In Memoriam: Lawrence B. Lindemer, former MSC Justice

May 28, 2020

The State Bar of Michigan mourns the loss of former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Lawrence B. Lindemer, who died May 21, at the age of 98.

A former State Bar of Michigan Commissioner from 1962-1970, he was a recipient of the 1983 State Bar Roberts P. Hudson Award presented to William M. Ellmann, Leo A. Farhat, Lawrence B. Lindemer, and William G. Reamon for their service as co-chairpersons of the Judicial Qualifications Committee. The Hudson Award, considered the highest award conferred by the State Bar of Michigan, is presented to commend one or more lawyers for their unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar of Michigan.

“Larry was an amazing individual and a role model for all personally and professionally. He had an unequaled enthusiasm and passion about his role as a lawyer and jurist—he considered it an honor and a privilege,” said Webb “Tony” Smith of Foster Swift Collins and Smith, PC. “Larry was the consummate gentleman—supremely honest, always understated and empathetic. He represented all his clients with the same high level of expertise and vigor. Equally notable was his ability to have an engaging and memorable conversation with anyone, from any walk of life. A conversation with Larry left you energized, and our firm feels so fortunate to have had him. He changed many lives for the better.”

Former Justice Lindemer received his A.B. and LL.B degrees from the University of Michigan and entered practice in 1948, after serving as a Second Lieutenant with the Army and Air Force during World War II.  He served as assistant prosecuting attorney for Ingham County in 1949-1950 and served in the Michigan House of Representatives from 1951-1952. Following a two-year stint serving on the Hoover Commission in Washington, D.C., he joined the Lansing firm of Foster, Foster, and Campbell and was named the chair of the Republican State Central Committee from 1957-1961.

In 1975, he was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court by then Governor William G. Milliken. He subsequently worked as general counsel for Consumers Power Company and later practiced with the law firm of Foster, Swift, Collins and Smith, P.C. He is survived by two sons, Larry, Jr. and David, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. There will be a private memorial service at a later date.

Obituary

Interview with former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Lawrence B. Lindemer