Caryn McNeill Honored with National Excellence Award

The National Conference of Bar Foundations has presented Caryn McNeill with the 2025 Excellence Award for her leadership in the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s (NCBF) Open Door Fund campaign and her continued support of the NCBF Annual Fund. She shares this recognition with fellow campaign leader Mark Holt.

The Excellence Award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to law-related philanthropy. Under Caryn and Mark’s leadership, the Open Door Fund not only raised significant resources but also advanced opportunities and inclusion across the legal profession. The award was presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Conference of Bar Foundations in Washington, D.C, on August 15.

"Caryn’s recognition is a testament not only to her personal dedication, but also to the values that define our firm’s culture — Committed, Caring and Compelling," said Managing Partner Byron Kirkland. "We congratulate Caryn on this well-deserved honor and thank her for leading with vision and purpose to open doors across the legal profession."

The Open Door Fund campaign provides the Open Door Fellowship, a program created to support first-year law students from a wide range of backgrounds, including those who have overcome significant challenges or shown a strong commitment to broadening access to the legal profession. This program offers paid, hands-on legal experience and valuable mentorship, and it is already making a meaningful impact on the careers of future North Carolina attorneys.

Smith Anderson’s involvement in the Open Door Fund has been integral to the Fellowship’s success:

• Founding Donor: Our early support helped the NCBF surpass its $1 million fundraising goal, which also made possible the creation of The Rosemary Gill Kenyon Justice Fund.
• Leadership in Selection: Attorney Shameka Rolla serves on the committee that selects Open Door Fellows each year.
• Client Engagement: Firm clients participate as host employers.
• Generous Individual Contributions: Many Smith Anderson lawyers have contributed personally to the fund.

This national honor underscores Caryn’s commitment to expanding opportunities in the legal profession and the lasting impact of her leadership within our firm and community.