Statement from UofL Brandeis School of Law Dean Melanie B. Jacobs on the death of J. Michael Brown

“Brandeis Law School and the Commonwealth of Kentucky lost a dedicated friend and public servant today. J. Michael Brown graduated from Brandeis Law School in 1979 and then spent his law career living up to the principles of public service that are the legacy of our namesake, Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis. Throughout his career, he served in a multitude of public positions. Moreover, his time in private practice was spent in several specialties including labor and employment law, aviation law, administrative law, entertainment law and commercial litigation.

“His service to his profession and community extended beyond the courtroom as well. He was elected the first African-American president of the Louisville Bar Association and chaired the Kentucky Bar Association’s Task Force on Minorities. He also served on the University of Louisville’s Board of Overseers and with a number of other community groups throughout Kentucky.

“I had the chance to talk with him most recently at the Brandeis Law School observance of Constitution Day in October, and I remain impressed with his dedication to, as Justice Brandeis once said, ‘realizing the promise of America through the law.’ He devoted his life to this quest.

“Brandeis Law School extends deepest sympathies to his wife Joan and his entire family.”