Richard D. McLellan

Richard D. McLellan is a retired Lansing, Michigan-based lawyer who has had a 50-year career as a lawyer focusing on public policy and political matters. He is recognized as among the most prominent and influential citizens in Michigan.

The Detroit Free Press reported, “He’s seldom seen in the state Capitol, and less likely to be noticed. . . . Take a look at someone who may well be the most influential person in Michigan you never heard of.”

McLellan has served in a wide range of public service positions in Michigan, including chairman of the Corrections Commission, chairman of the Michigan Film Advisory Commission, member of the International Trade Authority, and member of the Michigan Jobs Commission. He previously served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Michigan State University College of Law and as a member of the Board of Governors of the Cranbrook Institute of Science.

McLellan has long been committed to free speech and freedom of expression.

• McLellan serves on the Advisory Board of The James H. and Mary B. Quello Center for Telecommunication Management and Law, a multi-disciplinary center at Michigan State University. The Quello Center focuses on research that stimulates and informs public debate on communication, information, and media policy.
• McLellan has endowed the McLellan Online Free Speech Library at the Michigan State University College of Law. The Library connects students and educators to resources dedicated to protecting and explaining students’ First Amendment rights in an ever-changing technological era. Michigan State University’s First Amendment Law Clinic is the only clinical school program in the country focused on protecting student speech and press rights.
• In 2023, the Russell Kirk Center announced the establishment of the Richard D. McLellan Prizes for Advancing Free Speech and Expression. The Program will annually award a McLellan Prize of $50,000 and at least two summer writing fellowships of $12,500 for the best writing, creative works, actions, and new media communications in this crucial cultural area.

McLellan served as transition director in 1990 for then Governor-elect John Engler.  Prior to entering private practice, McLellan served as administrative assistant to Michigan Governor William G. Milliken. He is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in advertising and of the University of Michigan Law School.