In Memoriam: Janet Ward Black

Janet Ward Black

February 15, 1959 – November 2, 2025

On November 2, 2025, Janet Ward Black, a beautiful child of God and woman of valor, left the arms of her loving husband and moved into those of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In addition to her husband, Gerard Davidson, Janet Ward is survived by her brother, Frank Black III (Bonnie); niece, Frances Delgatty (Grant); nephew, Franklin Black IV (Cherise); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving her is her aunt, Avis Ridenhour, her sister-in-law, Jan Green, and two stepsons, Clay Davidson and Walker Davidson (Jane).

A graduate of Davidson College and Duke University School of Law, Black has been a leader in several prominent legal organizations. She made history as the third woman to serve as president of the North Carolina Association of Trial Lawyers (now the North Carolina Advocates for Justice) and the fourth woman to hold the presidency of the North Carolina Bar Association. She was only the second lawyer in history to lead both organizations. She was currently serving as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Janet Ward’s career is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and commitment to the legal profession and her community. Some of her most remarkable achievements include:

As the president of the North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA), Black created the “4ALL” program, a groundbreaking initiative that provides free legal services to underserved individuals. This telephone call-in day, involving over 1,000 attorneys, has been used as a model for similar programs in the US and Canada. More than 129,000 North Carolinians have received free legal advice from over 7,000 volunteers through this program, solidifying her legacy of public service and access to justice.

The NCBA and its Foundation established the Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) – Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP) to help with law school loan repayment for legal aid attorneys at specific law schools. Under Janet Ward’s presidency in 2007 – 2008, the fund raised $863,000 toward a $1,000,000 goal. The LANC/LRAP fund total as of year-end 2024 was over $3 million.

Consistently recognized for her expertise and skill, Black was named to The Best Lawyers in America, North Carolina Super Lawyers, and North Carolina’s Legal Elite for over a decade. Her law firm, Ward Black Law, has been ranked as one of the Best Law Firms in America by US News & World Report since 2010. She has also been named Personal Injury “Lawyer of the Year” in the Triad region by US News & World Report twice.

In May of this year, Janet Ward was presented the inaugural Trailblazer Award by the Women in Law Section of the NCBA, and as recently as October 2025, she was inducted into the NCBA Hall of Fame.

In addition to her legal work, Janet Ward devoted herself to public service, receiving the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of her significant contributions to the state. She has been a dedicated volunteer and served on numerous non-profit boards, including Hood Theological Seminary and the International Cooperating Ministries, demonstrating her commitment to both her community and global outreach. She was a member of various professional organizations, including Women’s Presidents’ Organization and C12, a Christian CEO group.

Janet Ward’s work has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the North Carolina Bar Association Litigation Section’s Advocate’s Award, the Walter Clark Award from the NC Advocates for Justice, the C12 Hero Award from the Christian CEOs and Business Owners Group and the Greensboro Bar Association Distinguished Service Award in 2012, the highest honor bestowed by the organization. These accolades highlight her dedication to excellence in law, ethics, and community service.

Beyond her professional accolades, Black has served as a motivational speaker, philanthropist, and legal educator, inspiring and mentoring numerous aspiring lawyers and young professionals. She served on various non-profit boards and has been deeply involved in international mission trips. She has spoken at over fifty civic, community, and youth organizations and actively participated in leadership and legal education forums. Except for this year, Black has been the keynote speaker at the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Tar Heel Girls State since 1989, speaking to over 200 young women on the topic of the Judiciary and Law
as a Profession for Women.

Janet Ward has set a high standard in the legal profession and her community through her remarkable achievements and enduring commitment to justice, leadership, and service. Her contributions have shaped the landscape of North Carolina’s legal system and inspired future generations of leaders.

In addition to the recognition noted above, Janet Ward has received numerous honors, awards, and recognition for her exceptional contributions to the legal profession, community service, and leadership.

Beyond her professional accolades, Black has served as a motivational speaker, philanthropist, and legal educator, inspiring and mentoring numerous aspiring lawyers and young professionals. She served on various non-profit boards and has been deeply involved in international mission trips. She has spoken at over fifty civic, community, and youth organizations and actively participated in leadership and legal education forums. Except for this year, Black has been the keynote speaker at the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Tar Heel Girls State since 1989, speaking to over 200 young women on the topic of the Judiciary and Law as a Profession for Women.

Janet Ward has set a high standard in the legal profession and her community through her remarkable achievements and enduring commitment to justice, leadership, and service. Her contributions have shaped the landscape of North Carolina’s legal system and inspired future generations of leaders.

In addition to the recognition noted above, Janet Ward has received numerous honors, awards, and recognition for her exceptional contributions to the legal profession, community service, and leadership.

These include:

Legal and Professional Recognition:

• North Carolina Bar Association Litigation Section’s Advocate’s Award (2018) – Recognizing skill, ethics,
  and dedication to clients and the community.
• Personal Injury “Lawyer of the Year” in the Triad region by US News & World Report (2013, 2020).
• The Walter Clark Award (2021) – The highest award from the NC Advocates for Justice.
• Thurgood Marshall Award (2021) – Presented by NC Advocates for Justice.
• Ebbie Award (2019) – Recognizing outstanding contributions to the legal profession.
• Kellie Crabtree Award (2015) – Awarded by the NC Advocates for Justice.
• Citizen Lawyer Award (2013) – Awarded by the North Carolina Bar Association.
• Woman of Justice Award (2012) – From North Carolina Lawyers Weekly.
• Athena Award (2012) – Presented by Partnership Greensboro.
• Duke Law School Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service (2010).
• North Carolina Bar Distinguished Service Award (2010).
• “Women in Business” Award (2009) – From The Business Journal.
• Super Lawyers Recognition (2006-2024) – Consistently named to North Carolina Super Lawyers,
  including recognition as one of the top 50 women attorneys in the state (2006-2015, 2018).
• Best Lawyers in America (2007-2024) – Listed annually for excellence in the field of law.
• Named “Largest Women-Led Law Firm” by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2024).
• Named “Icon” by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2023).
• Named to the “50 Most Influential Women” in North Carolina by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly (2024).

Community and Public Service Recognition:

• Greensboro’s Woman of the Year (2018) – Awarded by the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro.
• Recipient of the N.C. Jaycees Award of Excellence (1980).
• Named “Business Associate of the Year” by the American Business Women’s Association, Reidsville Chapter (1994).
• Named “Woman Extraordinaire” by BizLife Magazine (2007).
• Recipient of “Outstanding Community Leaders of America” (1987).
• “2008 Impact Law Leader” by Triad Business Leader Magazine.

Educational and Leadership Contributions:

• Recipient of the Charles Murphy Award for Public Service by Duke Law School (2010).
• Named a “2008 Impact Law Leader” by Triad Business Leader Magazine.
• Named a “Woman of Achievement” by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of North Carolina (2007).

These honors attest to her exceptional leadership in both the legal profession and her broader community, recognizing her advocacy, public service, and the substantial impact she has made throughout her career.

Janet Ward’s life was a living testimony of her faith in Jesus Christ. She devoted her life to serving others — through her work as an attorney, her leadership in the community, and her ministry of generosity and encouragement. Her heart for people reflected her favorite scripture from Matthew 25: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” She walked humbly with God, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy of faith in action. Over the course of 33 years, Janet Ward worked tirelessly for the firm’s clients, living up to her mission to seek justice, give generously, and love lavishly. Leading a staff of 28, Janet Ward imparted her dedication and spirit of faithful service to everyone who worked with her. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro and attended the Seekers Sunday School Class, taught by her husband.