Tribute to Beloved Partner, Mentor, and Friend

Tribute to a Beloved Partner, Mentor, and Friend

We honor the life and legacy of Richard “Dick” Young, a remarkable partner, colleague, and friend whose impact on the law, our firm, and our legal community spanned for almost five decades.

For over forty-nine years, Dick practiced law with integrity, courtesy, and deep respect both for the adversarial process as well as the role lawyers play within it. Dick understood on a fundamental level the importance of civility among advocates and the merits of striving to find common ground, not just for the benefit of clients, but the practice of law as a whole. In that way, the varied and meaningful relationships that Dick built with his contemporaries, his adversaries, and his clients were the durable foundation of his legacy. Clients trusted him for his legal skill, honesty, and steadiness, and colleagues admired his integrity, congeniality, and generosity.

At Kightlinger & Gray, Dick was far more than a partner. He was a trusted advisor, affable mentor, and steady presence whose judgment and counsel were deeply valued. Dick’s leadership and impact is reflected throughout the firm today, both in the history and traditions that have shaped Kightlinger & Gray’s present mission as well as the standards and touchstones that have shaped Kightlinger & Gray’s lawyers.

Over his distinguished career, Dick was widely recognized by his peers, earning honors such as the Indiana State Bar Association Civility Award, Diplomat of the Indiana Defense Trial Counsel, Distinguished Fellow of the Indianapolis Bar Association, inclusion in Indiana Super Lawyers (2004–2018), The Best Lawyers in America®, and membership in the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. His practice focused on Alternative Dispute Resolution, Transportation, Premises Liability, Product Liability, and Professional Liability. He was also active in organizations including FDCC, ABOTA, TIDA, and the Indiana Chapter of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals.

Dick’s legacy of integrity, mentorship, and professionalism will continue to guide our firm and inspire all who had the privilege of working with him.

Cheers to you, Dick, and a life well lived. You will be dearly missed.