Irvin W. “Hank” Hankins III Receives Distinguished Service Award

Throughout his distinguished career, Hankins has exemplified the highest ideals of the legal profession—integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service. His professional journey reflects a deep dedication to advancing justice, strengthening legal education, and fostering confidence in the rule of law.

Hankins’s roots in the legal community began early, serving as administrative editor of the North Carolina Law Review during law school and later as president of the UNC School of Law Alumni Association. His alma mater recognized his extraordinary 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 modeled. Hankins’s efforts helped shape programs such as mandatory IOLTA participation, funding civil legal services for those of limited means, and the paralegal certification 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 service. Today, we honor Hank with the very award he helped establish—a fitting tribute 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.