clear and unambiguous.  A full time judge may not serve as director of any business, with or without compensation.  The prohibition is absolute.")

August 5, 2004 - StateBarWatch Founder Frank J. Lawrence, Jr. and Director of Investigations Thomas J. Lawrence ask 38th District Judge Norene S. Redmond for an explanation why she allowed a stun gun to be used, in her courtroom, on an uncooperative, but nonviolent, criminal suspect.  Click here for more... To read the WDIV Channel 4 report, click here. To watch the WDIV video clip, click here. 

July 22, 2004 - StateBarWatch strongly opposes the nomination of Judge David W. McKeague to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Click here for more... Also, click here to see SALT's statement about Judge McKeague.

July 22, 2004 - "The People of the Sixth Circuit deserve better than this" ... U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy discusses U.S. District Judge David W. McKeague.  Click here for more.

JULY 21, 2004 - StateBarWatch continues its full investigation into William P. Hampton, Vice Chairman of the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board.  Click here for more...

July 6, 2004 - StateBarWatch founder Frank Lawrence, Jr. asks the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals for an injunction pending appeal in the State Bar of Michigan "character and fitness" case.  Click here to see the document. 

BREAKING NEWS - MAY 10, 2004 - A State Police officer speaks out about William P. Hampton, Vice Chairman of the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board, stating "He should not have made that call" to the Attorney General's Office.  Click here for more...

Breaking News - March 31, 2004 - The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals orders State Bar Regulation Counsel Thomas K. Byerley to pay E. Stephen Dean's costs on appeal.  Will the dues paying members of the State Bar have to bear this burden?

Breaking News - March 30, 2004 - Cooley Law School sues the American Bar Association after the ABA threatens Cooley with accrediation denial.  Click here to see Cooley's Complaint (61 pages).  Click here to see Cooley's Brief in Support of its Motion for Preliminary Injunction (25 pages). 

Breaking News - Dean v Byerley's popularity is growing.  The case was recently cited in Hlad v. Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Ass'n,  --- F.Supp.2d ----, 2004 WL 369853, M.D.Tenn., Feb 27, 2004; 2004 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 3847 (M.D. Tenn. Feb. 27, 2004)

BREAKING NEWS - MARCH 24, 2004 - StateBarWatch.org Tee Shirts Are In Stock! - Click here for more.

BREAKING NEWS - March 10, 2004 -  The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Issued An Order Denying Thomas Byerley's Motion For Rehearing and Suggestion For Rehearing En Banc. 

BREAKING NEWS - March 9, 2004 - E. Stephen Dean asks the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals for triple costs from Thomas Byerley.  Keep checking back for more info... Click here to read more about E. Stephen Dean

BREAKING NEWS - February 7, 2004 - A MAJOR VICTORY FOR StateBarWatch - Board of Law Examiner Charles Behler is forced to correct his web site, which had misrepresented that he was the BLE "president," when in fact, this was not true.  Click here to see more...

BREAKING NEWS - January 29, 2004 - Additional resources are being spent on the Dean v. Byerley litigation as State Bar of Michigan Director of Professonal Standards Thomas Byerley asks the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals for a rehearing with suggestion for rehearing en banc.  Is this how you want your Bar dues to be spent?  Click here to see the document.

BREAKING NEWS - JANUARY 15, 2004 - "[S]uch confidentiality cannot impede the legitimate needs of the judicial truth-seeking process" -  The federal district court rules that the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission's files are not protected by a blanket privilege, but the information in the Commission's files must be kept confidential by StateBarWatch founder Frank Lawrence.  Click here to see the court's opinion.    Click here to see the court's order. 

BREAKING NEWS - JANUARY 8, 2004 - A MAJOR VICTORY FOR THE FIRST AMENDMENT.  The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals finds against State Bar Regulation Counsel Thomas K. Byerley.  Click here to see the Court's Opinion.   How much is the Dean v Byerley case costing the dues paying members of the State Bar of Michigan? Click here for more.

A Major Victory For StateBarWatch.org - BREAKING NEWS - December 22, 2003 - VICTORIA KREMSKI IS OUT - Click here to see a troubling set of documents that were filed with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals today.  Victoria Kremski is officially out of the Dean v Byerley litigation, after acknowledging  that "misstatements" were made to 3 Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals judges.