On Friday, September 20, 2024, Ward and Smith's Charles Ellis was inducted into the prestigious North Carolina Bar Association Legal Practice Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony, held at the Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem, was part of the NCBA's annual recognition of the state's most distinguished legal professionals. Ellis was celebrated for his decades of exemplary service, legal expertise, and his far-reaching contributions to the community.
The event brought together North Carolina's legal greats, with Charles standing proudly alongside his Ward and Smith colleagues Hayley Wells, Brad Evans, Jeremy Wilson, Lynwood Evans, and Steve Stephenson, all of whom have directly benefited from his mentorship, leadership, and friendship.
Event Highlights
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was a momentous occasion, highlighting Charles's illustrious career, which has spanned more than four decades. As part of the celebration, a group photo was taken featuring all of the 2024 inductees, including:
- Charles Ellis, Ward and Smith, Greenville
- Edward T. Hinson Jr., James, McElroy and Diehl, Charlotte
- Robert B. (Bob) Long Jr., The Van Winkle Law Firm, Asheville
- William P. Pope, Pope McMillan, Statesville
- Elizabeth L. (Betty) Quick, Womble Bond Dickinson, Winston-Salem
- Edwin M. Speas Jr., Poyner Spruill, Raleigh
- Judge Linda Stephens, Hedrick Gardner (ret.), Raleigh
- Joseph A. Williams, Joseph A. Williams, P.A. (ret.), Greensboro
Qualifications for the Hall of Fame
To be inducted into the North Carolina Bar Association's Legal Practice Hall of Fame, nominees must meet several distinguished criteria. Attorneys must be over the age of 60, current living members of the NCBA, and have been nominated by a fellow NCBA member. Moreover, nominees must have practiced law for at least 30 years, with a minimum of 20 years in North Carolina. Inductees are selected based on their display of the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, along with a demonstrated lifetime of exemplary service to the legal profession.
Honorees are recognized for their contributions to the Bar, their leadership in legal organizations, pro bono work, and community service. Inductees are also seen as role models in both professional and personal spheres, embodying integrity, leadership, and dedication to the betterment of their communities.
Charles Ellis' induction was supported by heartfelt letters from several colleagues, judges, and community leaders who have witnessed his commitment firsthand. These individuals included:
- The Hon. Marvin K. Blount III, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge
- The Hon. Jeffrey B. Foster, Resident Superior Court Judge
- Marianne Cox, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Pitt Community College
- Brad Evans, Litigator and Co-Managing Director of Ward and Smith
- Lynwood Evans, Litigator and Litigation Practice Section Leader at Ward and Smith
- Charles L. McLawhorn, Jr., Retired Attorney, most recently with Ward and Smith
- Dr. Lawrence Rouse, who recently retired from serving as President of Pitt Community College
- Steve Stephenson, Business Development Attorney at Ward and Smith
- J. Harold Seagle, Seagle Law, PLLC
- Hayley Wells, Litigator and leader of the Alcoholic Beverage Law Practice at Ward and Smith
- Jeremy Wilson, Litigator and Leader of the Personal Injury Practice Group at Ward and Smith
These letters, filled with admiration, spoke volumes about Charles' dedication to the legal profession, his community, and his colleagues.
A Memorable Career
Charles has had an exceptional career, establishing himself as one of North Carolina's preeminent personal injury attorneys. His legal practice is renowned for its focus on complex litigation, including wrongful death, professional malpractice, and insurance coverage disputes. Ellis has successfully represented clients in landmark cases, earning national recognition for his legal expertise and dedication. Among his most notable achievements are:
- Camp Lejeune Justice Act Litigation: Charles was appointed by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina to serve on the plaintiffs' leadership team for claims brought under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. This legislation addressed the contamination at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987, which caused severe health issues for military personnel and their families. Charles' personal connection to the area—his father being the namesake of the nearby Albert J. Ellis Airport—added a poignant dimension to his advocacy.
- High-Profile Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Cases: Charles has secured multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients, including recoveries exceeding $2 million in a medical malpractice claim for a large hospital and a $10 million settlement for families affected by an aircraft collision. His ability to navigate these intricate cases has made him a trusted advocate for those facing life-altering injuries and tragedies.
- Recognition by Peers: Charles has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for nearly three decades and was named "Lawyer of the Year" in 2013 and 2019. He has also been recognized as a Super Lawyer in Personal Injury and received multiple "Legal Elite" honors from Business North Carolina. His continued professional excellence is a reflection of his commitment to justice and client advocacy.
Charles's legal acumen extends beyond personal injury cases. He has lectured extensively on topics including insurance coverage, civil procedure, and punitive damages, sharing his knowledge with other attorneys through Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminars.
