NCSB Journal Spring 2026

to a career defined by clarity of purpose, ethical leadership, and devotion to the public good. Irvin W. “Hank” Hankins III’s lifelong contributions to the law and his steadfast commitment to justice exemplify the spirit of the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of lawyers to uphold the highest standards of our profession. Samuel W. Johnson Samuel W. Johnson has long been rec ognized as one of North Carolina’s most respected attorneys and a pillar of his com munity. A native of Hamilton in Martin County, Johnson earned both his under graduate and law degrees from Duke Uni versity before beginning his legal career in Rocky Mount in 1972. Over the years, he became a trusted advisor to businesses across Eastern North Carolina, building a reputa tion for integrity, fairness, and profession alism that has never wavered. Johnson’s legal work speaks for itself. He has been named to Legal Elite and Best Lawyers in America for his expertise in cor porate law, business organizations, and mergers and acquisitions, and in 2025 was honored as Lawyer of the Year for Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law. His clients, including Boddie-Noell Enter prises and Barnhill Contracting, describe him as indispensable—a lawyer whose coun sel is as valued as his character. But Johnson’s contributions extend far beyond the practice of law. In 1985 he founded Downtown Renaissance, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to revitalizing Rocky Mount’s historic downtown. Through decades of leadership, Johnson helped trans form neglected properties into vibrant spaces, even in the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd. His vision and persistence have left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape. Johnson also played a pivotal role in cre ating Carolina’s Gateway Partnership, an economic development initiative that has attracted major employers and millions in investment to Nash and Edgecombe Coun ties. Among its successes is the Natron En ergy project, which promises over a thou sand jobs and a $1.4 billion investment in Edgecombe County. Community leaders credit Johnson’s legal acumen and tireless advocacy for these achievements. His civic engagement is equally impres

sive. For nearly three decades, Johnson served on the board of the Futrell-Mauldin Community Foundation, helping direct more than $1 million in grants to local causes. He and his wife, Vel, have supported the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America, and their church com munity, earning recognition as Distin guished Citizens from both the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce and the Boy Scouts. Those who know Johnson best speak of his humility and quiet strength. US Bank ruptcy Judge David M. “Dink” Warren summed it up simply: “There is no better citizen lawyer than Sam Johnson. Everyone loves him.” The North Carolina State Bar is proud to honor Samuel W. Johnson with the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award, a fitting tribute to a lawyer whose life’s work reflects the highest ideals of the profession and an unwavering commitment to his community. John W. Smith John W. Smith’s career is a testament to integrity, dedication, and service to the peo ple of North Carolina. Raised on a farm in Moore County, Smith graduated from Davidson College and Wake Forest Law School before serving as a commissioned of ficer in the US Army, attached to the Staff Judge Advocate General’s Criminal Defense Office at Fort Lee, Virginia. Upon com pleting his military service, he began prac ticing law in Raleigh, but his commitment to public service soon led him to the Fifth Prosecutorial District, where he served 14 years as an assistant district attorney. In 1988, Smith was elected district court judge, a position he held for 16 years, including five years as chief district court judge. During this time, he pioneered the first pilot drug courts and family courts in New Hanover and Pender Counties, inno vations that transformed the delivery of justice in those communities. His leader ship extended beyond the bench as presi dent of the Conference of District Court Judges and through service on legislative committees and judicial commissions ded icated to improving the administration of justice. In 2005, Smith was appointed special superior court judge, and in 2009, Chief Justice Sarah Parker tapped him to lead the North Carolina Administrative Office of

the Courts during one of the most challeng ing financial periods in state history. His steady leadership, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to fairness en abled the court system to navigate severe budget constraints while preserving essential functions and constitutional obligations. Af ter retiring as AOC director in 2015, Smith continued to serve as an emergency superior court judge, presiding in 82 of North Car olina’s 100 counties. Throughout his career, Smith has been a mentor and role model to countless lawyers and judges. He has taught business law at Cape Fear Community College, led continuing education programs for prose cutors and judges at the UNC School of Government, and spoken to civic groups to strengthen public confidence in the legal system. His scholarship includes research on the history of North Carolina’s judici ary, and his presentations have brought to life the stories of judges who shaped the state’s courts. Smith’s contributions have earned him the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the Amicus Curiae Award from the Supreme Court of North Carolina, but those honors only hint at his impact. Colleagues describe him as unfailingly courteous, deeply knowledgeable, and committed to justice for all. His integrity is unassailable; his leadership, transformative. As one long time friend observed, “If John Smith’s mother ever appeared before him in a courtroom, I believe she would receive a fair trial.” That simple statement captures the essence of a man whose life’s work has strengthened the rule of law and inspired confidence in the judicial system. The North Carolina State Bar is proud to recognize Judge John W. Smith with the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award—a fitting tribute to a career defined by service, scholarship, and the highest ideals of the legal profession. Nominations Sought Members of the State Bar are encouraged to nominate colleagues who have demon strated outstanding service to the profession for the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award. Information and the nomi nation form are available online: ncbar.gov/ bar-programs/distinguished-service-award. Please direct questions to Brit McInnis at bmcinnis@ncbar.gov. n

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THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE BAR JOURNAL