John R. Wester, partner at Robinson Bradshaw, Interlaw’s partner firm in North and South Carolina in the U.S., has received the highest honor from the North Carolina Bar Association’s Litigation Section.   

John received the prized Advocate’s Award, becoming only the 13th recipient of the honor, which is presented as merited, rather than annually. 

The Advocate’s Award honors litigators who have high ethical standards, possess great skill and ability, demonstrate commitment to the highest level of service and to their clients, and exhibit respect of and love for the law. Recipients are also chosen for their pro bono and community service and for maintaining the balance of a robust professional and personal life. 

“I accept this honor on behalf of my law firm, the finest professional blessing I could have hoped for,” Wester said. 

Having spent his entire career at Robinson Bradshaw, John has concentrated his practice on business litigation, including cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.  

Outside his wheelhouse of business litigation, he has also brought and defended cases advancing state and federal constitutional issues.  

Wester has decades of leadership service, both within the legal sphere and the broader community. He served as president of the North Carolina Bar Association and as North Carolina chair of the American College of Trial Lawyers.  

Community organizations with which he has a history of service include Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (formerly Legal Services of Southern Piedmont), Higher Education Works Foundation, the Lynnwood Foundation and the North Carolina Museum of History. He also served as chair of the Arts and Science Council.