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Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is a corporate law firm with over 230 attorneys serving clients in nine offices throughout Michigan. Among the largest law firms in Michigan, Warner works in virtually all areas of business law.

Michigan Law Firm - Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP attorney James L. Liggins Jr. has been awarded the prestigious Michael Franck Award for 2026.

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Named for the State Bar’s esteemed late director, the annual award recognizes an attorney for “outstanding contributions to the improvement of the profession.” Liggins will be recognized for his achievements on Friday, Sept. 18 at a special meeting of the Michigan State Bar Representative Assembly.

His nomination read in part: “James L. Liggins Jr. exemplifies the values of the Michael Franck Award through his sustained commitment to ethical practice, public service and community leadership. His extensive board and community service further reflect his deep commitment to connecting the legal profession with the communities it serves. Collectively, his record shows a consistent dedication to integrity, equity and public‑focused leadership, making him a compelling and highly deserving nominee.”

Liggins serves as senior counsel in Warner’s Kalamazoo office, where he runs a multifaceted practice encompassing construction litigation, property disputes and real estate concerns, as well as business contractual disputes, criminal defense and health care issues.

Active both professionally and in the community, Liggins serves as board chair of Bronson Healthcare Group and on the boards of Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation, Western Michigan University and Southwest Michigan First. After leading the United Way of South Central Michigan campaign for several years as co-chair, he joined the board of directors and served as chair.

In 2024, Liggins was recognized with the Gulnar Husain Volunteer Award from Communities in Schools. He is a graduate of Leadership Kalamazoo, a program of the Southwest Michigan First Chamber of Commerce.

Liggins has held numerous leadership roles in bar associations throughout his practice and currently is a member of the American Bar Association, National Bar Association, West Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and Kalamazoo Bar Association. A member of the State Bar of Michigan, he serves as commissioner for District F and co-chair of the Judicial Qualifications Committee.

He is a founding member and president of the Judge Charles A. Pratt Bar Association, Kalamazoo County’s first bar association for attorneys of color. Liggins is also a founding member and served as the first board chair of Kalamazoo Defender Inc., the County’s innovative nonprofit public defender office. In 2021, he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by Michigan State University College of Law

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Senior Counsel

James L. Liggins Jr.

Warner Attorney James L. Liggins Jr. Receives Prestigious Michigan State Bar Award

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Warner Attorney James L. Liggins Jr. Receives Prestigious Michigan State Bar Award

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