About

History of ICLE

Our story is one of Michigan law, lawyers helping lawyers, a customer-driven focus, and commitment to excellence and change.
In the 1960s, many states established continuing legal education (CLE) organizations. Such programs were needed because law schools at that time did not focus on state law or practical training. To fill this need, state CLE organizations arose. ICLE was one of the very first.
Our original founders—the State Bar of Michigan, The University of Michigan Law School, and Wayne State University Law School—entered an agreement in 1959 to establish ICLE. In later years, the Thomas M. Cooley Law School (1981), Michigan State University College of Law (1981), and University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (1997) joined as cosponsors.
The key question we’ve asked ourselves in carrying out our mission is: How can we make our educational services accurate, practical, and conveniently accessible to our customers? As the answer to this question has changed, so have our services.
Through strategic planning, we have transformed our organization from a publisher of print books and seminars designed to update lawyers on Michigan law to a provider of rich, electronic resources designed to inform, educate, and train legal professionals throughout their careers.
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
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Grand Rapids
Gaëtan Gerville-Réache is an appellate advocate with a robust Michigan Supreme Court practice and a focus on administrative agency disputes and Michigan constitutional law. He currently serves as Michigan's cochair for the American Bar Association...

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