The State Bar of Michigan honored its 2026 State Bar of Michigan award winners at the Presidential Inauguration and Awards Dinner in September. The Representative Assembly also honored three awardees in its meeting immediately following. Congratulations to all the award winners.
LIBERTY BELL AWARD
HISPANIC CENTER OF WESTERN MICHIGAN
The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is the winner of the Liberty Bell Award, which is given each year by local bar associations in conjunction with Law Day to honor outstanding citizens within the local community. The award recognizes outstanding service performed by a non-lawyer citizen who have given their time and energy to strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law, in keeping with the spirit of our Constitution.
For nearly five decades, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan has served as a trusted resource for Latino families in Michigan and the broader community, helping individuals access opportunities and navigate legal challenges. Through education, advocacy, and community engagement, the organization aims to serve those with needs that are unmet otherwise.
The organization’s programming is centered on promoting an understanding of legal rights, expanding access to information and services, and connecting individuals with legal assistance. Its work supports refugees and community members through employment/ workplace counseling, job-placement assistance, transportation and interpretation services, expungement events, and guidance in completing essential forms.
Founded in 1978, the organization serves more than 30,000 individuals annually from its headquarters in Roosevelt Park, the largest Latino neighborhood in Grand Rapids, while advancing its mission of “empowering the Hispanic community to achieve equity, self-sufficiency, and personalized prosperity.” Through its commitment to education, advocacy, and community empowerment, the organization has expanded opportunities and improved access to legal information for thousands of individuals and families throughout Western Michigan and beyond.
JOHN W. REED MICHIGAN LAWYER LEGACY AWARD
LEONARD NIEHOFF
Leonard Niehoff is the recipient of the John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award, which is presented to an educator from a Michigan law school whose influence on lawyers has elevated the quality of legal practice in our state.
Leonard Niehoff has shaped the minds, careers, and professional values of generations of lawyers through his work as an educator, scholar, and practitioner over the past three decades. As Professor from Practice at the University of Michigan Law School, he has taught thousands of students in courses ranging from Civil Procedure and Evidence to First Amendment Law, Legal Ethics, and Media Law.
Niehoff’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. A prolific author and commentator, he has written or co-authored more than 100 publications, including books, law review articles, book chapters, and newspaper columns addressing topics such as free speech, evidence, media law, legal ethics, and constitutional principles. His expertise has made him a trusted source for national and local media outlets seeking insight on complex legal issues.
Niehoff has maintained a distinguished legal practice spanning more than 40 years. He has represented media organizations, educational institutions, and other clients in significant matters involving constitutional law, free expression, higher education, and public policy. He played a key role in the University of Michigan’s historic defense of its affirmative action policies and has represented every public university in the state.
Niehoff has broad interests and has taught courses and seminars exploring theology, Shakespeare, media law, and legal ethics, demonstrating the interdisciplinary approach that has made him such a memorable and influential educator. Through his scholarship, teaching, and advocacy, Niehoff has left an enduring imprint on generations of lawyers and on the legal profession itself.
KIMBERLY M. CAHILL BAR LEADERSHIP AWARD
BLACK WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN
Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan is the winner of the Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award, which recognizes a local or affinity bar association, program, or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community during the past year or on an ongoing basis.
Since its founding in 1992, the Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (BWLAM) has played a vital role in advancing diversity, leadership, professional excellence, and equal justice within Michigan’s legal community. Established to promote reform in the law, facilitate the administration of justice, and uphold the highest standards of integrity in the profession, the association has spent more than three decades creating opportunities for attorneys, law students, and future legal professionals throughout the state.
Headquartered in Detroit, BWLAM’s mission is to “cultivate a spirit of acceptance, cordiality, fellowship and empowerment among members of the Bar and the community at large.” The association focuses on professional advancement, increasing the presence of women lawyers in civic and public offices, and advancing the rights and opportunities of women throughout Michigan.
