Mark Bryant Honored with UK Law Alumni Professional Achievement Award

On June 4th, 2025, Mark P. Bryant, founding partner of Bryant Law Center, was honored with the University of Kentucky Rosenberg College of Law’s Alumni Professional Achievement Award at the annual UK Law Alumni Awards Ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency in Lexington. The award recognizes one individual each year who has achieved and sustained an extraordinary level of excellence in the legal profession or their chosen field.

This year’s event was a full-circle moment for Bryant, who graduated from UK Law in 1973. More than five decades later, he returned to the same community that helped launch his career to be celebrated for his lifetime of professional achievements, service, and impact.

“I never imagined this when I walked across the stage in 1973,” Bryant shared. “To stand here more than 50 years later, surrounded by my family, friends, and colleagues, is incredibly humbling. This honor belongs to everyone who has walked this journey with me.”

Bryant was joined by his wife, Sue Austin Bryant; his sisters, Carolyn Trevathan and Laurel Sims; his children and grandchildren, including fellow attorneys Judge Jennifer Bryant Wilcox and Hon. David Bryant; and law partner Emily Roark and her husband, Judge Joe Roark. Among other special guests was UK Men’s Basketball Coach Mark Pope, who offered his congratulations.

The night was not only a recognition of Bryant’s decades-long legal career but also a celebration of legacy. A proud UK Law alumnus, Bryant played a key role in helping secure $35 million for the renovation of the College of Law building while serving as vice chair of the UK Board of Trustees.

“I’ve seen the power of legacy and community—both in my family and in the profession I love,” Bryant said. “It takes a village to build a life in the law. I’ve been fortunate to have an incredible one.”

Following the ceremony, Bryant and his family gathered at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse to celebrate a lifetime of shared memories and the enduring relationships that have shaped his career.

In addition to Bryant, other 2025 UK Law Alumni honorees include:

• Hall of Fame: Garvice D. Kincaid ’37, Gary D. Payne ’79, John M. Rogers (Faculty Emeritus), Penny R. Warren ’79

• Community Service: Laken Albrink ’15

• Young Professional: Jennifer Jackson ’18

• Distinguished Jurist: Thomas D. Wingate ’91

• Legacy: Ernest “Hank” H. Jones II ’74

Bryant’s recognition is a proud moment not only for him and his family but also for the entire Bryant Law Center team. His dedication to justice, community, and the future of the legal profession continues to inspire.