On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law at High Point University presented its second annual Lawyer in the Arena Award posthumously to North Carolina attorney Janet Ward Black, who passed away in late 2025. The award presentation took place during the Law School’s joint luncheon with the Greensboro-High Point Bar Association. Accepting the award at the presentation was her husband, Gerard Davidson, who shared with those in attendance a portion of Janet Ward Black’s wisdom that continues to inspire her colleagues. Also in attendance was attorney Audrey Synder, a member of Ms. Black’s law firm, Ward Black Law in Greensboro, where she continues to represent clients in the highest traditions of service established by Ms. Black.
Known for her ethical and purposeful approach to legal practice, Ms. Black built a distinguished career as an assistant district attorney, a plaintiff’s attorney, and later as the principal partner of one of the largest woman-owned law firms in North Carolina—Ward Black Law in Greensboro.
She also had the exceptional distinction of having served as president of both the North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, now known as the Academy for Justice. As president of the Bar Association, she originated the 4All program which continues to be a day where persons in the community who would not otherwise be able to afford the opportunity to consult with an attorney receive a consultation at no charge.
A former Miss North Carolina, Janet Ward Black was a compelling person in so many ways. She was that rare person who combined high intellect with the ability to truly listen to people. This surely came from the fact that she cared deeply for others. Ms. Black made the decision in 2017 that from her law firm’s gross revenues, she would donate the first 10% of those revenues to many charities including the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program. She continued this practice until her untimely passing in late 2025.
From its beginning, Ms. Black was an early and steadfast supporter of the Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law. In January 2025, she took part in the School’s first Access to Justice practicum where she lectured the Law Class of 2027 on “Private Practice with Purpose,” which reflected upon her deep commitment to community service and mentorship.
Founding Dean and former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Martin commented: “Janet Ward Black used her abilities and followed her convictions to serve as a leader within the legal profession as well as to uphold the promise of equal justice under law. She was a stellar example of what it means to be a lawyer leader. For these reasons and so many others, the law school is proud to honor her legacy with the 2026 Lawyer in the Arena Award.”
