Poyner Spruill LLP is pleased to announce that Katie Cornetto was honored with the esteemed Ann L. Majestic Distinguished Service Award on Friday, April 17. Presented by the North Carolina Bar Association’s Education Law Section, the award recognizes an attorney whose professional accomplishments, community leadership, and personal commitment have made a significant impact in the field of Education Law.
For more than two decades, Cornetto has advised school boards across North Carolina on the full spectrum of issues affecting public education. Drawing on her early career as a civics teacher, she brings a practical, student‑centered perspective to her work and is widely regarded as a dedicated, knowledgeable, and solutions‑driven advocate for her clients.
Cornetto leads Poyner Spruill’s Education Law Group, guiding the firm’s representation of school districts through legal counsel, policy development, litigation, training, and a broad range of advisory services. Before joining the firm, Cornetto served nearly ten years as lead in‑house general counsel to the North Carolina State Board of Education and the Department of Public Instruction.
“Katie has a deep expertise, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to education in North Carolina,” said Managing Partner Chad Essick. “Her achievement not only highlights her exceptional commitment and contributions, but also further strengthens our team’s reputation within the education law community.”
Poyner Spruill attorneys Laura Crumpler and Eddie Speas were previously honored with the Ann L. Majestic Distinguished Service Award.
