NC State Bar honors lawyers’ long service

The North Carolina State Bar has recognized four lawyers in the second half of the year for their long service to the institution, the broader legal profession and their communities.

The bar presented each of the men its John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award, news releases from the agency say. One lawyer was recognized in each of December and November, and two were honored in September.

Most recently honored was W. Donald Carroll Jr. His legal and public career includes service as a law clerk for Judge James B. McMillan, a civil litigation practice from 1972 to 1991 at Helms, Mullis, and Johnston, as a member of the Charlotte City Council, and, from 1982 to 1991, as a member of the Charlotte Housing Authority, where he rose from commissioner to vice chair to chair.

“Mr. Carroll’s most profound contributions to the legal profession began in 1994 when he set aside his thriving legal career to lead the North Carolina State Bar’s Lawyer Assistance Program (LAP),” the release says. “At a time when addiction and mental health challenges among lawyers were often overlooked, Mr. Carroll became a pioneering advocate. His articulate and persuasive leadership helped destigmatize these issues, transforming the program into a critical resource and national model[.]”

Also presented the award earlier was David W. Long. His legal career includes a criminal and civil law practice with the Raleigh law firm Poyner, Geraghty, Hartsfield and Townsend (a predecessor of Poyner Spruill), the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and a later return to Poyner Spruill.

Says a news release: “Though he has handled many civil cases, his primary focus has been criminal defense, including complex white-collar crime cases involving allegations of political bribery, tax fraud, antitrust violations, and election fraud. His reputation for excellence extends beyond North Carolina, with cases litigated in federal courts across the United States.”

He also has served as a member or officer of the Wake County Bar, Wake County Professionalism Committee, 10th Judicial District Bar Association and North Carolina State Bar.

Robert W. Wolf was honored as the capstone of a selfless general legal practice in a small Piedmont community.

“Mr. Wolf has served as a dedicated attorney in Rutherford County, where he has earned a reputation for his selflessness and commitment to helping those in need,” a news release says. “In this rural community, where many cannot afford legal representation, Mr. Wolf put his clients before financial concerns. … Mr. Wolf stays abreast of legal changes and developments, ensuring his clients receive the best possible representation. Additionally, Mr. Wolf has been a mentor to many younger attorneys in his community.”

He also has been the long-serving president of the local bar, a member of the state Disciplinary Hearing Commission and active on the boards of local agencies and nonprofit groups, including Family Resources of Rutherford County, Hospice, Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity, the Vocational Rehabilitation Workshop. He also is the longtime chair of the board for the Forest City Housing Authority.

Also recognized was Clifton T. Barrett, a veteran prosecutor.

He began his legal career in 1985 as an assistant district attorney in Forsyth County, the release says, going on to try 175 jury trials to verdict in a nine-year period. The cases included 18 murder trials and the first trial in the state to use DNA evidence. For the latter, he became an adviser to prosecutors nationwide on the use of the innovative technology.

He moved to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina in 1994, where he still practices. In addition to his courtroom duties, he has mentored numerous younger attorneys and served with working and advisory groups for the U.S. Justice Department.

His mentoring extends beyond the Justice Department.

“Mr. Barrett also devoted himself to legal education in North Carolina, as an adjunct professor at Wake Forest University, where he has taught trial practice since 1996,” a release says. “Notably, as one of his colleagues commented, “He devoted a tremendous amount of time to that effort because he thought it was important to train the next generation of attorneys who would eventually take our place.”

The McMillan Award honors State Bar members “who have demonstrated exemplary service to the legal profession,” the agency’s website says. Honorees are selected from nominations by their fellow lawyers.