James D. Blount, Jr. Honored by the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys

This morning at its Fall Seminar in Greensboro, the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys (NCADA) honored James D. Blount, Jr. with its 2005 Award For Professional Excellence. NCADA began conferring this honor only last year, and Jim became one of two recipients to receive the Award this year. Only three recipients have received this award to date.

The Award recognizes
“NCADA members whose contributions to the legal profession and community have been truly outstanding. The recipient must exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethics, and conduct her/himself in a civil, courteous manner with all persons. The recipient must exemplify sustained, excellent service to individual and corporate defendants in civil litigation, to the Bar, and to the community.”

A practicing attorney since 1953, Mr. Blount has extensive experience in state and federal courts, having served as lead counsel in more than three hundred civil jury trials. His significant representation includes serving as litigation counsel for Burroughs Wellcome Co. (now GlaxoSmithKline); First Union National Bank; Wachovia Bank, N.A.; Occidental Life Insurance Company; Progress Energy; and numerous liability insurance carriers.

A permanent member of the Judicial Conference of the Fourth Circuit, Mr. Blount’s extensive professional and civic involvement includes active participation in the Wake County, North Carolina and American Bar Associations and serving as chair of the successful Centennial Endowment campaign of 1999-2001 for the North Carolina Bar Association Foundation.

In addition to today’s Award, Mr. Blount’s considerable recognition throughout his career includes induction into the North Carolina Bar Association’s General Practice Hall of Fame.