Laurin' Roberts Thomas receives 2022 Distinguished Barrister Award
Laurin' C. Roberts Thomas, public services counsel for the State Bar of Michigan, is the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Barrister Award from the Davis-Dunnings Bar Association, an honor recognizing an outstanding member of the Michigan legal community who has distinguished themselves in their career.
As public services counsel, Roberts Thomas’ primary role is managing the State Bar Lawyer Referral & Information Service. Roberts Thomas previously served at the UAW-GM Legal Services Plan and served on the Michigan Parole Board from 2007-11. She was the first person in Michigan certified by National Institute of Corrections to train parole board members in the use of evidence-based practices.
Roberts Thomas currently serves as past-president of the Davis-Dunnings Bar Association, which is named in part after her cousin, the late John W. Davis, a Lansing civil rights lawyer and district court judge. Receiving this award is especially meaningful to Roberts Thomas because as special events chair for the association in 2012, she created the award she is now receiving.
"I have a deep love and respect for the profession," Roberts Thomas said. "I have always worked in my career to mentor and lift law students and young attorneys. I hope I have been able to help others along the way and feel so honored that my work is being recognized by the Davis-Dunnings Bar Association."
Prior to being employed by the State Bar of Michigan, she served two terms on both the Representative Assembly and Board of Commissioners for the State Bar of Michigan. She also served on the Commission on Justice Initiatives, including several terms as Chair of its Equal Access Initiative. She also is a founding member of the Consumer Law Section and current member of the Probate & Estate Planning and Elder Law & Disability sections.
Roberts Thomas will receive the award during the 24th Annual Otis M. Smith Scholarship and Awards Banquet on April 28, 2022.
Posted April 27, 2022