Bowling Green Lawyer Honored with 2024 William H. Natcher Award
Bowling Green, KY — Charles E. English Sr., a prominent figure in the local legal community, has been awarded the 2024 William H. Natcher Award by the Bowling Green-Warren County Bar Association during its annual Law Day ceremony. This prestigious award recognizes English’s impressive career and dedication to the field of law.
A Long and Distinguished Career
Charles E. English Sr. co-founded the law firm English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley LLP and has been practicing law since he was admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 1960. He graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law and returned to Bowling Green, where he also took on the role of assistant coach for Western Kentucky University’s debate team. Additionally, he taught accounting, business law, and communication courses while establishing his legal practice, remaining a faculty member until 1999.
Over his 64-year career, English has focused on various areas of law, including business law, banking, and estate litigation. He has also dealt with cases involving universities and foundations, and often manages probate, trusts, and estate matters.
Notable Achievements
Charles has participated in several significant legal cases throughout his career. One of his major accomplishments was acting as corporate counsel for the formation and financing of a large ethanol manufacturing facility in partnership with a Fortune 500 company.
Moreover, he served as local counsel for Fruit of the Loom Inc., defending the company in federal court against shareholder derivative actions involving its board of directors and officers, successfully securing a favorable outcome.
Community Involvement
Beyond his legal work, English has made substantial contributions to the community. He previously chaired the Bowling Green-Warren County Hospital Commission, where he played a crucial role in transitioning the city/county hospital operation into a not-for-profit entity, ultimately leading to the creation of The Medical Center.
His leadership extends to various boards, including serving on the American Bar Association (ABA) Board of Governors and as chair of the finance committee. Charles has also held positions on the Kentucky Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Judicial Nominating Committee and was a member of the Kentucky’s Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee. Furthermore, he is a lifetime 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.
A Legacy of Service
The William H. Natcher Award was created during the 1994 Law Day Ceremony to honor the life and ideals of Congressman William H. Natcher. The award is given each year to a senior member of the Bowling Green-Warren County Bar Association who mirrors Natcher’s qualities of humility and holds high ethical standards, representing public interests above personal ones.
Looking Ahead
As Bowling Green celebrates Charles E. English Sr.’s contributions to law and community service, it looks forward to the continued impact of his work in both the legal realm and the local community. His unwavering commitment to ethics and public service reflects the spirit of the award he received, setting a commendable example for future generations of legal professionals.
