The North Carolina State Bar will award the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award to Cecil Harrison, a distinguished employment attorney and former Managing Partner of Poyner Spruill LLP. This recognition is the highest honor bestowed by the Bar for exemplary service to the legal profession and the public.
With a career spanning five decades, his practice has encompassed a broad range of employment law matters, including matters arising under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Harrison has successfully represented clients in a number of federal and state cases, as well as in matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the United States and North Carolina Departments of Labor, and the Employment Security Commission. He has also argued numerous appeals at both the state and federal levels.
Over the course of many years, Harrison has provided on an ongoing basis pro bono services to a number of Raleigh nonprofit organizations. In addition, he has been a speaker at various CLEs, and public engagements.
In addition to his legal practice, Harrison has been a dedicated leader and mentor within the profession. He is an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association and the Wake County Bar Association.
His professional excellence has been recognized through numerous accolades, including:
- The Raleigh Labor and Employment Lawyer of the Year for Management in Raleigh on several occasions by The Best Lawyers in America
- Ranked among the Top 100 North Carolina Lawyers by Super Lawyers
- Recognized numerous times in Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite
“Cecil exemplifies the highest ideals of our profession,” said Managing Partner Dan Cahill. “His commitment to justice, mentorship, and public service has left a lasting impact on the legal community. His unwavering dedication and impactful contributions are truly commendable. He consistently exceeds expectations, showcasing both his exceptional legal expertise and his deep compassion and integrity. We are honored to have Cecil on our team, and this award reflects his well-earned recognition for hard work and commitment. On a personal level, he has been such a valued mentor and champion to me and legions of Poyner lawyers.”
Harrison will be recognized on May 12, 2025 at the North Carolina State Bar Headquarters in Raleigh.
The John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award recognizes North Carolina attorneys who have demonstrated outstanding service through their contributions to the legal profession, the administration of justice, and the public good.
For more information about the award, visit https://www.ncbar.gov.
