Principal owner of Ward Black Law located in Greensboro - one of the largest woman-owned firms in North Carolina. Served as the third woman president of the NC Association of Trial Lawyers and the fourth woman president of the NC Bar Association. The second lawyer in history to serve as president of both organizations. Created "4ALL" that has been a model in the US and Canada for providing free legal services to the poor. Trustee Emeritus of Hood Theological Seminary. Selected for 2020 inclusion in The best Lawyer in America and "Lawyer of the Year" by U.S. News Best Lawyer. Miss North Carolina 1980 and Grand Talent Award at Miss America the same year.