Family Law Section Distinguished Service Award
About the Award
Establishment of Award, Purpose and Criteria: The Family Law Section Distinguished Service Award is established to recognize, and to encourage others to emulate, extraordinary service to the Section, the legal profession or the public, above and beyond the call of any official duties to the Section, in an endeavor or endeavors relating to the field of family law and the mission and activities of the Section. Such endeavors could include, for example, leadership in the creation, promotion or execution of particular projects, programs or initiatives of the Section; contributions to the jurisprudence of family law; advocacy for law reform in the field of family law; promotion of public understanding of family law; continuing education of lawyers in the field of family law; creation or expansion of opportunities for pro bono service by family law lawyers; and other endeavors that reflect the professional ideal of service by lawyers to the profession and the public, beyond service to their clients. It is expected that the service to be so recognized will be extraordinary and distinguished, beyond the job well done or the duty fulfilled that is to be expected of good lawyers.
Additional Requirements: The recipient of the Award must be a member of the Family Law Section and must be nominated by a member of the Family Law Section. The recipient of the Award must also be a resident of the state of North Carolina.
Nominations Guidelines
Complete the form below to nominate an individual. Space is provided to describe the nominee’s practice and how the nominee meets the criteria of the award. Please feel free to also upload documents detailing the nominee’s practice and contributions, as well as letters of support related to the nominee’s law practice and public service from attorneys and lay persons who know the nominee well (extensive information in this area is encouraged).
Award Recipients
- 2023 | Mark E. Sullivan
- 2021 | Heidi C. Bloom
- 2018 | Shelby D. Benton
- 2012 | Carlyn G. Poole
- 2012 | John H. Parker
- 2012 | Howard L. Gum
- 2000 | George K. Walker
- 1997 | Marcia H. Armstrong
- 1996 | Representative Joe Hackney
- 1995 | Fred A. Hicks
- 1992 | J. Edgar Moore
- 1991 | Richard D. Stephens
- 1990 | Lynn P. Burleson