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The Mackinac Center team gathered in November to celebrate one of our own: Vice President of Legal Affairs Patrick Wright. At a ceremony in Detroit, the Federalist Society’s Michigan Lawyers Chapter presented Patrick with the prestigious Joseph D. Grano Award, one of the highest honors in Michigan’s legal community.
For 20 years, Patrick has been a driving force at the Mackinac Center. Sixteen years ago, he founded the Mackinac Center Legal Foundation and has led it ever since, securing landmark victories in state and federal law. He helped end the illegal dues skim that siphoned millions from home care givers; challenged unconstitutional executive overreach during the COVID-19 pandemic; fought for government transparency; upheld parental rights; and defended free speech. He is still working to secure individual liberty for Michigan residents.
The Grano Award, named for the late professor Joseph D. Grano, recognizes individuals who embody a profound “respect for the rule of law, separation of powers, and the principle that ours is a government of laws, not of men.” Past recipients include former Gov. John Engler and several Michigan Supreme Court chief justices, as well as federal judges. Patrick is the first public interest attorney to receive this award, a strong sign of how extensive his contributions to freedom have been for all Michigan residents.
Here’s what some of the team has to say:
“Patrick Wright pursues justice for those harmed by poor governance. His courtroom wins restored rights to countless parents, business owners, and everyday taxpayers whose courage was inspired by knowing that Patrick would advocate for them,”
- Joseph Lehman, President“Patrick brings a powerful combination of lawyerly precision, commitment to the constitution and compassion for people who have been steamrolled by government. The donors who supported the Mackinac Center Legal Foundation can be proud of the recognition its work has earned.”
- Michael Reitz, Executive Vice President“Creating the Mackinac Center Legal Foundation from scratch and litigating the cases he has brought has made an enormous impact on Michigan. Both on our state’s public policy and its jurisprudence,”
- Derk Wilcox, Senior Attorney“Patrick’s leadership and legal expertise have shaped Michigan’s public-interest landscape for the better. He has spent his career championing the constitutional principles that allow people to thrive. His dedication to defending individual liberty has delivered real-world victories for countless citizens, and we’re proud to see his contributions honored with the Grano Award.”
- Cami Pendell, Vice President for Government Affairs
Patrick’s unwavering commitment to individual liberty has delivered lasting results and continues to set the standard for defending civil liberties in Michigan.
