The Award honors an attorney who embodies the qualities of professionalism, civility, personal integrity, the pursuit of excellence, enthusiasm for intellectual achievement, and service to the community and the profession as a “Renaissance Lawyer.” It was established in memory of the late Judge H. Brent McKnight, who served with distinction in the Western District of North Carolina in the U.S. District Court.

Reflecting these qualities, McIntyre's expansive career includes nearly two decades of service in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he fervently advocated for rural and coastal communities, military bases, and economic development, among other causes. His efforts to recognize the Lumbee Tribe and pass crucial legislation like the tobacco buyout provided vital support to agriculture and our nation’s armed forces.

Beyond his legislative achievements, McIntyre collaborated with the NCBA to develop the Youth Leadership Challenge program, providing opportunities for civic engagement and community leadership to middle and high school students. A Morehead Scholar, he also established a mentoring program at his alma mater through the UNC Christian Legal Society and N.C. Study Center called the McIntyre-Whichard Legal Fellows Program. Initially starting at UNC-Chapel Hill, the program expanded to N.C. Central and Campbell Law Schools this year.

This commitment to nurturing future leaders is rooted in McIntyre's lifelong dedication to service. He has been active in community, church, civic, and professional endeavors throughout his life, from his growing up and living in Lumberton to his current work in the Triangle, where he and his wife, Dee, live near Chapel Hill.

In recognition of these diverse achievements, Gill Beck, Chair of the NCBA Professionalism Committee, presented McIntyre with the award, praising his dedication and impact.

"Over his long and distinguished career, Mr. McIntyre has embodied the values and attributes of a Renaissance Lawyer. From being a Shakespearean actor in a children's arts fundraiser to preserving our beaches. From coaching youth sports teams to cofounding Caucuses on Capitol Hill for the Special Forces, for Responsible Fatherhood and for Prayer, from promoting Scottish literature to winning several national awards while serving in U.S. Congress, Mike McIntyre embodies what is best about North Carolina Lawyers and serves as an example for North Carolina lawyers to emulate and aspire to."

Reflecting on this honor, Mike McIntyre shared his gratitude:

"I have been blessed to serve North Carolina in various capacities throughout my career. It is truly an honor to receive this award named after Judge McKnight, whose legacy of professionalism and service continues to inspire us all."

McIntyre's extensive contributions have also earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake, Jr. Award for Distinguished Public Service from the North Carolina Bar Association, the Liberty Bell Award for promoting civic engagement and strengthening democracy, the State Bar's Distinguished Service Award, the Distinguished Public Service Award from the U.S. Secretary of the Navy for his exceptional leadership on behalf of the Navy and Marine Corps, and the International Association of Personnel in Employment Security's Public Policy Award for promoting jobs and workforce development.

After nearly a decade in-house at Veolia and 3+ years in-house at GFL Environmental, Tara Hackler accepted the Associate General Counsel position at ILiAD Technologies, a company affiliated with EnergySource Minerals whose direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology is poised to revolutionize the industry. Hackler says of the move, "It's inspiring to step into this role and I'm truly invigorated to integrate with the incredible team at ILiAD!"

J. Heydt Philbeck of Bailey & Dixon, LLP has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and was inducted in Seattle, Washington. Fellowship is by invitation only, subject to a thorough nomination process, and limited to those practitioners who have practiced in the field for twenty or more years. Election as a Fellow is considered the highest recognition by one’s colleagues of sustained outstanding performance in the practice of labor and employment law, exemplifying integrity, dedication, and excellence. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers is a national non-profit professional association honoring leading lawyers in the practice of labor and employment law.

Phelps Dunbar LLP welcomes associate Giles Rhodenhiser to help its growing Raleigh team address the needs of its insurance and reinsurance clients throughout the Carolinas. Giles joins Phelps’ insurance group, an international leader in meeting the needs of underwriters, claims professionals and brokers through its counseling, coverage dispute resolution and litigation. He has spent a significant part of his career serving in the North Carolina judiciary. His tenure gives him a unique perspective on how North Carolina courts may view policies and contracts that affect businesses in the state. Giles has deep experience writing and contributing to judicial opinions for four North Carolina judges, including Chief Judge Chris Dillon of the North Carolina Court of Appeals and Judge Mark A. Davis of the North Carolina Business Court. Giles will advise clients on insurance coverage issues and first-and third-party claims. He will assist clients with litigation of coverage disputes when necessary. “I am excited to leverage my knowledge of the state courts to help Phelps’ clients with their insurance and litigation needs,” Giles said. “The firm is growing in the Carolinas and I am glad to contribute to its success in the region.” “We are growing our bench to handle the multi-faceted problems our clients face in the Triangle and across the Carolinas,” said Kevin O’Brien, managing partner of the firm’s Raleigh office. “Giles’s litigation experience and knowledge of the judiciary is an asset to our insurance group and will strengthen our Raleigh office as we help clients with their issues or claims.” ### Phelps is a full-service AmLaw200 law firm. We blend valuable traditions and progressive ideas to foster a culture of collaboration among our lawyers in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and London. Our six core practice groups -- admiralty, business, health care, insurance, labor and employment and litigation -- work together to offer clients a progressive, diverse practice and partnership that handles a broad range of sophisticated business needs regionally, nationally and internationally.