UNC School of Law Announces Law Alumni Association Awards for 2024

November 1, 2024

Image shows headshots of this years LAA winners

The UNC Law Alumni Association will honor seven exceptional alumni at its annual alumni awards presentation.

The awards recognize members of the UNC School of Law community who embody the law school’s mission to serve the legal profession, the people and institutions of North Carolina, the nation, and the world with ethics and dedication to the cause of justice.

T.C. Homesley ’58, of Statesville, N.C., will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his highly distinguished career and his significant achievements and contributions in the legal field. After earning his law degree from the UNC School of Law in 1958, Homesley joined the Army JAG Corps until 1962. He then established a successful law practice in Mooresville and Statesville, emphasizing criminal and civil litigation. Homesley’s career spans over 50 years, during which he has appeared in various courts, including the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the N.C. Supreme Court. He has served as a mentor to many young lawyers across Iredell County and achieved his personal mission of encouraging attorneys to support one another as colleagues. Beyond his legal career, Homesley has been deeply involved in community service, including roles with the Iredell County YMCA, Mooresville Recreation Commission, and the American Red Cross Blood Chapter in Mooresville.

Richard A. Vinroot ’66, of Charlotte, N.C., will also receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his highly distinguished career and significant achievements and contributions in the legal field and beyond. A Morehead Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill, Vinroot earned his law degree in 1966. After serving in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star, he joined what is now Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson in Charlotte. Over his 55-year career, Vinroot has been recognized multiple times as one of North Carolina’s “Super Lawyers,” “Best Lawyers,” and part of the “Legal Elite.” Beyond his legal practice, Vinroot served on Charlotte’s City Council from 1983 to 1991 and as Charlotte’s Mayor from 1991 to 1995. He has been extensively involved in community service, including co-founding Sugar Creek Charter School and teaching high school Sunday school at Myers Park Presbyterian Church for 47 years.

S. Elizabeth Gibson ’76, of Chapel Hill, N.C., will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, for her accomplishments and contributions that have enhanced the school and the profession of law at the local, state, national, and international levels. Gibson joined the Carolina Law faculty in 1983 and serves as the Burton Craige Professor of Law Emerita. Her research focuses on bankruptcy, civil procedure, and federal jurisdiction. Gibson is a member of the National Bankruptcy Conference and the American College of Bankruptcy. She clerked for Justice Byron White of the U.S. Supreme Court and practiced law in Washington, D.C. before joining Carolina Law.

Elizabeth L. “Betty” Quick ’74, of Winston-Salem, N.C., will also receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. A partner at Womble Bond Dickinson, Quick specializes in wills, trusts, estate planning, charitable trusts, and exempt organizations. She has served as president of the North Carolina Bar Association and chair of the IOLTA Board of Trustees. Quick authored the North Carolina Estate Administration Manual and has been named one of North Carolina’s “Legal Elite” in Business North Carolina. She has received the Chief Justice’s Professionalism award and is a fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Robert A. “Bob” Wicker ’69, of Greensboro, N.C., will also receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. Wicker was appointed chairperson of the North Carolina State Ports Authority Board of Directors in 2018. He retired as executive vice president, general counsel & corporate secretary for General Parts International, Inc. Wicker has extensive experience in corporate law and litigation. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, receiving the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal. Wicker is a past president of the North Carolina State Bar and the UNC Law Alumni Association.

Kandace Davis Farrar ’12, of Chapel Hill, N.C., will receive the Emerging Leader Award for her achievements that have brought credit to the school, the legal profession, and our society. Farrar serves as associate dean of advancement for the UNC School of Social Work. In her development career at UNC-Chapel Hill, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership and fundraising skills, raising over $30 million for undergraduate need-based scholarships and over $10 million for the School of Social Work. Farrar holds a J.D. from Carolina Law and has completed over 300 hours of pro bono work. She serves on the board of directors for Healing Justice and has been involved in various community service roles.

Professor John V. Orth, of Chapel Hill, N.C., will receive the Professor S. Elizabeth Gibson Award for Faculty Excellence for embodying the outstanding qualities of integrity, legal scholarship, exemplary teaching, and commitment to service to Carolina Law and the University. Orth joined the Carolina Law faculty in 1978 and serves as the William Rand Kenan Jr. Professor of Law. He teaches Property, Trusts & Estates, and Legal History. Orth is the author of six books and numerous articles covering a wide range of legal topics. His works have been cited by federal and state courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. Orth holds a law degree from Harvard Law School and a Ph.D. in history from Harvard University.

The LAA will recognize these award recipients during Law Alumni Weekend on November 15-17, 2024. All alumni, families and friends are encouraged to attend and celebrate this year’s award winners.