In collaboration with other prominent local and national legal, civic, and advocacy organizations, BWLAM supported efforts that led to the Michigan Supreme Court commissioning an independent audit of the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission to review concerns regarding the treatment of African American judges. The audit identified racial disparities, finding that Black judges were more likely to face grievances, full investigations, and public censures than their White counterparts.
Through mentorship programs, scholarships, educational initiatives, and professional development opportunities, BWLAM has helped support aspiring attorneys and foster the growth of legal leaders across Michigan. Its work also includes developing and participating in programs that support African American attorneys, encourage diversity within the profession, and advocate for women seeking judicial appointments and leadership positions.
KIMBERLY M. CAHILL BAR LEADERSHIP AWARD
JERJUAN A. HOWARD
Jerjuan A. Howard is the winner of the Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award, which recognizes a local or affinity bar association, program, or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community during the past year or on an ongoing basis.
Jerjuan Howard has become one of Detroit’s most impactful advocates for the next generation, demonstrating how investment in young people can create lasting change.
As founder and board chair of Umoja Debate League, Howard has built a transformative program that is now partnered with more than 25 schools and serves hundreds of Detroit students each year. Through Umoja Debate League, Howard has intentionally created pathways into law, public service, and civic leadership for Detroit students — helping prepare the next generation of advocates and community changemakers.
Howard transformed vacant and underutilized spaces in his childhood neighborhood to create Umoja Village, which now serves as a gathering place featuring gardens, public art, and performance spaces that foster neighborhood pride and engagement. He further expanded these efforts through the Howard Family Bookstore, converting a long-vacant building into a literacy-focused community hub that promotes reading, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Howard currently serves as Director of Youth Affairs for the City of Detroit, where he leads initiatives connecting young people to educational, workforce, and civic opportunities. A veteran of the Michigan Army National Guard, former educator, and longtime community advocate, he has consistently focused on building programs, partnerships, and systems that produce meaningful outcomes for Detroit youth. His previous public service includes leading the City of Detroit’s Task Force on Black Male Engagement and helping develop community-based gun violence reduction strategies, further demonstrating his commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening neighborhoods. Howard’s work reflects a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and empowering others.
KIMBERLY M. CAHILL BAR LEADERSHIP AWARD
DENNIS CLARK
Dennis Clark is the winner of the Kimberly M. Cahill Bar Leadership Award, which recognizes a local or affinity bar association, program, or leader for excellence in promoting the ideal of professionalism or equal justice for all, or in responding to a compelling legal need within the community during the past year or on an ongoing basis.
Dennis Clark is known as a lawyer, educator, bar leader, and mentor whose commitment to professionalism and service has strengthened both the legal profession and the community.
After beginning his legal career in Pittsburgh, Clark relocated to Detroit in 1988, where he continued building a distinguished practice representing clients in complex criminal and civil matters in both federal and state courts. He became a shareholder at Plunkett Cooney and later served as vice president of compliance and ethics for The Auto Club Group. In that role, he developed and implemented a comprehensive ethics and compliance program serving more than 5,000 employees across 11 states.
He served as president of the Federal Bar Association’s Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, president of the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers, president of the national Foundation of the Federal Bar Association, and trustee of the Federal Bar Foundation of Detroit. Through his involvement in these organizations, he has helped expand scholarship opportunities, support legal education initiatives, and promote public service throughout the profession.
Clark taught Business Crimes at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law for eight years, frequently lectured on ethics, compliance, and professional responsibility, and has remained actively involved in organizations including City Connect Detroit, Focus: HOPE, St. Patrick’s Senior Center, and St. Paul Church. He also devoted years of pro bono service representing death-row inmates in post-conviction proceedings, reflecting his belief that every person deserves meaningful access to justice.
JOHN W. CUMMISKEY PRO BONO AWARD
RUSSELL ABRUTYN
Russell Abrutyn is the winner of this year’s John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award, which recognizes a Michigan lawyer who has made a significant pro bono contribution.
