Richard McLellan

Founder & Member, Interim Board of Trustees

Richard D. McLellan is a Lansing-based lawyer who has served as chairman of the Michigan Law Revision Commission since 1986. McLellan has had a 40-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 is chairman of the Council for Africa Infrastructure Development, treasurer of the Cornerstone Foundation, a trustee of the President Rawlings Foundation, and a member of the board of the Native Nations Foundation.

McLellan served as transition director in 1990 for then Governor-elect John Engler and was chair of Attorney General-elect Bill Schuette’s transition team in 2010. Prior to entering private practice, McLellan served as administrative assistant to Michigan Governor William G. Milliken.