Michael Houghton Receives First State Distinguished Service Award

Today, the Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA) presented the First State Distinguished Service Award to retired Morris Nichols partner Michael Houghton.

The award recognizes “a member of the Delaware Bar who, by exemplary leadership and service dedicated to the cause of good citizenship in civic and humanitarian service over a period of many years has maintained the integrity and honored recognition of the legal profession in community affairs and who, as an outstanding Delawarean, unceasingly advances the ideals of citizen participation and community accomplishment, thus reflecting high honor on both country and profession.” It was first awarded to Morris Nichols name partner James M. Tunnell Jr. in 1979. Other recipients include prominent Delaware judges and private practitioners.

Mike’s many leadership roles have spanned local, state, and national bar activities, political initiatives, and non-profit board roles. He is a past president of the DSBA and the Uniform Law Commission; served on the boards of the Delaware Bar Foundation, Delaware Public Policy Institute, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation; and chaired the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council; among many activities.

“I am pleased to congratulate Mike for this accomplishment and his continued service to the State of Delaware,” said Bill Lafferty, chair of Morris Nichols’ executive committee. “Mike’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and public service have been evident throughout his entire 40-year career, and his contributions to the State of Delaware are truly awe-inspiring.”

Mike has also helped draft and enact numerous pieces of Delaware legislation including Delaware’s Bank Insurance Powers Act, Limited Liability Partnership Act, Revised Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, Delaware’s “Technology Court” legislation, and the Prevention and Remedies for Human Trafficking Act.

“Mike’s dedication to civic and public service has been unwavering,” added Morris Nichols commercial partner Katherine Betterly. “I have had the privilege of working with Mike my entire career and he has consistently demonstrated that true success in the legal profession goes beyond delivering exceptional work—it also demands meaningful engagement with the community.”

The First State Distinguished Service award was presented at the DSBA’s 2025 Bench & Bar Conference in Wilmington, Delaware.