FISHER FIRM HISTORY

   Fisher, Clinard & Cornwell, PLLC (the Fisher Firm) had its beginnings on January 28, 1924, when its founder Louis J. Fisher, Sr. was licensed to practice law by the North Carolina State Bar. His legal career began with Judge Oscar Efird in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In 1928, Mr. Fisher permanently moved to High Point. He formed a law firm with Grover H. Jones, who later became a renowned High Point City Attorney.  Located in what was then the Scottish Bank Building (renamed the Wachovia and now the Wright Building) on Main Street, Jones and Fisher flourished, while gaining a reputation for honesty, integrity and loyalty. As the years passed, Mr. Fisher became well known in in international, national, state and local circles. Lou, as he was admiringly called, was a long-serving member (30 years) on the Board of Directors of the U.S. and International Olympic Committees. He was also President of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the prosecuting attorney for High Point and an official delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1944.

   After Mr. Jones' death, Lou continued in solo practice until 1963 when Louis J. Fisher, Jr. (Nick) was honorably discharged from service in the Judge Advocate General Corps for the U.S. Air Force to join his father’s law practice. At the same time, the firm moved its offices to the First Union National Bank building on Main Street. Nick distinguished himself in many public arenas, serving as President of the North Carolina State Bar, a State Bar councilor, a member of the North Carolina Judicial Standards Commission and as counsel to the High Point Board of Education.  Prior to his retirement in 1998, Nick Fisher excelled in many legal matters over the years; however, one of his proudest moments was the successful rezoning of the property which is now Oak Hollow Mall.  High Point's leading citizens and economic development advocates all agree that this victory acted as a springboard for the phenomenal growth High Point has enjoyed since Oak Hollow's completion.

   The Fisher firm's continued Main Street presence for over seven decades has kept it at the forefront of High Point's economy and community activities. Many of the firm's former and current members have served with distinction in various capacities. A former partner, Kenneth W. McAllister, was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina. Later, he served as a Senior Vice President and chief legal counsel for First Wachovia Corporation, parent company for Wachovia Bank, N.A. Former partner John O. Craig, III, currently serves as a highly respected Superior Court Judge, and has received from the 4,000 member North Carolina Trial Lawyers Association, its annual “Outstanding Trial Judge Award”.

   The Fisher Firm's current members still serve their profession and community in many leadership roles from civic club, non-profit and economic development board memberships to service on City Boards and Commissions. Continuing successes and great reputations must grow, change and develop in order to enjoy continued prominence; however, it is relevant to know and appreciate the firm's past history in order to see its direction for the future.  As our firm reflects on its distinguished history, we continue in our efforts to provide to our clients honesty, integrity and loyalty, much like our founder and his son..

   In 1991, the High Point Bar Association and the Guilford County Board of Commissioners named the gathering room for lawyers   in the High Point Courthouse in memory of Mr. Fisher. A bronze plaque in that room reads:

"Louis Joseph Fisher 1901-1981

   To lawyers who needed help, to those who needed encouragement, Louis was always there.  A trial lawyer, an internationally known and respected Olympic executive."

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