Stanley M. Saunier, Jr., In Memoriam

Stanley M. Saunier, Jr., an Of Counsel attorney at Dinsmore & Shohl, passed away on Dec. 5, 2016.

Saunier joined Dinsmore as part of the Woodward Hobson & Fulton merger in 2009. His practice primarily focused on labor & employment and corporate matters, but he adapted to diverse areas of law including wills, trusts and estates. It was his dedication and commitment to excellence that made Saunier the best kind of attorney according to his son-in-law and Dinsmore partner Lin West.

“Stan had a keen curiosity about the law and wanted to stay on top of as many areas of practice as possible,” West continues. “He was active at the firm well into his 80s and really demanded a high standard when it came to providing excellence for his clients and was equally as dedicated at home. Above anything else, I’ll remember Stan’s dedication to his family, his church and to the practice of law.”

Saunier began his undergraduate studies at the age of 15 at Xavier University and was later accepted into the University of Kentucky College of Law. He left law school for a time to serve in the armed forces as Unit Commander in the 473rd Infantry Unit during World War II. After returning home, Saunier completed his J.D. in 1947. Among Saunier’s many accomplishments, he served as President of the of the Fayette County Bar Association and became the youngest elected City Commissioner in Lexington at age 25, serving from 1950 – 1954.

Saunier, expanded his practice in Lexington as one of the co-founders of the Gess, Mattingly, Saunier and Atchison law firm in 1954. He went into private practice before joining Woodward, Hobson and Fulton.

“Stan was very well respected and liked by everyone here,” said Chauncey Curtz, Managing Partner of the Lexington office. “He had a very good reputation and a man of his knowledge, experience, and general kindness will be truly missed at the firm.”

Stan is preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Margaret. He was 92 years old.