Wolverine Bar Association
About Wolverine Bar Association
Rooted in Detroit's rich legal history, the Wolverine Bar Association traces its origins to the Harlan Law Club, founded in 1919 by African-American attorneys excluded from local bar associations throughout Michigan. Named in honor of U.S. Supreme Court Justice John M. Harlan, whose dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson championed equality under law, the organization was formally established in the 1930s to coordinate the energies and talents of African-American attorneys admitted to practice across Michigan. From its inception, the Wolverine Bar Association assumed a leadership role in community and political activities—a commitment that remains paramount today. The organization embodies the founding principles of equality and dedication to community service that guided the Harlan Law Club nearly a century ago. Serving Detroit and the broader Michigan legal community, the Wolverine Bar Association represents a powerful mechanism through which African-American attorneys address the unique and distinct needs of their communities for legal service, representation, and protection. The organization's mission is to be Detroit's representative of the legal profession, serving both the public and the profession by enhancing the legal system and promoting justice, professional excellence, and respect for the law. Through its Wolverine Bar Foundation, the association gives back to the community by supporting educational programs, hosting law student instruction initiatives, and sponsoring community outreach efforts. With a legacy spanning nearly a century, the Wolverine Bar Association continues to meet present and future challenges with renewed vigor and determination, building a strong organizational infrastructure to carry out its vision of equal justice for all.