Join us for the Presidential Inauguration & Awards Luncheon
Join us for the Presidential Inauguration & Awards Luncheon as the State Bar of Michigan bestows its highest honors and swears in the president and officers for the 2026-2027 Bar year.
Tickets for the event at noon September 18, 2026, at the Detroit Marriott Troy are available here.
At the luncheon, current State Bar of Michigan President Lisa J. Hamameh will pass the gavel to Erika L. Bryant, who will serve as the 92nd president of the State Bar of Michigan. Serving alongside Bryant will be Thomas H. Howlett as president-elect, David C. Anderson as vice president, Suzanne C. Larsen as treasurer, and a secretary, who will be elected at the July 24 Board of Commissioners meeting.
The winners of the State Bar’s highest honors will also be recognized and receive their awards at the luncheon. This year’s honorees are:
- Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award: Hon. David Murkowski and Hon. Christopher P. Yates
- Champion of Justice Award: Dorothy Dean and David M. Honigman
- John W. Reed Lawyer Legacy Award: Leonard Niehoff
- John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award: Russell Abrutyn
- Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award: Dennis Clark, Jerjuan A. Howard, and the Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
- Liberty Bell Award: Hispanic Center of West Michigan
Following the luncheon, the Representative Assembly will also bestow two awards during its meeting, also being held at the Detroit Marriott Troy.
- Michael Franck Award: James L. Liggins Jr.
- Unsung Hero Award: Samuel H. Pietsch and Rita White
The Detroit Marriott Troy is located at 200 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy. For more information and to register, visit: michbar.org/awards.
Posted July 7, 2026