Meet Our Contributors

Hon. Christopher P. Yates, Retired
Ven Johnson Law PLC
Kalamazoo
Former Judge Christopher P. Yates is a senior trial attorney at the firm. Before joining the firm, he served as a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, having been appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on March 16, 2022. Mr. Yates was previously a...


News From ICLE

New Executive Director
Jeffrey E. Kirkey has been named executive director of ICLE, effective June 4, 2026. Jeff brings nearly three decades of experience with ICLE, most recently as the Institute's chief learning officer. As head of ICLE, he will oversee day-to-day operations and help implement strategic objectives in our mission to support Michigan lawyers. Read the full announcement: https://info.icle.org/jeff-kirkey-named-icle-executive-director


Meet Our Contributors

Hon. Christopher P. Yates, Retired
Ven Johnson Law PLC
Kalamazoo
Former Judge Christopher P. Yates is a senior trial attorney at the firm. Before joining the firm, he served as a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, having been appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on March 16, 2022. Mr. Yates was previously a...


News From ICLE

New Executive Director
Jeffrey E. Kirkey has been named executive director of ICLE, effective June 4, 2026. Jeff brings nearly three decades of experience with ICLE, most recently as the Institute's chief learning officer. As head of ICLE, he will oversee day-to-day operations and help implement strategic objectives in our mission to support Michigan lawyers. Read the full announcement: https://info.icle.org/jeff-kirkey-named-icle-executive-director