Russell Abrutyn is a nationally recognized immigration attorney who has spent more than two decades advocating for immigrants and helping shape immigration law through both his legal practice and extensive service to the profession.
Abrutyn handles a broad range of immigration matters, including family-and employment-based immigration, asylum, removal defense, federal litigation, and appellate advocacy. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented clients in numerous precedent-setting cases before the federal courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals, helping establish important legal protections and clarifying complex areas of immigration law. His work has influenced immigration jurisprudence nationwide and earned him a reputation as one of the leading immigration practitioners in the country.
Abrutyn is a past chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s (AILA) Michigan Chapter and former member of AILA’s National Board of Governors. He has also chaired several national committees and is a frequent speaker at immigration law conferences across the country. His contributions to the profession have been recognized with numerous honors, including AILA’s Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award for excellence in advancing the practice of immigration law, the Sam Williamson Mentor of the Year Award, and multiple presidential commendations.
His pro bono efforts, including his leadership and contributions to the Michigan Habeas Project, have provided critical legal assistance to vulnerable individuals navigating complex immigration challenges. Through both his advocacy and volunteer service, Abrutyn has demonstrated his commitment to the rule of law, fairness, and the protection of individual rights.
CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AWARD
DAVID HONIGMAN
David Honigman is the winner of the 2026 Champion of Justice Award, presented annually to practicing lawyers and judges who exhibit superior professional competence, the highest principles of the legal profession, and extraordinary accomplishments that benefit their local communities, the state, or the nation.
David Honigman is a highly accomplished attorney, former state senator, and nationally recognized advocate who has devoted decades to serving the public and advancing the rights of individuals and communities across Michigan and beyond.
Honigman’s commitment to public service began in elected office. After serving three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives and two terms in the Michigan Senate, he became known for his thoughtful leadership, bipartisan approach to governance, and commitment to improving Michigan law. As a legislator, he chaired key committees, authored significant legislation, and earned a reputation for tackling issues involving civil justice, education, labor, and family law. He was frequently specifically sought out when complex constitutional issues arose. He was recognized as Legislator of the Year by both the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association and the Police Officers Association of Michigan, reflecting his ability to build consensus across traditional political and professional divides.
Following his legislative service, Honigman built a remarkable legal career focused on protecting vulnerable populations and hold
ing institutions accountable. As a partner at Mantese Honigman, P.C., he has led significant class-action and public-interest litigation involving consumer protection, health care access, disability rights, and civil rights. His work has produced far-reaching reforms benefiting children with autism, Medicaid recipients, consumers, military families, and others who might otherwise lack access to justice. Most recently, he helped secure sweeping reforms to Michigan’s Medicaid mental health system on behalf of hundreds of thousands of children and young adults.
CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AWARD
DOROTHY DEAN
Dorothy Dean is the winner of the 2026 Champion of Justice Award, presented annually to practicing lawyers and judges who exhibit superior professional competence, the highest principles of the legal profession, and extraordinary accomplishments that benefit their local communities, the state, or the nation.
Dorothy Dean is highly regarded for both her extraordinary legal career and her unwavering commitment to community service, civic engagement, and the advancement of justice. A respected attorney, executive leader, and advocate, she has focused on empowering others and creating opportunities for individuals and communities throughout Michigan.
Dean’s legal practice has spanned civil and criminal litigation, appellate advocacy, family law, juvenile law, probate matters, and municipal law. She currently serves as president of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, where she champions diversity, inclusion, professional excellence, and equal justice throughout the legal profession.
Throughout her career, Dean has advocated for civil rights, youth development, and community empowerment. She co-founded the Rosa Parks Scholarship Fund while attending law school, established scholarship initiatives that have benefited countless students, and organized educational programs addressing domestic violence, human trafficking, racial justice, and civic responsibility. Her service has also included leadership roles with numerous community organizations dedicated to advancing opportunity and equality. Under her leadership as president of the Southfield Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Task Force, the Southfield City Council approved the permanent placement of Dr. King’s name above Civic Center Drive, and the Task Force successfully commissioned and installed a bronze statue of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the Southfield Public Library.
