law school affiliate: Must be employed by a law school, such as professors, teachers, teaching assistants and administrators. Not an active practitioner or member of the legal profession. Not eligible to vote or hold office. 

Part-Time: Licensed to practice law and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan. To qualify, an individual must work less than 20 hours per week or reside outside of the state more than 50 percent of the time. Not eligible to vote or hold office. 

foreign associate: Licensed to practice law in another state and not Michigan and/or holds Federal jurisdiction. Must be in good standing in state where the attorney is licensed. Not eligible to vote or hold office.

Vendor affiliate: Employee or owner of an active and authorized business practice in Michigan. Must provide proof of authorization of business practice by the State of Michigan. Not eligible to vote or hold office.

life member: Licensed to practice law and in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan or an Emeritus member of the State Bar of Michigan, over the age of 70, fully retired and has been a regular member of OCBA for more than five years. Eligible to vote but not eligible to hold office.

paralegal: Qualified through education or training or work experience and seeking employment or employed by a lawyer, law office, governmental agency, or other entity in performance of legal services not primarily clerical or secretarial under the ultimate direction and supervision of a licensed attorney. Only receives a digital copy of Laches magazine. Not eligible to vote or hold office.

administrative assistant: Employed or seeking employment as an administrative assistant or in clerical or administrative work for a lawyer. Only receives a digital copy of Laches magazine. Not eligible to vote or hold office.

STUDENT: Available to students who are currently attending an ABA-approved law school, registered to take the next scheduled bar examination, or awaiting their Michigan bar examination results. Only receives a digital copy of Laches magazine. Not eligible to vote or hold office.

Sustaining: Any membership category is eligible to become a Sustaining Member through June 30, 2027, by adding $100 to the membership rate of that category. A Sustaining Member’s extra commitment to the association allows the OCBA to offer exemplary services and improved programs to our members through the implementation of new technology and infrastructure upgrades. Sustaining Members receive extra recognition in Laches and at events, and are invited to a special annual reception in their honor. Learn more.