Robert C. Sink to Receive Statewide Renaissance Lawyer Award

Robinson Bradshaw attorney Robert C. “Bob” Sink is the 2022 recipient of the North Carolina Bar Association’s H. Brent McKnight Renaissance Lawyer Award. Sink will receive the award in June at the NCBA Annual Meeting in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The award is named in memory of Judge H. Brent McKnight who served on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. It seeks to recognize attorneys who inspire others through their trustworthiness, respectful and courteous treatment of all people, enthusiasm for intellectual achievement and commitment to excellence in work, and service to the profession and community while leading a multifaceted, accomplished life.

“Bob has graciously, unassumingly, unselfishly and most constructively given of himself and his exceptional judgment, intellect, competence and character to the well-being of our profession and community for his entire career over the past 50-plus years,” Robinson Bradshaw attorney A. Ward McKeithen wrote in his nomination. “It has been my great privilege and blessing to be Bob’s partner and close friend for our entire professional lives and practice.”

Community service is central to Sink’s character. He chaired the boards of directors for both the Levine Museum of the New South and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, and was a member of the Discovery Place board of trustees and the Legal Services of North Carolina board of directors. In addition, he is a proud veteran officer of the U.S. Navy.

Sink has twice been called upon to lead through public crises. When United Way of Central Carolinas faced turmoil in its leadership, Sink chaired a task force that spent hundreds of hours determining the facts of the circumstances. His leadership resulted in comprehensive recommendations for changes in the organization’s governance structure that were executed to the significant benefit of United Way and the community. Soon after, Sink played a prominent role in guiding the Library through the significant reduction in county funding during the Great Recession.

“Through his professional advice, his sense of stewardship and service, and his quiet, calming demeanor, Bob Sink inspires individuals and organizations to ascend to the best versions of themselves,” former Charlotte Mecklenburg Library CEO Lee Keesler said in a letter of support for Sink’s nomination.

Sink has served as president of both the Mecklenburg County Bar and the North Carolina State Bar. Among other accomplishments at the State Bar, he was responsible for transforming the Bar’s committee structure to improve the effectiveness of the organization. And before serving as president, Sink was a State Bar councilor for 10 years. During his tenure, the Lawyer Assistance Program was established, and he chaired the ethics committee.

An accomplished real estate and construction attorney at Robinson Bradshaw, Sink’s practice has included numerous developments and commercial projects, the revitalization of center-city neighborhoods, and the construction and operation of affordable housing by the Charlotte Housing Authority for more than 30 years.

“Bob sets the bar, both professionally and personally, of who we as lawyers aspire to be,” said Allen Robertson, managing partner of Robinson Bradshaw.