Monday, May 12, 2025
Cecil Harrison was presented with the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award on May 12, 2025, at the North Carolina State Bar headquarters in Raleigh. State Bar Vice-President Kevin Williams made the presentation in recognition of Mr. Harrison’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession, his steadfast commitment to ethical practice, and his record of public and community service.
A native of New Bern, Mr. Harrison graduated from New Bern High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1969. After a year of teaching, he returned to Chapel Hill to attend the UNC School of Law, receiving his JD in 1973. He then clerked for Judge Fred Hedrick of the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
In 1974, Mr. Harrison joined what was then Poyner, Geraghty, Hartsfield & Townsend. He has played a key role in the leadership of the firm throughout his career, helping to guide its transition into what is now Poyner Spruill LLP. As managing partner and a trusted advisor, Mr. Harrison helped shape the firm’s culture of excellence, integrity, and service.
Over the course of his five-decade career, Mr. Harrison has built a reputation as one of North Carolina’s foremost employment attorneys. His practice has included matters arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the North Carolina Wage and Hour Act. He has successfully represented clients before federal and state courts and administrative bodies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the US and North Carolina Departments of Labor, and the Employment Security Commission.
In addition to his litigation and appellate work, Mr. Harrison is a trusted advisor on a wide array of employment law issues, such as workplace investigations, reductions in force, disciplinary matters, and compliance strategy. Known for his integrity, judgment, and professionalism, he is frequently consulted by attorneys both within and outside the firm.
Mr. Harrison has long demonstrated a deep and consistent commitment to community service. He has represented the Triangle YMCA for many years and has been actively involved with Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, where he has served in numerous leadership roles, chaired and participated in multiple committees, and led or supported various community outreach initiatives. He has also served on the board of the Tammy Lynn Foundation and the Board of Visitors for the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Mr. Harrison and his wife, Amelia, are faithful supporters of a need-based scholarship at the UNC School of Law that was endowed in their honor to help ensure access to legal education for future generations of Carolina lawyers.
His professional achievements have earned widespread recognition. He has been named Raleigh’s “Lawyer of the Year” for Labor and Employment – Management by The Best Lawyers in America, ranked among the Top 100 Lawyers in North Carolina by Super Lawyers, and consistently listed in Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite.
Cecil Harrison exemplifies the highest ideals of the legal profession. Through his leadership, mentorship, and service, he has made a lasting impact on the legal and broader community in North Carolina.
Filed Under: General News
