Irvin W. Hankins III, who served as Parker Poe's managing partner from 1986 to 2002, died on June 22, 2026. Hank, as everyone called him, was a towering figure in the legal profession whose leadership, counsel, and commitment to service left an enduring legacy.
"To say that Hank was a larger-than-life figure is a vast understatement," said Tom Griffin, Parker Poe's current managing partner. "His presence was extraordinary and I can’t begin to describe how much he meant to this firm, his family, the Bar, and the community."
"He took a small Charlotte law firm and put it on the track to where we are today, foreseeing the unique forces of the legal market and understanding where we needed to be and what we needed to do to grow and succeed," Tom continued. "He did that while leaving behind lessons that we still follow today, and I can safely say that he built the foundation for the firm that over 550 professionals from Atlanta to Washington, DC, now call home."
As Parker Poe's managing partner, Hank led with a deep commitment to pro bono service and equal access to justice, including by directing the firm's resources to support areas of need in our communities. His community impact also included working to advance diversity within the broader legal profession and helping develop the next generation of leaders by mentoring numerous attorneys.
In February 2026, the North Carolina State Bar honored Hank with the John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes lifelong contributions to the legal profession and his steadfast commitment to justice.
"Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Hankins has exemplified the highest ideals of the legal profession — integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service," the State Bar wrote. "His professional journey reflects a deep dedication to advancing justice, strengthening legal education, and fostering confidence in the rule of law."
Hank's service to the State Bar was "unparalleled," as the State Bar itself puts it. He served on the State Bar Council for 13 years, including as State Bar president from 2007 to 2008 and as chair of two committees and the Disciplinary Hearing Commission. During his tenure, the Council advanced initiatives "that strengthened ethics, improved the administration of justice, and enhanced public confidence in the legal system."
Hank held many other leadership positions in the community, including president of the UNC Law Alumni Association (2004) and general counsel to the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce (2002-2003). He was also an ABA House of Delegates member, a Queens University of Charlotte trustee, a UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Visitors member, and chairman of the North Carolina IOLTA board of trustees. Furthermore, he was an ABA Foundation Fellow, a member of the North Carolina Disciplinary Hearing Commission, a Queens University trustee emeritus, and a North Carolina State Bar Foundation trustee.
In his legal practice at Parker Poe, Hank had extensive experience in both state and federal courts representing a wide variety of clients, including public utilities, insurance companies, manufacturing companies, chemical and textile companies, accounting firms, and attorneys. He also advised professional organizations regarding management issues, partnership structures, partnership disputes, and legal ethics.
Hank served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972, as gunnery officer of the USS Manley DD-940, and as weapons officer, chief engineer, and operations officer of the USS Courtney DE-1021.