A Legacy of Leadership and Mentorship
Charles's influence is not confined to his legal victories. His leadership and mentorship have left a profound impact on his colleagues and the broader legal community. In a letter supporting his nomination, Marvin K. Blount III, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge, praised Charles's professionalism:
"Charles is truly emblematic of the type of lawyer and person that our profession desires. He conducts himself with absolute professionalism and always treats others (even notable adversaries) with genuine respect inside and outside of the courtroom. While extremely smart and well-versed in the law, Charles conducts himself in what I can only describe as 'humble confidence.'"
Brad Evans, Ward and Smith's Co-Managing Director, noted Charles's leadership during his tenure as one of the firm's managing directors:
"Charles served as one of the firm's managing directors for over a decade. As a result, I was able to learn from him as a developing attorney, I was also able to learn from his example as a leader of attorneys. He led the firm during a time of rapid growth and change, owing in significant part to his successful leadership.
More importantly, he provided an example of humble servant leadership, earning the confidence not only of his law partners, but also all of our staff, throughout all of our offices across the state."
Charles' commitment to mentoring young attorneys is widely recognized. Hayley Wells, leader of the firm's Alcoholic Beverage Law Practice, shared how his guidance shaped her career:
"Charles has made me a better lawyer each year and he's done that through patiently and freely giving his time.
Charles probably has a heavier caseload than any litigator in our firm, but I know that if I call him any time of day, no matter where he is, he will take my call, give me his full attention, and give me the advice I'm after. If he's on another call, he'll quickly answer, and tell me when he will call me back. Despite his professional and personal commitments, I've never heard him make excuses like, 'I'm too busy,' or 'I'm tired' in response to a request for help or to explain why he has not returned a call. He's always got time for his law partners and is quick to help mentor younger attorneys."
This sentiment is echoed by others in the firm, reflecting Charles's dedication to the professional growth of the next generation of lawyers. Lynwood Evans, Litigation Practice Section Leader at Ward and Smith, emphasized Ellis' influence as a mentor:
"I learned to practice law by watching and doing, not by being" told how to do it. While the opportunities came from many, Charles provided me with the most."
Jeremy Wilson, leader of the firm's Personal Injury Practice Group, shared how Charles's mentorship shaped his development as an attorney:
"Charles taught me how to be a lawyer. He taught me that the central purpose of being an attorney is to help others. And, he practices law that way."
These testimonials reflect the deep respect Charles has earned as a leader within the firm and the broader legal community. Steve Stephenson, Charles' law partner for more than thirty years, further highlighted Charles's commitment to pro bono service and his genuine care for people in need:
"Charles has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to pro bono work within the legal community."
"His altruism is further evidenced by his thoughtful gestures, such as personalized notes to community members, celebrating even the smallest achievements. Whether acknowledging a child's athletic accomplishments or offering words of encouragement during challenging times, Charles consistently prioritizes the well-being of others."
Steve noted that Charles consistently provides invaluable counsel to individuals facing personal challenges, often without any expectation of compensation.
Community Contributions
Charles's impact extends well beyond the courtroom. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Pitt Community College, a role in which he has been instrumental in advancing educational opportunities in Eastern North Carolina. As Dr. Lawrence Rouse, President of Pitt Community College, noted:
"Throughout his work with the PCC Foundation Board, Mr. Ellis has been a steadfast supporter of the PCC VISIONS Career Development and Scholarship Program, which has helped nearly 1,300 Pitt County high school students receive the mentoring, career exploration and other support services they needed to earn diplomas and move into higher education and/or the workplace."
In addition, Charles has served in numerous leadership roles with the United Way, Literacy Volunteers of America, and the Pitt County Health Education Foundation, using his legal acumen to better his community.
Family Legacy in Law
In a heartwarming moment during the Hall of Fame event, Charles Ellis was joined by his sons and daughters-in-law, all of whom are practicing attorneys in North Carolina. A picture captured this proud family legacy, showing (L-to-R) Mollie Ellis, William Ellis, Charles Ellis, Haydon Ellis, and Mary Lawrence Ellis—an enduring testament to Charles' influence both professionally and personally.
Charles Ellis's induction into the NCBA Legal Practice Hall of Fame is a fitting recognition of his outstanding career, his dedication to the legal profession, and his commitment to the betterment of his community.
As his colleague Brad Evans stated, "I can think of no greater example of a 'Hall of Fame'-worthy practice than what I have witnessed, watching Charles Ellis for the last twenty-two years." His legacy as a legal practitioner and a community leader will continue to inspire those within and beyond the legal profession.