James Fisher of Law Weathers Receives Michael Franck Award From State Bar of Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – September 21, 2012 – Law Weathers is pleased to announce that attorney James H. Fisher has received the distinquished Michael Franck Professional Responsibility Award for his work in leading the Governor’s Indigent Defense Advisory Commission. The Commission made significant recommendations to improve processes for court-appointed legal representation and criminal defense of the poor throughout the state of Michigan. Fisher received the award during a special ceremony as part of the State Bar of Michigan’s annual meeting on September 20.
According to the State Bar of Michigan, the Michael Franck award is named in honor of Michael Franck, late director of the State Bar of Michigan and long-time champion of improvements in lawyer regulation in the public interest. Award recipients are distinguished by career commitments in areas such as legal ethics, disciplinary enforcement and lawyer professionalism.
Fisher joined Law Weathers last year “of counsel” after 35 years in law, most notably as Chief Judge for Barry County Trial Court where he initiated a trial court reform project to consolidate and streamline Michigan’s legal organizational structure. The Indigent Defense Advisory Commission, which recommended an additional $50 million per year in state funding for legal defense work, is among Fisher’s latest efforts for court reform and legal professionalism.
Fisher is active in many civic organizations, including the Board of Directors at Hastings City Bank. He has previously served on the boards of Pennock Hospital, Pennock Foundation, YMCA, First Presbyterian Church, Child Abuse Prevention Council and the Kiwanis Club of Hastings. He is a past member of the State Bar Representative Assembly, State Bar Ethics Committee and is currently a member of the Pennock Hospital Ethics Committee. He completed civil and domestic mediation training and frequently mediates cases for judicial colleagues.
About Law Weathers
Law Weathers provides legal counsel and representation to businesses, individuals, and local governments. Founded in 1868, the firm’s distinguished alumni include former President Gerald R. Ford, Philip Buchen (White House Legal Counsel to the Ford Administration), and Julius Amberg (counsel to World War II-era Secretary of War Henry Stimson). Law Weathers has been recognized by Corporate Board Member magazine as one of the top corporate law firms in its area, and by the Michigan Business & Professional Association as one of “West Michigan’s 101 Best And Brightest Places To Work For.” Visit www.lawweathers.com for more information or call 616.459.1171.