MyMAJ
“The MAJ Leadership Academy provided me with tools and resources to be a leader in the organization and in the community.” - Melissa Heinz, Gruel Mills Nims & Pylam
“A truly enjoyable experience. Great for growth in the legal community -and for building a network of attorneys to rely upon and ask questions of.” - Loryn Schlinker, West Michigan Injury Law
"MAJ’s Leadership Academy is a must for any aspiring plaintiff’s attorney. The seminars were practical and interesting, including learning from some of the best attorneys in our profession. I can’t say enough about the networking aspect which was worth the price of admission." - Drew Ruby, Ruby Law
MAJ Leadership Academy 2026-2027
The purpose of the MAJ Leadership Academy is to provide education and training to MAJ’s youngest and newest members. During this intensive, seven-session program, fellows will learn about all the benefits and leadership opportunities our organization affords our membership. The academy will allow participants to build strong relationships with other young trial lawyers from all over our state, meet with the MAJ leadership team, and interact with members of the bench and legislature.
MAJ membership provides many opportunities to gain valuable leadership experience. You can offer to speak at a seminar; share your ideas and trial experiences with your fellow trial lawyers on our list servers; assist in MAJ’s legislative lobbying efforts; serve as an elected Executive Board member; actively participate in MAJ’s Justice PAC fundraising; or get more involved with AAJ.
The MAJ Leadership Academy is designed to prepare you to assume leadership positions within MAJ, excel as a member of the state legislature, or become a member of the judiciary.
Prerequisites for admission
- Be an MAJ member in good standing
- Be in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan
- Have fewer than ten (10) years of practice experience
Program Details
- Program consists of 7 sessions (tentative dates below)
- Participants must attend at least 5 of the 7 sessions to be eligible for graduation
- Tuition cost is $500. Scholarships and payment plans are available
- Discounted hotel room blocks are offered for overnight events; however, the cost is not included in the $500 tuition, and rooms must be booked by participants
- Discounted rates for seminars and the annual banquet are available to Academy graduates
Important Dates
- Application submission deadline is 5 p.m. on June 26th. NO late submissions will be considered
- All applicants will be notified of their acceptance by July 1st and must accept or decline their invitation by July 8th.
Sessions (Schedule subject to change)
Session 1: MAJ Academy Kickoff, Grand Rapids –August 6-7, 2026
Session 2: PAC and Political Session, Ferndale – September 15, 2026
Session 3: TBD - November 17, 2026
Session 4: The Practice of Law Workshop, TBD - January 19, 2027
Session 5: Legislature and Lobbying, Lansing – March 9, 2027
Session 6: Judges and Mediation Forum, Bloomfield Township - April 13, 2027
Session 7: MAJ Annual Convention & Graduation, Detroit - May 7-8, 2027
Academy graduation will take place at the May Annual Banquet on May 8th
