Chief Justice Mark Martin has presented the Friend of the Court award to Jerry Parnell of Charlotte. It is the highest award given by the Judicial Branch.

"Our state and our profession would truly look different without the contributions of Jerry Parnell," said Chief Justice Martin. "He is truly a consummate professional in advancing the quality of justice in North Carolina, and it is my honor and privilege to award him this Friend of the Court award."

Parnell was presented the award on January 8, during the N.C. Equal Access to Justice Commission meeting in Raleigh. He has served as a founding member of both the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism and the Equal Access to Justice Commission. He is also a recipient of the Chief Justice's Professionalism Award.

Parnell began his career at the Supreme Court of North Carolina as a clerk for Chief Justice William H. Bobbitt. Since clerking, he has practiced law in civil and criminal cases for more than 40 years in North Carolina. He has been a leader in the American Bar Association, and currently serves as a member of the Board of Governors. Parnell has also served as a permanent member of the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference, as a member of the Southern Conference of Bar Presidents, and as a member of the National Conference of Bar Presidents.