Robinson O. Everett Professionalism Award: Taylor M. Dewberry
Taylor Dewberry is Smith Anderson’s Chief Diversity Officer and an attorney in the firm’s Employment, Labor and Human Resources practice group. Her law practice focuses on employment-related counseling and defending employers against claims involving discrimination, wrongful discharge, retaliation, harassment and civil rights claims. She has represented clients in state and federal courts and agencies throughout North Carolina. As Chief Diversity Officer, Taylor works closely with the firm’s Management and D&I Committee in creating and implementing D&I programs and policies to recruit and retain diverse talent, support professional development and foster an inclusive workplace culture.
Taylor continuously seeks innovative ways to advance Smith Anderson’s D&I mission, with her vision rooted in the belief that every individual should feel included and free to be their authentic selves. Her strategic approach to advancing D&I is not only about promoting a culture of belonging within Smith Anderson, but also about influencing the broader legal profession and the overall community. Triangle Business Journal named Taylor a 2024 Leader in Diversity and North Carolina Lawyers Weekly and the Mecklenburg Times recognized Taylor as one of North Carolina’s 50 Most Influential Women in 2024 for her leadership, business acumen, mentoring and community involvement.
Outside of work, Taylor is committed to the community. She serves on the board of Rise Southeast Raleigh Charter School and Southeast Raleigh Promise, and the North Carolina Bar Association Board of Governors. She also volunteers at her church, Vintage Downtown, on the connections team connecting visitors to church resources and greeting new members.