English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP (ELPO Law) proudly announces that co-founding partner Charles E. English, Sr. was presented the inaugural Chief Justice John D. Minton, Jr. Award on the evening of February 6, 2025. The prestigious honor recognizes English’s esteemed career while honoring his outstanding contributions to the legal community.
Created to celebrate the legacy of Chief Justice John D. Minton, Jr., the award highlights exceptional dedication to improving the legal system and fostering justice across the Commonwealth. The recipient is selected from attorneys in Kentucky’s Second District who exemplify Chief Justice Minton’s values of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to advancing the fair and impartial administration of justice.
Charles E. English, Sr. co-founded English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP in 1973 and has built a career spanning nearly sixty-five years. A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law, English served on the Kentucky Law Journal Board of Editors and competed on the National Moot Court competition team. While studying to become an attorney, he also earned an MBA with a concentration in accounting. Upon graduating from law school in 1960, English returned to Bowling Green to practice law with the firm of Frances, Potter & English. Beyond his law practice, English served as the assistant coach for Western Kentucky University’s debate team and taught accounting, business law, and communication, remaining on their faculty until 1999.
English’s practice has focused on business law, banking, business and estate litigation, business formation and condemnation. He has handled significant cases involving universities and foundations, and regularly managed probate, trusts, and estate cases. One of his most notable achievements includes acting as corporate counsel for the development of a large ethanol manufacturing facility in partnership with a Fortune 500 company. He also served as local counsel for Fruit of the Loom Inc., successfully defending the company in shareholder derivative actions. As Chair of the Bowling Green-Warren County Hospital Commission, English played a critical role in converting the city/county hospital operation into a not-for-profit entity, resulting in the creation of The Medical Center.
Throughout his career, English has demonstrated leadership at both the state and national levels. He has served as a member of American Bar Association’s (ABA) House of Delegates and the ABA’s Standing Committee on the Federal Judiciary. His service also includes roles on the Kentucky Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Committee, and the Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee. Additionally, he is a life member of the Judicial Conference for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and a past President of the Kentucky Bar Association. English has served as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Kentucky Historical Society, consistently contributing to the advancement of civic and historical initiatives.
The Chief Justice John D. Minton, Jr. Award acknowledges English’s enduring impact on Kentucky’s legal landscape and his commitment to justice, professionalism, and community service. ELPO Law congratulates Charles E. English, Sr. on this well-deserved recognition.
