ICLE is committed to being the leading provider of how-to solutions and practical resources that harness the wisdom of Michigan’s leading practitioners. We are grateful to our network of volunteers who make our work possible. If you have expertise or specialize in a particular area and are interested in joining our community of contributors, we would love to hear from you.
ICLE delivers practical legal content in 29 practice areas with more in-depth coverage in core subjects. We deliver expertise through seminars, practice handbooks, and online resources. We invite highly qualified lawyers to help us develop content for a variety of practice areas and delivery mediums. If you are a specialist and would like to contribute a new resource, we'd like to hear from you.
While we are continually adding content in all areas, we are especially interested in developing new content in the following subject areas:
Bankruptcy
Clean Energy
Criminal Law
Municipal Law
Practice Management
Our Core Practice Areas
Business
Civil Litigation
Elder Law
Employment/Labor
Family
Probate/Estate Planning
Real Property
ICLE produces more than 70 seminars annually. They are designed to address the practice problems and challenges Michigan lawyers face. Our collection of seminars provides content to fit every skill level and learning style. Presented in a variety of formats, the collection includes full- and half-day seminars, multi-tracked major educational events, hands-on training sessions, and concise 1- to 2-hour seminars. A majority of our seminars can be viewed online via webcast.
See a Sample
Full-Day Seminar
Latest Trends in Drunk Driving Jury Selection
Thomas P. Casselman and Sarah E. Henderson
(from the
2008 Drunk Driving Defense Update)
ICLE has a collection of 58 practice handbooks. They are designed to put users on the right track with an accurate snapshot of Michigan law, insightful legal analysis, accurate legal citations, practical strategies, and sample forms. Books are available in both print and online versions.
See a Sample
Online Book Chapter
Basic Estate Planning and Drafting
John H. Martin and Todd W. Simpson
(Chapter 3 of
Michigan Basic Practice Handbook, Sixth Edition)
The ICLE Partnership provides a collection of Michigan-specific how-to resources. It is designed to help users stay up to date and get work done quickly and efficiently. The collection includes step-by-step guidance through hundreds of common transactions, attorney-drafted forms, and succinct top tips on targeted topics among other things.
A great way to get started with ICLE is to contribute to one of our online resources.
See a Sample
Contact Us About Becoming a Contributor
For Seminars
Jeff Kirkey
E-mail: jkirkey@icle.org
Phone: 877-229-4350
For Publications and Online Tools
Mary Hiniker
E-mail: mary@icle.org
Phone: 877-229-4350
When contacting us please include the following information:
- Suggested topic
- Type of contribution (e.g., seminar, book chapter, sample form, How-To Kit, Top Tips in Ten Minutes presentation)
- Years of practice experience
- Credentials indicating substantial expertise in the subject area
- Prior speaking/writing experience with ICLE, the ABA, State Bar Sections, local bars, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, or other professional organizations
- Writing samples when applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to develop content with ICLE?
A: It depends on the particular product. The seminar schedule is established a year in advance and most seminars are fully planned six months before their presentation date. Short online resources such as a practice form, a How-To Kit, or a Top Tips in Ten Minutes presentation have a shorter development cycle. In general, however, you can expect at least six months and, more often, about one year of lead time before a product or seminar is complete and available to customers. Complete books take at least a year and a half of development time.
Q: Are contributors compensated for their time?
A: Contributors generally work on a volunteer basis. Speakers are reimbursed for travel and meal expenses. Chapter authors are generally paid a modest honorarium.
Q: What are the benefits of becoming an ICLE contributor?
A: Benefits include recognition among your peers as an expert, giving back to the legal community, and honing your substantive knowledge and presentation skills.
Contributor Qualifications
ICLE is looking for contributors with substantial expertise and practice experience in a particular subject area. To be a speaker at an ICLE seminar, you need to have at least five years of experience. Our ideal candidate has substantive expertise and polished presentation skills, as evidenced by prior speaking/writing experience with ICLE, the ABA, State Bar Sections, local bars, Michigan Association for Justice, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, or other professional organizations. Demonstrated ability to prepare quality materials in a timely fashion is necessary. For many of ICLE's written products, an outline and brief sample should be submitted to demonstrate your expertise and writing skills.