Thursday, November 7, 2024
David W. Long was presented with the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award on November 4, 2024, at the North Carolina State Bar building. State Bar President-Elect Katherine Frye presented the award. Other speakers included Bonnie Weyher, Wade Smith, Joe Zeszotarski, Cecil Harrison, and Sandy Chrisawn.
Born in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, Mr. Long was inspired to pursue a legal career by his father and grandfather, both of whom were lawyers. He earned his BA from Duke University in 1964, where he was the manager of the men’s varsity basketball team. He remains an avid Duke fan to this day. After graduating from the UNC School of Law in 1967, he began his career with the Raleigh law firm of Poyner, Geraghty, Hartsfield, and Townsend, a predecessor of Poyner Spruill. Mr. Long later left private practice to work in the US Attorney’s Office. After gaining experience there, he returned to Poyner Spruill, where he has since practiced in the litigation group, distinguishing himself in both criminal and civil law.
Mr. Long’s career as a trial lawyer has been remarkable. 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. His exceptional skill as a trial lawyer and his exemplary professionalism have earned him membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers, the International Association of Barristers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates.
Mr. Long has devoted much of his career to bar leadership and community service. He served multiple terms on the Wake County Bar Board of Directors and on the Wake County Professionalism Committee. He was elected president of the 10th Judicial District Bar Association, where he focused on improving the local grievance process. Mr. Long later represented the 10th Judicial District as a State Bar councilor for three consecutive three-year terms, actively serving on multiple committees, including the Ethics Committee. After completing his term as councilor, he continued to contribute as an advisory member on the Ethics Committee. Mr. Long also served on the Disciplinary Hearing Commission and has been a guest lecturer at both Duke and Campbell law schools.
Mr. Long’s contributions extend to other important roles, including chairing the Advisory Group for the Eastern District of North Carolina under the Civil Justice Reform Act of 1991 and serving on the Federal Bar Advisory Council, where he was chair for two years. He has served on the Inmate Grievance Resolution Board, the Criminal Justice Partnership State Advisory Board, and the Innocence Inquiry Commission. Mr. Long has also mentored many young lawyers. His community involvement includes serving as president of the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL) and coaching youth soccer. In recognition of his many contributions, Mr. Long received the David W. Daniel Award as well as the Wake County Bar’s Joseph Branch Professional Award.
Mr. Long’s career and character truly embody the ideals of professionalism, dedication, and kindness.
Filed Under: General News
