LEXINGTON, Ky.—The University of Kentucky (UK) College of Law recently inducted former Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Steve Beshear to its Hall of Fame for 2016. Inclusion in the Hall of Fame is the highest honor one can receive from the College of Law. Attorney Steve Ruschell earned the UK College of Law Community Service Award. The attorneys were recognized during the Kentucky Bar Association annual convention held at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Ky., on May 11, 2016.

Nominees for the Hall of Fame must meet specific criteria with final selections made by the Board of Directors of the Law Alumni Association. To qualify, nominees must have earned their J.D. not less than 10 years prior to consideration or have taught at the College of Law not less than 20 years prior to consideration. The top candidates have reached the pinnacle of success in their field and remained at that level long enough to show perseverance, have had their success and contributions recognized by their peers and/or have demonstrated a significant positive influence on the College of Law.

The Community Service Award is given to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional volunteer activity and leadership to benefit his or her local, state or national community. Nominees for this award contribute significant effort to civic organizations or special projects that benefit others. The Board of Directors of the Law Alumni Association makes the final selection from all nominees.

Beshear is a Member (Partner) of Stites & Harbison based in Lexington. He joined the firm in 1987, served eight years as Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and rejoined the firm in 2016. Prior to serving as the 61st Governor of Kentucky, Beshear served as Attorney General from 1979-83 and Lieutenant Governor from 1983-87. He was also a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1973-79. Beshear received his J.D., Order of the Coif, and B.A., with high honors and Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Kentucky.

Ruschell is also a Member (Partner) of Stites & Harbison in Lexington. He is the chair of the Lexington office’s Real Estate Service Group. Outside of the firm, he is the former chairman of the Fayette County Bar Foundation (which he helped found in 2006), director of the Triangle Foundation and trustee of Commerce Lexington. He is also the former treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee of the Kentucky Humanities Council. Ruschell received his J.D. and B.B.A., with honors, from the University of Kentucky.