Blaine Sanders Receives Citizen Lawyer Award

Robinson Bradshaw litigator D. Blaine Sanders received a Citizen Lawyer Award from the North Carolina Bar Association. The awards recognize and thank lawyers who, in addition to their legal work, exemplify the ideals of a citizen lawyer by volunteering their time for worthy community or civic causes and inspire other lawyers to invest their time and talents in service-oriented activities.

Sanders defines what it means to be a “servant leader,” both in the legal profession and in his community. He serves as Robinson Bradshaw’s director of pro bono services, working to pair lawyers of all experience levels with pro bono opportunities that address many different needs. This includes working with Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses (CLIMB), the pro bono clinic that Robinson Bradshaw recently established with another local law firm to provide business law services to Charlotte’s low-income businesses and entrepreneurs. Sanders also chairs Robinson Bradshaw’s Pro Bono Committee and is a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Beyond his involvement at the firm, Sanders serves as outside general counsel to Alexander Youth Network, supporting the organization and its 500-plus employees in taking care of children with serious emotional and behavioral problems who come from low-income families. In addition, Sanders was on the board of directors for the Center for Community Transitions for over 30 years, and he has been involved with Dilworth Little League as a longtime coach and board member.

As a business litigator at Robinson Bradshaw, Sanders’ practice includes commercial, real estate, intellectual property, employment, and sports and entertainment law, along with asbestos products liability. Sanders earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University, where he was a Patrick Wilson Scholar. He received his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Davidson College.

Sanders joins Robinson Bradshaw colleagues Robert E. Harrington, Brandon M. Lofton, Angelique R. Vincent, John R. Wester and Julian H. Wright Jr. as recipients of the Citizen Lawyer Award.