Giving

David Lawrence retired in December 2009 from an extraordinary 42-years at the School of Government. To thank him for his many contributions to North Carolina, friends and colleagues throughout the state joined with the School to create the David M. Lawrence Distinguished Professorship to help the School cultivate and keep top-notch faculty.

Your gift to this endowment increases its ability to help keep excellent faculty at the School of Government.

An Extraordinary Career

David Lawrence, William Rand Kenan, Jr. Professor of Public Law and Government, joined the faculty of the Institute of Government in 1968. The young man from Oregon spent time with local officials in their offices, asking questions and learning the details of their day-to-day challenges. His attention to the problems of public officials, combined with a brilliant legal mind, made him an indispensable resource for legislators, local governments, and state agencies.

During his career Lawrence published more than 20 books on North Carolina law and government. He drafted the original version of North Carolina's open meetings law and the comprehensive rewrite of general laws affecting county government, and contributed to many laws dealing with local government finance, including tax increment finance legislation. His legislative consulting literally changed the way governments do business in the state.

By rigorously preparing local government officials to better serve their communities, by drafting legislation that improves the quality of life, by graciously and patiently giving of his intelligence, time, and energy to all who ask for his help--David Lawrence is honored for a professional life devoted to helping the people of North Carolina.