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Specialization Award Recipients

Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 Board of Legal Specialization Awards
(Pictured below are award recipients Howard Gum, Robert Ponton, Judge John Tyson, Jim Cross, John Narron. and Sara Davis.)

The 2013 Howard L. Gum Service Award is presented to Robert Ponton. Robert became a board certified specialist in appellate law in 1993. He has served on the family law specialty committee since 2007 leading as chair for the past year. Robert has consistently played an integral role in writing and grading the family law examination. His nominator notes that Robert has given a considerable amount of time and dedication to the committee and that the committee members have great respect for his efforts. The family law committee, the awards committee, and the board recognize and appreciate Robert for all of his hard work, ethics, and dedication.

The 2013 James E. Cross Jr. Leadership Award is presented to Judge John Marsh Tyson. Judge Tyson’s nominator noted that he is the only North Carolina judge who is board certified in real property law. Judge Tyson has written many scholarly law review and journal articles, written continuing legal education manuscripts, and has conducted numerous live CLE presentations. Though he could have claimed the statutory judicial exemption from CLE requirements, he instead completed as many as 50 CLE credits per year while continuing to teach Real Property Planning at Campbell Law School. Judge Tyson has demonstrated a long-term commitment of service to the legal profession, his community, and the state of North Carolina. We are pleased to recognize Judge John Marsh Tyson for all of his accomplishments.

The 2013 Sara H. Davis Excellence Award is presented to John Narron. John became a board certified specialist in family law in 1989, in the first class of lawyers to be certified in family law. One of his nominators notes that he brings a measure of objectivity to each and every case, representing his clients with zeal that is tempered with reason. Another nominator shares that John leads by example and shares willingly with others, offering kindness and compassion, skillful analysis, and patient listening. John enjoys the highest respect of all who have the pleasure of knowing him, both as a lawyer and as a man. His accomplishments as an attorney and as a leader are truly remarkable. We are honored to present John with this award.