Friday, September 20, 2024
Harry B. Crow Jr. received the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award on September 18, 2024, in Monroe, North Carolina. State Bar President A. Todd Brown presented the award. State Bar Councilor David Allen assisted in the presentation.
Mr. Crow was born and raised in Union Countyand attended Monroe’s public schools before enrolling at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1966. In 1969 he graduated from UNC School of Law.
From 1969 to 1973, Mr. Crow served as a captain in the US Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps. His military career was distinguished by his work in Washington, DC, with the US Army Judiciary, and later in Vietnam. After attending language school in Monterey, California, Mr. Crow was sent to Vietnam and served with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. There, he advised the Vietnamese JAG Corps, taught at the University of Saigon’s Faculty of Law, and instructed high-level legal officials, including the Vietnamese minister of justice and Supreme Court members. From 1973 to 1975, Mr. Crow was a legal advisor with the US Agency for International Development, then part of the US Department of State, where he continued his work in Vietnam.
In 1975 Mr. Crow returned to Monroe, where he has since practiced law. Over the last 55 years, Mr. Crow has served his clients with distinction, handling a broad spectrum of legal matters. His practice spans civil and criminal courts, real estate transactions, estate planning, business deals, and agency representation before the Social Security Administration, NC Industrial Commission, and NC Employment Commission. One of Mr. Crow’s most vital contributions has been offering bankruptcy services to residents of Union and Anson Counties. For many years, Mr. Crow was one of the few attorneys providing consumer bankruptcy services, ensuring that those in financial distress had access to the relief they needed.
Mr. Crow’s legal career has been marked by a deep commitment to ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their financial means. He has frequently represented those who are disadvantaged, offering his services pro bono without seeking recognition. Mr. Crow has instilled these values in his sons, who now practice law with him at Crow Law Firm. Together, the Crow Law Firm has earned consistent recognition as Pro Bono Honorees in the Mecklenburg Access to Justice Program.
Mr. Crow served as a State Bar councilor for nine years and was president of the Union County Bar. As a public administrator for Anson County, he played a key role in the administration of estates and legal affairs. From 1990 to 1995, Mr. Crow served on the board of Legal Services of Southern Piedmont, providing crucial support to low-income residents in need of legal assistance.
In addition to his legal work, Mr. Crow has been an active force in local politics and civic life. As chair of the Union County Democratic Party for six years, Mr. Crow helped shape the political landscape in his community. In 2012 he was honored with the STARS award by the Democratic Women of North Carolina for his efforts in building the local party. His commitment to public service continued with his appointment to the Union County Board of Elections in 2016, where he served as chair from 2019 to the end of 2023.
Throughout his career, Mr. Crow has earned a reputation for civility, humility, and professionalism. Known for his courteous demeanor and respectful interactions with judges, attorneys, and clients alike, he sets a high standard for others to follow. In recognition of his dedication to the principles of professionalism, integrity, and public service, Mr. Crow was awarded the 2023 Chief Justice’s Professionalism Award by Chief Justice Paul Newby.
Filed Under: General News
