BLS Recognizes Former Chair Duesenberg’s Accomplishments

Richard “Dick” Duesenberg, former chair of the ABA Business Law Section in 1987–1988, passed away in August 2023. During his tenure as chair, the Section changed its name from the Corporation, Banking, and Business Law Section to the more simple: Business Law Section.

“Dick was the general counsel of Monsanto Corporation, where he assembled what was considered then to be one of the best in-house legal departments in the country,” said Maury B. Poscover, former chair of the ABA Business Law Section, 1997–98. “He was dedicated to his alma mater, Valparaiso University. Both Dick and his twin brother, Bob, were significant financial supporters to Valparaiso.”

Mr. Duesenberg earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Valparaiso University and a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School.

Mr. Duesenberg joined the law department of the Monsanto Company in 1962 and, from 1977 to 1995, served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of Monsanto.

Besides his active involvement in and proud affiliation with the ABA’s Business Law Section, Mr. Duesenberg served as chairman of the American Society of Corporate Secretaries and vice president of the Association of General Counsels, and he was on the boards of directors of the National Judicial College and the American Arbitration Association. He was a Life Member of the American Law Institute and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

As author of many legal articles, treatises, book chapters, and editorials, Mr. Duesenberg leaves behind impressive writing contributions on many substantive business law topics.