Bar award honors veteran county attorney

Wanda Copley, the state’s longest-serving county attorney, has been presented the North Carolina State Bar’s John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award to honor her almost four decades of service.

Copley was presented the award April 1 at the New Hanover County Historic Courthouse in Wilmington, a bar news release dated Monday says. The presentation was made by bar President A. Todd Brown and retired Superior Court Judge Allen Cobb.

Copley began her career in public service in 1984, when she was appointed New Hanover County’s assistant county attorney. Appointed county attorney in 1992, she held the post until her retirement in July 2023.

“Ms. Copley provided dedicated, diligent, excellent professional service and servant leadership, which has enhanced the lives of the citizens of New Hanover County,” the release says. “During her tenure, Ms. Copley provided guidance and gave advice to many different boards of commissioners. She provided counsel to the ABC Board and Airport Authority. Ms. Copley led New Hanover County in being at the forefront of many issues in public health, safety, education, cultural arts, and the environment.”

Her service was more than providing legal counsel.

Says the release: “Her presence promoted diversity in the legal profession, and she emerged as a respected role model. Ms. Copley served as a mentor to young female attorneys beginning their careers. Over her years of service, she earned a sterling reputation, and is known for her impeccable character and integrity.”

Copley earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Carolina and her law degree from the University of Memphis School of Law.

Outside her practice, she served as president of the North Carolina Azalea Festival in 2003, was presented the YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 and the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2023, the release says.