History of the MCBA

by Robert Hribar

For most of its history the Macomb County Bar Association functioned as a social organization with little structure, no employees and absent offices. Led by attorney Dwight Lowell of Romeo the MCBA was founded in 1906 with 40 members. Records show that the members met socially to discuss the legal issues of the day. Generally the President would keep the records of the Association at his office and little, if anything was passed from one group of directors to the next.

In the late 1950's the MCBA grew to approximately 75 members. Meetings were held monthly. President Howard Carroll conducted legal training sessions his basement. The Circuit Judges hosted an annual 'Tom & Jerry' party around Christmas time at the Medea Hotel in Mt. Clemens. Justice Neal E. Reid entertained the Bar each year at his summer cottage on Drummond Island.

With the growth of Macomb County in the 1960s the MCBA membership increased from approximately 200 to 400. The bar would meet at a local restaurant on the 1st Thursday of each month except in the summer. In the late 60's, the officers met at the Burton Abstract (now Greco Title) office. Mailings from the Bar President's office notified members of all activities.

In 1970, when the present day Circuit Court Building opened it became apparent to the MCBA that it needed a place for its growing membership to meet and confer. The Board of Director's persuaded Macomb County officials to reserve space on the second floor for a "lawyers lounge". The Bar purchased furniture and for several years the lounge served as a place for lawyers to meet. The Directors also conducted meetings there.

It was also in the 1970s that the Bar began to shape its current organizational structure. In 1971 the Bar incorporated as a non profit 501(c)6. Permanent records were kept. Judge Alton Noe's secretary was hired as a part time executive secretary. A monthly newsletter was sent to members.

After a few years the Macomb County Board of Commissioners needed the space that the lawyers lounge occupied. The MCBA needed a permanent office to meet the needs of it growing membership. In return for the MCBA giving up is lounge it obtained the current office on the fourth floor. The MCBA would make an annual monetary donation to the County law Library as "rent". ( We are now under a proper lease arrangement).

With the initiation of its Lawyer Referral Service in the late 1970's the administrative functions of the Bar demanded a full time administrator. Karen Schmitt would become the first full time Executive Director of the MCBA.

In the early 1980s the Bar took a slightly different direction and hired a full time public relations firm - Linda Eckert and Associates- to run the office. Bar Briefs, a four page tabloid became the principal vehicle of distributing Bar news and information during this era.

As the organization grew so too did its need for a professional administrator to run its office. In 1986 the Board of Directors hired Judy Flury.

Following Judy as Executive Director were Sharon Eineman, Jean Scott, Maria Ellerman and Z. Kay (Fischer) Fitzpatrick. Each brought her own special skill and talents to the MCBA. Each contributed to the continually growing membership and their needs and collectively succeeded in helping the MCBA become a professionally run association of professionals.

Additional staff were hired throughout the years to meet the needs of the MCBA members. Patti Manick joined the MCBA in 1989 and continues to this day as our Lawyer Referral and Information (LRIS) Director. Nikki Fournier was originally hired as Office Clerk in 1998 and currently serves as Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Director. Our Executive Director, Rick R. Troy was hired in 1999. Dawn Fraylick is the year 2002 addition to the MCBA and serves as Communications Director.

In 2006 the MCBA will celebrate its 100th Anniversary. Several events and public service projects will be held throughout the year.