The Wolverine Bar Association is an active affiliate of the National Bar Association The Wolverine Bar Association was established by a number of African-American attorneys during the 1930’s. It was organized to coordinate the energies and talents of the increasing number of African- Americans admitted to practice throughout Michigan. From its inception, the Wolverine Bar Association assumed a leadership role in community and political activities. The role continues to be paramount in its endeavors today.

The roots of the Association are in the Harlan Law Club, which was founded in 1919 by several attorneys in the Detroit area who were excluded by local bar associations throughout the state. The club’s name was selected in recognition of the late United States Supreme Court Justice John M. Harlan. Justice Harlan was dedicated to the goal of equality of treatment under the law for all in our society. His philosophy was exemplified in the dissenting opinion of the 1896 U.S. Supreme Court Case of Plessy v. Ferguson. The Wolverine Bar Association replaced the Harlan Law Club and expanded its influence from Detroit to the entire “Wolverine” state.