NCSB Journal Spring 2026

BAR UPDATES

John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award

R. Steve Bowden R. Steve Bowden’s life and career reflect an unwavering commitment to justice, service, and leadership. Born and raised in Liberty, North Carolina, Bowden grew up in a single-parent household and learned the value of hard work early, helping in his grandfather’s pool hall as a child. His deter mination and talent earned him an athletic scholarship to Wake Forest University, where he majored in speech communica tions and played football on the school’s first ACC Championship team. After grad uation, Bowden taught and coached before moving into sales, becoming the first African American agent for Horace Mann Insurance in North Carolina. His passion for advocacy led him to law school, and in 1979 he graduated from Campbell University’s Norman A. Wiggins School of Law as a member of its charter class. Bowden began his legal career in Greensboro, where he founded R. Steve Bowden & Associates, a firm that has served clients for more than 40 years. Known for his skill in personal injury law, Bowden has built a reputation for treating every client with dignity and respect. His professionalism and civility extend to opposing counsel and insurance adjusters, many of whom have referred clients to his firm—a testament to the trust he inspires across the legal community. Beyond his practice, Bowden has devot ed countless hours to civic and professional service. He has served on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, the Campbell University Board of Trustees, and the Advisory Board for Elon University School of Law, where he helped guide the school from its inception. His leadership roles span organizations such as the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Action Greensboro, and the George Simkins Jr. Citizens Political Action Committee, where he works to ensure fair and principled judicial endorsements. A

life member of the NAACP and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Bowden has provided uncompensated legal counsel to the frater nity and currently serves as legal counsel for the Omega Life Membership Foundation. Bowden’s commitment to education and mentorship is evident in his efforts to support law students and young attorneys. He hires diverse interns each summer, fos tering inclusion and providing hands-on experience in personal injury law. His influence has inspired many to embrace service as a cornerstone of their careers. He also dedicates time to pro bono work, assist ing clients with wills, powers of attorney, and other matters for those unable to afford legal representation. His contributions have earned him numerous honors, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the Campbell University Presidential Medallion, and community service awards from the NAACP and the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers. Yet, those who know him best speak of his humility, generosity, and steadfast dedication to improving the lives of others. As one col league observed, Bowden’s journey from humble beginnings to a distinguished legal career is “the best example of the adage ‘only in America.’” The North Carolina State Bar is proud to recognize R. Steve Bowden with the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award—a fitting tribute to a lawyer whose life’s work exemplifies integrity, leadership, and a profound commitment to both the profession and his community. Irvin W. “Hank” Hankins III Throughout his distinguished career, Hankins has exemplified the highest ideals of the legal profession—integrity, leader ship, and unwavering commitment to serv ice. His professional journey reflects a deep dedication to advancing justice, strength

ening legal education, and fostering confi dence in the rule of law. Hankins’s roots in the legal community began early, serving as administrative edi tor of the North Carolina LawReview dur ing law school and later as president of the UNC School of Law Alumni Association. His alma mater recognized his extraordi nary contributions with its Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his enduring impact on legal education and mentorship. Hankins’s service to the North Carolina State Bar is unparalleled. Elected to the State Bar Council in 1997, he served for 13 years, including as president from 2007 to 2008. His leadership extended to chairing the Ethics Committee, the Authorized Practice Committee, and the Disciplinary Hearing Commission, where he worked tirelessly to uphold the profession’s core values and protect the public interest. Under his guidance, the council advanced initiatives that strengthened ethics, improved the administration of justice, and enhanced public confidence in the legal system. As Managing Partner of Parker Poe, Hankins championed pro bono service and equal access to justice, ensuring firm resources supported those in need. His civic leadership extended beyond the firm, promoting diversity within the profession and mentoring countless attorneys who now lead with the same integrity he mod eled. Hankins’s efforts helped shape pro grams such as mandatory IOLTA partici pation, funding civil legal services for those of limited means, and the paralegal certifi cation program, which has improved the delivery of legal services statewide. Remarkably, Hankins played a pivotal role in creating the Distinguished Service Award itself, recognizing lawyers who embody the profession’s tradition of serv ice. Today, we honor Hank with the very award he helped establish—a fitting tribute

SPRING 2026

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