James Ferguson was honored with the Advocacy Award from the North Carolina Bar Association's Litigation Section. Ferguson was a partner in North Carolina's first integrated law firm and established himself as a leading civil rights attorney in the 1970s, working on notable cases like The Wilmington Ten. In the 1980s, Ferguson helped lead efforts to teach trial advocacy in South Africa. He made a lasting impression on Nelson Mandela during this time. Ferguson has dedicated his career to advocacy and education efforts to advance civil rights and equality both in North Carolina and around the world. The award recognized his illustrious career and the impact he has made as a champion of advocacy.