Nexsen Pruet attorney David Robinson is the recipient of the 2014 Dortch Award for International Law excellence.

The Dortch award is the highest award bestowed to an international lawyer in North Carolina and is given sparingly by the North Carolina Bar Association.

Robinson is one of only five attorneys to ever receive the award since its inception in 1994. The award has not been given since 2009.

From the NCBA:

“It’s a real honor,” Robinson said, “mostly because it’s been so selective. Being only the fifth person to receive the award is awesome, especially because I have so much respect for the four recipients who preceded me.

“And it’s the ‘cherry on top’ whenever your peers recognize you.”

Robinson has been active with the section for many years and served as its chair in 2001-02. He is currently serving his second stint as vice chair and anticipates serving a second term as chair next year.

“Every day is a new learning experience,” Robinson says of his work, which has taken him to more than 40 countries. “I spent this morning on an export transaction to Libya; it makes reading The Economist come to life when articles describe events that have a direct impact on your clients’ businesses.

“I love seeing North Carolina companies make things and sell them overseas. I moved here from D.C. 20+ years ago because people make things in North Carolina. I am a sucker for plant tours, and love helping creative and innovative people export their products.”

David Robinson focuses his law practice on cross-border legal issues. A former executive at multiple US subsidiaries of foreign companies, he has traveled to more than 40 countries and recognizes the importance of cultural understanding in international commerce.

The John J. Dortch International Service Award was established to recognize lawyers who (1) have served as a role model for international law attorneys, (2) have demonstrated the highest level of ethical standards, and (3) have shown professional competence.