Andrew Densemo Recognized by State Bar and Federal Bar Association

Federal Defender Office attorney Andrew Densemo is retiring in June 2024 after 33 years of zealous advocacy for indigent clients. 

In honor of his retirement and long public service, Andrew has been recognized this year by both the State Bar of Michigan and the Federal Bar Association for the Eastern District of Michigan. 

The State Bar of Michigan awarded Andrew with the Champion of Justice award. This award is "given to practicing lawyers and judges of integrity and adherence to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession, superior professional competence, and an extraordinary professional accomplishment that benefits the nation, the state, or the local community in which the lawyer or judge lives."

The Federal Bar Association awarded Andrew with the Gilman Award, and honored him at a luncheon earlier this year. The Leonard R. Gilman Award is given annually to an outstanding practitioner of criminal law who exemplifies excellence, professionalism, and commitment to public service.

FDO colleagues will be forever grateful for Andrew's work ethic, superior storytelling skills, and wit. He embraces his clients’ humanity and forces the court to do so. And he mentors younger attorneys to ensure they have the skills to provide top-notch representation to their clients. He exemplifies the type of humble and persistent bravery that changes laws, reduces negative outcomes for clients, and fully realizes the Sixth Amendment.