Woman Attorney of the Year Award - North Carolina Bar Association

Tabitha Ann Holton* was the first woman admitted to the bar in North Carolina. By her mid-twenties, Ms. Holton spoke four languages and was tutoring her brothers in the study of law. But when she traveled to Raleigh in 1878 to apply for a law license, she was forced to hire male counsel in order to earn the right to be tested. Ms. Holton passed the bar, answering every question correctly. She went on to practice law in Yadkinville for eight years before succumbing to tuberculosis at age 32.

Tabitha Ann Holton is a rare and extraordinary example of a pioneer who resisted societal norms and paved the way for all women in this profession. The NCBA’s Women in the Profession Committee is committed to recognizing these kinds of exceptional accomplishments and to acknowledging the outstanding contributions of local trailblazers who successfully battle discrimination, gender stereotypes, and other societal limitations.

It is often said that we should “leave the ladder down” but we also need to celebrate and support accomplished women leaders and provide more opportunities for recognition.

The NCBA’s Women in the Profession Committee is now accepting applications for the inaugural Woman Attorney of the Year Award. The winner will have demonstrated excellence in her area of
practice, unending professionalism, and the persistent promotion and protection of other women in the legal profession.

Nominees will be members of the North Carolina Bar Association who have practiced law in North Carolina for more than 10 years. An appropriate candidate will:

1. Have achieved excellence in her area of practice;
2. Promoted civility, professionalism, and diversity in the practice of law; and
3. Demonstrated a commitment to mentorship and the promotion and protection of other women attorneys.

Supporting Materials:

1. Nomination Application
2. Articles or news stories about the nominee
3. No more than five letters in support of the nominee

Nomination deadline is Monday, March 8, 2025. Award winners will be honored at the Women in the Profession’s Annual Banquet.

Nomination Form

Award | WIP Woman Attorney of the Year Award

Nominee Information

Nominee Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Current Employer *

Describe the career of the nominee, including background and scope of professional duties. *

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

Describe the nominee's exceptional achievements or accomplishments. *

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

List honors, awards and other recognition of the nominee’s contribution in any of the areas above. *

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

Contact Information for Person Submitting Nomination

Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Current Employer / Title *

Certification

By checking this box, I certify that the information above is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge.

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*Information about Tabitha Holton comes from The Changing Face of Justice: A Look at the First 100 Women Attorneys in North Carolina.