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Donald C. Prentiss has become a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

The induction ceremony at which Prentiss became a fellow took place recently before an audience of approximately 603 during the spring meeting of the college in Coronado, Calif.

“Founded in 1950, the College is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico,” stated a press release announcing Prentiss’s induction. “Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.”

Lawyers must have a minimum of 15 years trial experience before they can be considered for fellowship.

Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province. There are currently approximately 5,800 members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, including active fellows, emeritus fellows, judicial fellows (those who ascended to the bench after their induction) and honorary fellows.

“The College maintains and seeks to improve the standards of trial practice, professionalism, ethics, and the administration of justice through education and public statements on independence of the judiciary, trial by jury, respect for the rule of law, access to justice, and fair and just representation of all parties to legal proceedings,” stated the announcement. “The College is thus able to speak with a balanced voice on important issues affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice.”

Prentiss is a partner in the firm of Hornthal, Riley, Ellis & Maland, LLP and has been practicing in Elizabeth City for 37 years. The newly-inducted fellow is an alumnus of Wake Forest University School of Law. He is a past chair of the Board of Directors of the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as Chair of the Disciplinary Hearing Commission of the North Carolina State Bar.

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