Attorney Janet Ward Black recently received Hood Theological Seminary’s 12th Annual Bishop’s Award in recognition of her commitment to the seminary and her community.

“She has shaped a life dedicated to Christian witness and professional excellence,” Hood officials said of Black.

Black, who grew up in Kannapolis, is the founder of Ward Black Law, a 36-person firm located in Greensboro. She is a recipient of the North Carolina State Bar’s Distinguished Service Award, the Thurgood Marshall Award for extraordinary service to the people of the state, and the Duke University School of Law Charles Murphy Award for public service.

Black served as the third woman president of the North Carolina Association of Trial Lawyers and the fourth woman president of the North Carolina Bar Association. She is only the second lawyer in history to serve as president of both organizations.