BRANCH AWARD WINNER ROBERT B. RADER

ROBERT B. RADER SELECTED AS 2020 JOSEPH P. BRANCH PROFESSIONALISM AWARD WINNER

BY JOHN N. (NICK) FOUNTAIN | CHAIR, PROFESSIONALISM AWARD COMMITTEE

THE SPORTS FANS AMONG you may recall that some athletes are selected for the Hall of Fame of a sport at the first opportunity, while others are nominated many times and never selected. It is noteworthy that the winner of the 2020 Joseph Branch Professionalism Award, Robert Blackwell Rader, was selected immediately upon becoming eligible. Sitting judges are not eligible for the award. Judge Rader retired as Chief Judge of the District Courts on August 31, and was almost immediately and with virtual unanimity selected as the 2020 award winner. It is not common for judges to be selected for this award at any point, but Judge Rader is not a common individual.

The overwhelming sentiment in the Wake County Bar is that the Justice Center, with its towering atrium, beautiful spaces and numerous speedy elevators would never have come to fruition without the consistent effort, coordination and steadfast resolve of Judge Rader in working with the many stakeholders and decision-makers necessary for a project of such magnitude. Although the Justice Center may be a crowning accomplishment for Judge Rader, he would have earned and deserved this award regardless.

Born in Morganton, educated at North Carolina State University, Robert Rader graduated from Campbell Law School in 1985. Between his time at N.C. State and Campbell, Judge Rader was employed for three years in the office of Governor Jim Hunt, where much was learned about the importance of public service and volunteerism. While at Campbell, his later career was foreshadowed by his service as chief justice of the Honor Court and his participation in the National Mock Trial competition.

He began law practice with Dimmock, Reagan, Dodd & Toms and concluded nine years in private practice in partnership with Tom Dimmock. All of those early law partners had distinguished careers in their own right. Judge Rader was appointed District Court Judge in September 1994, and was re-elected in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. He was appointed Chief District Court Judge by the Chief Justice in November 2007.

Numerous members of the selection committee commented on Judge Rader’s calm demeanor, unfailing patience and ability to listen even at the end of a long day of contentious matters. Given the inevitable disappointment of litigants and lawyers, sometimes on all sides of a matter, the high opinion of those appearing before him is a testament to his judicial temperament and his ability to convey empathy and listen. Bar Continuing Legal Education Board, vice president of the North Carolina Bar Association, and chair of its Criminal Justice Section. He also served as president of the N.C. Association of District Court Judges and chair of its 50th Anniversary Committee.

In the broader community, Judge Rader has served as chair of the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission and the John Rex Endowment, as well as a director for the boards of SAFEchild, Arts Together and Reentry. In 2006, he was named Tarheel of the Week for his service as president of Yates Mill Associates for 18 years.

Yates Mill was created in 1756 at a time when water-powered grist mills were essentials of life in every community. Nearly all are gone. Think about Whitaker Mill, Lassiter Mill, Edwards Mill, Harps Mill, Ligon Mill and Rand Mill. While leading Yates Mill Associates, Judge Rader accomplished a rare publicprivate partnership of the A.E. Finley Foundation, N.C. State University, Wake County and the Yates Mill Associates. As a result of Judge Rader’s tireless leadership, Yates Mill County Park was created, a research center was established by N.C. State and Yates Mill, the last surviving grist mill in Wake County, was preserved. The natural beauty of the place is exceptional, and it is one of the most common spots for wedding photography in the county.

Beyond all the accolades referenced above, it should also be noted that Judge Rader “married up” when he landed Megg Rader, a well-known community volunteer and former executive director of Alliance Medical Ministry. They are the parents of Rob Rader, an attorney at Miller, Monroe and Plyler, and Mary Styles Rader with Outward Bound.

Robert B. Rader is receiving the Joseph Branch Professionalism Award because he earned it in his career in private practice, on the bench, in the profession, in the community, and with his family. He is a worthy and deserving model of professionalism. WBF