In February 2021, the North Carolina State Bar awarded attorney Mike McIntyre with its highest honor for demonstrating exemplary service to the legal profession, the John B. McMillian Distinguished Service Award.
A formal presentation of the award was delayed because of the pandemic. Just recently, on December 9, 2022, State Bar President Marci Armstrong and Josh Malcolm, the 16B Judicial District State Bar Councilor, delivered the award in person at Lumberton's Pine Crest Country Club in Robeson County, Mike's home county.
The State Bar made the presentation during the annual Buck Harris Dinner, chaired by state Senator Danny Britt and sponsored by the Robeson County Bar Association. Immediately prior to the presentation, Joe Osman, Assistant District Attorney, was sworn in as the new Robeson County Bar President.
President Armstrong began the presentation with the following remarks:
"The award is being presented to you in recognition of your work to enhance and strengthen legal education, to further the public's understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and justice system, and to encourage professionalism among Bar members. In addition, you are being recognized for the considerable amount of professional time and resources you have devoted to assuring equal access to our judicial system, and for seeking to improve the quality of legal services rendered by our profession."
Malcolm followed the President's remarks by outlining Mike's remarkable 41-year career of impressive accomplishments, which spanned professional achievements and involvement across multiple levels - from the local community through Congressional representation. Mike's successes earned notable distinctions such as the Distinguished Law Alumni Award from UNC, the Liberty Bell Award for strengthening freedom under the law, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the NC Bar Association, the Lawyer of the Year Award from Lawyers Weekly, and the Outstanding Public Service Award from the Secretary of the Navy, among others.
After delivering his address, President Armstrong continued the celebration by presenting Mike with State Bar's only award given, the John B. McMillian Distinguished Service Award. Mike's sons, Joshua and Steven, both of whom are attorneys, and his daughter-in-law, Angelica, who is the Chief District Court Judge, were with him when the award was given.
Mike serves as the Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Economic Development for Ward and Smith. His professional experience encompasses business, coastal, energy, environmental, agribusiness, real estate, sports, and entertainment law.
Mike's practice is based in the firm's Raleigh office, and he works on behalf of clients in Washington, DC, and across the state.