She is widely known for mentoring future leaders, organizing community initiatives, and advocating for justice. Dean has consistently used her time and talent in service of others, and she has been a dynamic force for positive change.
FRANK J. KELLEY DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
JUDGE DAVID MURKOWSKI
Judge David Murkowski is the winner of the Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award. The award recognizes long-term, unwavering commitment to public service.
For two decades, Judge David Murkowski has been regarded as one of Michigan’s most re-spected jurists, legal scholars, and public servants. A Kent County Probate Court judge since 2006 and chief judge for 18 years, he has helped shape both the administration of justice in his community and the development of probate law throughout the state.
Considered one of Michigan’s foremost authorities on probate and trust law, Judge Murkowski has devoted countless hours to improving the legal profession through education, mentorship, and law reform. His leadership includes serving as president of the Michigan Probate Judges Association and chairing the council of the State Bar of Michigan’s Judicial Section, providing leadership on issues affecting courts and the administration of justice statewide. He was instrumental in developing the Michigan Trust Code, serving as a lead drafter and judicial representative on the committee responsible for significant updates to Michigan trust law.
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Murkowski has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service. He served on the Governor’s Mental Health Task Force Subcommittee on Legislation, helped lead the Kent County Family and Children’s Coordinating Council, trained law enforcement officers as a crisis-intervention instructor, and taught as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. He also continues to educate judges and practitioners across the state through training programs and educational initiatives.
In 2024, he was recognized as Jurist of the Year by the Michigan Guardianship Association, honoring his expertise and leadership in probate and trust law. Judge Murkowski remains a trusted resource for judges and attorneys across Michigan, and his contributions have left an enduring mark on the state.
FRANK J. KELLEY DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
JUDGE CHRISTOPHER P. YATES
Judge Christopher P. Yates is the winner of the Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award. The award recognizes long-term, unwavering commitment to public service.
Judge Christopher P. Yates has devoted his career to public service, professional leadership, and the pursuit of justice. Over nearly four decades, he has served as a federal prosecutor, public defender, private practitioner, trial judge, appellate judge, educator, and consummate mentor. His career and service have earned him widespread respect throughout Michigan’s legal community.
Most recently, Judge Yates served on the Michigan Court of Appeals from 2022 until his retirement from the bench in 2026. Before joining the appellate court, he spent 14 years on the Kent County Circuit Court, where he developed a reputation for fairness, legal scholarship, and judicial excellence. Earlier in his career, he served as chief federal public defender for the Western District of Michigan, assistant United States attorney, attorney-advisor in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel, and partner in private practice.
He has served as president of the Michigan Judges Association, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Gerald R. Ford American Inns of Court, and the American College of Business Court Judges. He also chaired the State Bar of Michigan Business Law Section and currently serves as chair of the Michigan Sentencing Commission. A nationally recognized authority on business courts and civil procedure, he has educated generations of lawyers and judges through speaking engagements, publications, and professional training programs. He has also supported civic education initiatives, including the “We the People” program, helping foster greater understanding of the Constitution and the rule of law among students.
Throughout his career, Judge Yates has prioritized civic engagement, mentorship, and public service, and he has made many lasting contributions to the profession and broader community.
UNSUNG HERO AWARD
SAMUEL H. PIETSCH
Samuel Pietsch is the winner of the Unsung Hero Award, given annually to an attorney who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others.
Samuel Pietsch has dedicated his career to serving injured individuals and families with skill, compassion, and unwavering professionalism. He has quietly built a legacy defined not only by legal excellence but also by his commitment to helping others both inside and outside the courtroom.
