Jeffrey E. Kirkey has been named executive director of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, as of June 4, 2026.
Housed at the University of Michigan, ICLE is the education provider of the State Bar of Michigan and was overseen by David Watson since 2017.
“We are pleased to announce Jeff’s appointment,” said Chad Engelhardt, chair of ICLE’s executive committee. “We are excited about the leadership he brings and have the utmost confidence in his vision for the organization.
“With so many new challenges facing lawyers today, Jeff’s strategic planning, relationship-building, and financial acumen will be vital as ICLE continues to set the standard for cutting-edge education.”
As head of ICLE, Kirkey will oversee day-to-day operations and help implement short- and long-range strategic objectives. He will also be charged with financial management, administrative policies, and representing the organization to external audiences.
Kirkey’s tenure at ICLE spans 27 years, beginning as its Internet/Technology Attorney in 1998 and continuing to today as its Chief Learning Officer. Before joining ICLE, Mr. Kirkey worked at a small law firm in Ann Arbor and headed a computer consulting firm specializing in helping law offices.
He is active in the Association for Continuing Legal Education (ACLEA), serving as president in 2024-2025 and frequently presenting at ACLEA conferences on technology, leadership, innovation, and business-related topics. A member of the State Bar of Michigan since 1998, Mr. Kirkey is a past chair of its Young Lawyers Section and also served on the State Bar's Board of Commissioners.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with the incredible team of staff and contributors at ICLE,” Kirkey says. “Our two previous directors, Dave Watson and Lynn Chard, did a wonderful job of running this exceptional organization. I hope to follow in their footsteps and continue to serve Michigan lawyers with outstanding legal programming, products, and world-class service.”
Kirkey is a 1994 graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.A. in political science and earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1998.
The Institute of Continuing Legal Education was established in 1959. Its executive committee is comprised of the State Bar of Michigan, University of Michigan Law School, Wayne State University Law School, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Cooley Law School, and Michigan State University College of Law.
