The Louisville Bar Association (LBA) has announced that Michelle L. Duncan, Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Justice William E. McAnulty Jr. Trailblazer Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession.
Duncan, who serves as Co-Chair of the LBA Diversity and Inclusion Committee, will receive the award during the LBA’s Black History Month Presentation on Thursday, February 27 at 4:00 p.m. at the Bar Center. The award is named in honor of Justice William E. McAnulty Jr., the first African American to serve on the Kentucky Supreme Court.
The Trailblazer Award celebrates legal professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the legal community. Recipients are recognized for their commitment to racial equity and justice, promoting cultural competency, and creating partnerships that strengthen diversity initiatives.
The award presentation will take place after a panel discussion titled “Black Men in Law: A Celebration of Excellence, Resilience and Advancing the Legal Profession.” The distinguished panel features Jason L. Brown, Vice President and General Counsel at GE Appliances; the Honorable Brian C. Edwards of Jefferson Circuit Court, Division 11; and Dwight L. Haygood Jr., Senior Counsel at Sazerac Company. Duncan will moderate the discussion.
The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. Interested attendees can register at www.loubar.org. For additional information, please contact Lisa Anspach, Director of Professional Development and Leadership, at lanspach@loubar.org or 502-583-5314 x 108.
About the Louisville Bar Association:
Celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025, the Louisville Bar Association is Kentucky’s oldest continuously operating bar association with nearly 2,400 members and subscribers. The association’s mission is to promote justice and professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public access to the judicial system; provide law-related services to the community; and serve its members. Learn more about the LBA at www.loubar.org.