Since being admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1979, Pietsch has focused his practice on representing plaintiffs in serious injury and wrongful death cases. He has represented clients in courts across the country. His work has resulted in more than $150 million in verdicts and settlements involving automobile negligence, medical malpractice, product liability, police misconduct, workplace injuries, and other complex matters. In his practice, he has helped resolve more than 3,000 personal injury cases through mediation and negotiated settlements, earning the respect of attorneys, judges, and clients alike for his fairness, preparation, and sound judgment.
Pietsch has mentored numerous younger attorneys entering the profession and has long been recognized as a trusted resource within Michigan’s plaintiff bar. His influence within the profession extends to his own family, as two of his children followed his example and entered the legal profession. Outside the legal community, he has volunteered with Forgotten Harvest and organizations that provide shelter and employment assistance to individuals facing hardship. For more than three decades, he has also served as a sports and fitness coach, helping young people build confidence, discipline, and healthy habits.
Through decades of quiet leadership and service, he has exemplified the qualities honored by the State Bar of Michigan’s Unsung Hero Award.
UNSUNG HERO AWARD
RITA WHITE
Rita White is the is the winner of the Unsung Hero Award, given annually to an attorney who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others.
Through her work as a prosecutor, private practitioner, bar leader, mentor, and community advocate, Rita White has built a reputation for tireless service, professionalism, and a deep commitment to helping others navigate some of life’s most challenging circumstances.
White began her legal career with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, where she spent nearly a decade handling a broad range of criminal, juvenile, domestic violence, child welfare, and appellate matters. She tried hundreds of cases and earned a reputation as a skilled litigator and advocate. In 2011, she founded the Law Office of Rita O. White, PLLC, where she continues to represent clients in criminal, family, juvenile, probate, appellate, and child welfare matters. She also serves as a guardian ad litem for children and incapacitated adults and has represented parents facing the termination of parental rights, reflecting her longstanding commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and families.
She is a past president of both the Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and the Vanzetti Hamilton Bar Association and has held leadership roles with numerous legal organizations, including the Juvenile Trial Lawyers Association of Michigan, the State Bar of Michigan, and the Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association. Through these efforts, she has worked to promote diversity, inclusion, professionalism, and access to justice through-out Michigan. Her leadership and service have earned numerous recognitions, including the Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Leaders in the Law” Award and the Vanzetti Hamilton Bar Association’s Frederick Douglass Racial Justice and Harmony Award.
In addition, she has volunteered with child welfare initiatives, community organizations, her church, and numerous civic programs that support families and underserved populations. White consistently demonstrates compassion, dedication, and strong leadership while advocating for clients, mentoring fellow attorneys, or serving her community.
MICHAEL FRANK AWARD
JAMES L. LIGGINS JR.
James Liggins Jr. is the recipient of the Michael Franck Award, which is presented annually to an attorney who has made an outstanding contribution to the improvement of the profession.
James Liggins Jr. has earned a reputation as a trusted advocate and respected leader known for his integrity, collaborative approach, and commitment to service.
As senior counsel at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, Liggins maintains a multifaceted practice that includes litigation and dispute resolution, white collar criminal defense, construction disputes, and complex business matters. Clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel alike regard him as an honest and thoughtful advisor who approaches challenges with professionalism, creativity, and a commitment to achieving practical solutions.
He is passionate about serving his community and has been elected to the boards of the Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation and Bronson Healthcare Group. He previously chaired the board of United Way of South Central Michigan and the Douglas Community Association, and he helped establish Kalamazoo Defender, the region’s indigent defense organization, later serving as its board chair. Through these efforts, he has worked to expand access to justice, strengthen community institutions, and improve opportunities for individuals and families throughout the region. He also serves on the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees and serves on the State Bar of Michigan’s Board of Commissioners.
Whether representing clients, mentoring future leaders, or supporting organizations that serve the public good, Liggins has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to professionalism, service, and leadership.