Distinguished Attorney Award

Through its Distinguished Attorney Award, NCAWA periodically recognizes a woman attorney whose achievements in the legal profession exemplify the ideals of hard work, zealous advocacy, commitment to excellence, and respect for others. 

 

The first recipient of this award was Annie Brown Kennedy, the second African-American woman licensed to practice law in North Carolina. Ms. Kennedy was recognized for dedicating herself to excellence throughout her career as a practicing attorney, in the North Carolina state legislature, and as the first woman to be inducted into the North Carolina Bar Association General Practice Hall of Fame.

 

In 2004, NCAWA presented Secretary of State Elaine Marshall with the Distinguished Attorney Award. Secretary Marshall was recognized for becoming the first woman ever elected to a statewide, executive branch office in North Carolina in 1996. She was a former member of the N.C. State Senate before rising to statewide office. Prior to entering politics, she taught in public schools and community colleges, ran her own business, and earned her law degree from Campbell University.