Attending the 2025 Great Lakes Legal Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island was an enriching experience that offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the legal profession. Two sessions, in particular, stood out for their relevance and impact:

Keynote: AI and the Future of the Legal Profession

The conference commenced with a thought-provoking keynote by Sateesh Nori, a Senior Legal Innovation Strategist at Just-Tech and adjunct professor at NYU School of Law. His presentation delved into the transformative role of artificial intelligence in legal practice, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and accessibility. A key takeaway was the importance of integrating cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive client data in an increasingly digital world. For boutique law firms, embracing AI can streamline operations, reduce overhead costs, and improve client service, positioning them to compete effectively with larger firms.

Charting Your Path: Emerging as a Leader in the Legal Profession

The second session, led by Takura Nyamfukudza and Robert A. Easterly, focused on leadership development within the legal field. Their discussion provided actionable strategies for lawyers to cultivate leadership skills, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and community engagement. This session was particularly insightful for members of the State Bar of Michigan’s Lawyer Section, offering practical advice on navigating career progression and fostering a supportive professional network.

Overall, the 2025 Great Lakes Legal Conference served as a catalyst for personal and professional growth, equipping attendees with the knowledge and tools to adapt to technological advancements and assume leadership roles within the legal community.

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Darnell T. Barton is the current SBM YLS Secretary as well as a Criminal and Civil Rights Attorney at Barton Law, PLLC.