Peter S. Gilchrist III and Wade M. Smith Awards - North Carolina Bar Association

The Criminal Justice Section is pleased to solicit nominations for the Peter S. Gilchrist III and Wade M. Smith Awards.

At the 2008 Inaugural Awards Dinner in Charlotte, Peter S. Gilchrist III and Wade M. Smith were honored as a Prosecutor and Defense Attorney who exemplified the highest ideals and professionalism through their career. The Peter S. Gilchrist III and Wade M. Smith Awards will be presented and celebrated in person when possible at the Gilchrist/Smith Awards Dinner. The Criminal Justice Section Council invites you to submit nominations for both awards. Anyone can submit nominations. Please forward this request for nominations to your local bar and encourage them to submit nominations for both awards.

Nominees from previous years are automatically considered in subsequent years.

Nominations Guidelines

Please consider the following criteria in selecting a colleague for this honor:

Actively practicing as a prosecutor [DA, ADA, US Attorney, AUSA or AG] or defense attorney;
At least 15 years of continuous practice as a prosecutor [DA, ADA, US Attorney, AUSA or AG] or defense attorney;
An exemplary record and reputation within the legal community, and who abides by the highest ethical standards;
Has been an active, positive force inside and outside the courtroom in working to improve the criminal justice system;
Does not need to be a member of the NCBA.

Nominations should be submitted by Monday, December 2, to be considered for the 2024 award.

Nomination Form

Award | Criminal Justice Section Peter S. Gilchrist III and Wade M. Smith Awards

Award Nomination *

Peter S. Gilchrist III Prosecutor Award

Wade M. Smith Defense Attorney Award

Nominee Information

Nominee Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number *

Current Employer *

Attach documentation describing the nominee’s practice and explain how the nominee meets the purpose and criteria of this award. *

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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Past Recipients

Peter S. Gilchrist III – Prosecutor Award Recipients

2008 – Peter S. Gilchrist, III
2009 – Edward W. Grannis, Jr.
2010 – William D. Kenerly
2011 – C. Colon Willoughby, Jr.
2012 – Calvin W. Colyer
2013 – James J. Coman
2014 – Sandra J. Hairston
2015 – Barton M. Menser
2016 – Howard J. Cummings
2017 – W. Clark Everett
2018 – Howard P. Neumann
2019 – Kimberly Overton Spahos
2020 – David Saacks
2021 – Pansy Glanton
2022 – Andrew M. Gregson
2023 – Elizabeth Fay Dierauf

Wade M. Smith – Defense Attorney Award Recipients

2008 – Wade M. Smith
2009 – Locke T. Clifford
2010 – James P. Cooney, III
2011 – Joseph B. Cheshire, V
2012 – James E Ferguson, II
2013 – Frederick G. Lind
2014 – Mark W. Owens, Jr.
2015 – Thomas C. Manning
2016 – Sean P. Devereux
2017 – Michael A. Grace
2018 – Claire J. Rauscher
2019 – John P. “Jack” O’Hale
2020 – H. Gerald Beaver
2021 – David Freedman
2022 – Robert Carl “Bert” Kemp III
2023 – Kearns Davis