Education & Credentials
Education
Western Michigan University
B.S., 1965Detroit College of Law
J.D., 1970Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- 2016 ABA Medal Recipient, American Bar Association, August 2016
- Named among "100 Most Influential Black Americans," Ebony magazine, May 1984
- Named one of the "25 Most Dynamic Mayors in America" by Newsweek magazine, November 1996
- Named "Most Respected Judge in Michigan," Michigan Lawyers Weekly, April 1990
- Named among "100 Most Powerful Attorneys in the United States," National Law Journal, April 1985
- Named "Public Official of the Year," Governing magazine, November 2000
- Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America
Prominent Assignments
Chairman, Dickinson Wright PLLC, 2002-2009
Chairman, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional Chamber, 2006-2007
President, American Bar Association, 2003-2004
Mayor of Detroit, 1994-2001
- President, National League of Cities
Associate Justice, Michigan Supreme Court, 1986-1990
Professional Involvement
- American Bar Association: - President, 2003-2004 - Member, Board of Governors, 1999-2002
- National Bar Association:
- President, 1983-1984
- Life Member - Former President, Wolverine Bar Association, 1979-1980
- Detroit Bar Association:
- Member, Board of Directors, 1973-1975
- Chairman, Young Lawyers Section, 1973-1975 - State Bar of Michigan: President, 1984-1985
- Associate Professor, Detroit College of Law, 1972-1978
- Adjunct Professor, Wayne State University Law School, 1984-1985
- Life Member, Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference
- Life Member of Fellows, American Bar Foundation and Life Member of Fellows, Michigan State Bar Foundation
- Fellow, International Society of Barristers