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CLICK HERE TO ACCESS NOMINATION FORM

The following resolution, submitted by the NCBA Professionalism Committee, was adopted by the Board of Governors of the North Carolina Bar Association on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2006.

The document calls for the establishment of the H. Brent McKnight Renaissance Lawyer Award in memory of Judge McKnight, who served the U.S. District Court for the Western District of N.C. prior to his death on Nov. 27, 2004.

A former assistant district attorney, Mecklenburg County District Court Judge and U.S. Magistrate Judge, McKnight also served as chair of the NCBA Professionalism Committee.

Click here to access additional information on Judge McKnight, including a Resolution and Memorial presented by Erna A. P. Womble, former chair of the Professionalism Committee. It was presented on Feb. 10, 2005, during a memorial service arranged by the Memorials Committee of the Mecklenburg County Bar.

The award was first presented in 2006 to Mecklenburg County District Attorney Peter Gilchrist. E. Osborne “Ozzie” Ayscue Jr. of Charlotte, past president of the NCBA, was the 2007 recipient.

This year's award will be presented on Friday, June 20, at the NCBA Annual Meeting in Atlantic Beach.

This nomination deadline for the 2008 award is March 7.

RESOLUTION
CREATING THE H. BRENT MCKNIGHT RENAISSANCE LAWYER AWARD
AND
PROCEDURE FOR SELECTING THE RECIPIENT THEREOF 2006

WHEREAS, Judge H. Brent McKnight served with distinction as a judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, as U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of N.C., as Mecklenburg County District Court Judge, as Assistant District Attorney for Mecklenburg County and as a duly licensed North Carolina lawyer in private practice; and

WHEREAS, the late Judge McKnight exemplified the characteristics of the “Renaissance Lawyer” as they pertain to personal integrity, the pursuit of excellence and enthusiasm for intellectual achievement, service to the community and the profession and the embodiment of professionalism; and

WHEREAS, Judge McKnight’s life and contributions to the cause of justice under the law are summarized in the Resolution and Memorial in his honor presented by Erna A. P. Womble, current Chair of the Professionalism Committee, on February 10, 2005, on behalf of the Mecklenburg County Bar, which is attached hereto and incorporated by reference; and

WHEREAS, the North Carolina Bar Association through but not limited to the efforts of its Professionalism Committee, aspires to recognize those values of the “Renaissance Lawyer” exemplified by Judge McKnight through its various programs, publications and leadership initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the “Renaissance of Professionalism” has been adopted and embraced as the theme of the North Carolina Bar Association year commencing July 1, 2005, by President Michael A. Colombo.

NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved by the Board of Governors of the North Carolina Bar Association:

1. There is hereby established “The H. Brent McKnight Renaissance Lawyer Award,” in honor of Judge McKnight’s contributions to professionalism and the practice of law in North Carolina, and in recognition of the enduring influence and high ideals of the “Renaissance Lawyer,” the form of which shall be determined by the Board of Governors.

2. Annual selection of the award recipients shall be initiated through a subcommittee of the North Carolina Bar Association Professionalism Committee, which will seek nominations from the various sections, committees and individual members of the North Carolina Bar Association. That subcommittee shall recommend recipients to the Professionalism Committee, which shall submit its recommendations, with written information it deems most likely to be helpful for both consideration and potential presentation, to the Board of Governors, at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Meeting, or at such other time as may be directed by the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors shall select the recipients and present the Awards.

3. Criteria to be considered in the selection of the Award recipients shall include the following definitions and descriptions of the “Renaissance Lawyer”:

An attorney who has demonstrated excellence in the pursuit of his or her profession and respects judicial officers, other lawyers, clients and members of the public;

An attorney who serves as an example by inspiring others to renew their commitments to professionalism, integrity, intellectual achievement, civility, and service in the practice of law;

An attorney who provides pro bono services to those in need of such services;

An attorney who provides service to the profession locally, in the state and/or nation, including but not limited to service through professional organizations such as local, state, and national bar associations;

An attorney who provides service to the community through civic, charitable, or religious organizations;

An attorney who is currently active in North Carolina, including lawyers in private practice, public or government service, judges, corporate counsel and academicians; and

An attorney who is a member in good standing of the North Carolina State Bar and the North Carolina Bar Association.

4. Formal recognition of Award recipients selected by the Board of Governors, will occur in the manner the Board selects during the Annual Meeting of the Association, or at a date and time otherwise deemed most appropriate.