The State Bar of Michigan will host the Presidential Inauguration & Awards Luncheon to bestow its highest honors and swear in the president and officers for the 2026-2027 bar year. The event will take place Friday, September 18, beginning at noon at the Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy.
Current State Bar of Michigan President Lisa J. Hamameh will pass the gavel to Erika L. Bryant, who will serve as the 92nd president. Serving alongside Bryant will be Thomas H. Howlett as president-elect, David C. Anderson as vice president, Suzanne C. Larsen as treasurer, and Aaron Burrell as secretary.
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: Judge David Murkowski and Judge 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. The honorees include:
• Michael Franck Award: James L. Liggins Jr.
• Unsung Hero Award: Samuel H. Pietsch and Rita White
For additional information and to register for the luncheon, visit: michbar.org/awards.
Current State Bar of Michigan President Lisa J. Hamameh will pass the gavel to Erika L. Bryant, who will serve as the 92nd president. Serving alongside Bryant will be Thomas H. Howlett as president-elect, David C. Anderson as vice president, Suzanne C. Larsen as treasurer, and Aaron Burrell as secretary.
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: Judge David Murkowski and Judge 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. The honorees include:
• Michael Franck Award: James L. Liggins Jr.
• Unsung Hero Award: Samuel H. Pietsch and Rita White
For additional information and to register for the luncheon, visit: michbar.org/awards.
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