Durham Personal Injury Attorney Valerie Johnson of Johnson & Groninger PLLC Wins Annie Brown Kennedy Award
Valerie Johnson, a seasoned trial attorney and partner at Johnson & Groninger PLLC, has been named the recipient of the Annie Brown Kennedy Award—a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional legal professionals in North Carolina who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and community advancement.
The award, named after the late Annie Brown Kennedy—trailblazer, civil rights advocate, and the first African-American woman to serve in the North Carolina General Assembly—stands as one of the highest distinctions in the state’s legal community. Johnson’s selection for this honor reflects decades of dedicated service to her clients, her profession, and the pursuit of a more just society.
A Lifelong Commitment to Advocacy
Valerie Johnson’s career has been defined by tireless advocacy for injured individuals, workers, and those often left behind by the justice system. As a founding partner of Johnson & Groninger PLLC and one of the most respected Durham NC personal injury lawyers, Johnson has fought—and won—on behalf of people harmed by negligence, unsafe workplaces, and systemic injustice.
Her practice is rooted in empathy, skill, and a deep belief that justice must be accessible to everyone. That approach mirrors the values of Annie Brown Kennedy herself, making Johnson’s recognition all the more meaningful.
Championing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Law
Beyond her work in personal injury and workers’ compensation, Johnson has been a force for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the legal profession. She has served on countless committees, mentored young attorneys from underrepresented backgrounds, and regularly speaks on topics of equity, ethics, and access to justice.
Her leadership roles have included service with the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), the North Carolina State Bar, and other influential organizations that help shape policy and legal culture throughout the state. Whether advocating for a single injured worker or influencing structural change, Johnson brings clarity, strength, and compassion to the work.
Reflecting the Values of Johnson & Groninger PLLC
At Johnson & Groninger PLLC, the commitment to standing up for people—not corporations—is central to everything the firm does. With offices in both Durham and Raleigh, the firm represents injured people across North Carolina, earning its reputation through hard-fought trial victories and community-focused service.
This award shines a light on the core values that drive the firm: justice, dignity, and equity. Valerie Johnson’s achievements speak not only to her individual excellence but to the culture of advocacy that defines her practice and her colleagues at Johnson & Groninger PLLC.
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Carrying Annie Brown Kennedy’s Legacy Forward
Receiving the Annie Brown Kennedy Award is a humbling moment for any attorney. For Valerie Johnson, it is a powerful acknowledgment of a career spent fighting on behalf of the injured, the vulnerable, and the overlooked.
It’s also an invitation—to keep going. To continue pressing forward toward a legal system that protects everyone. To mentor new attorneys with purpose. And to uphold the legacy of Annie Brown Kennedy, who opened doors for so many, including the very professionals now being honored in her name.
Conclusion
With the presentation of the Annie Brown Kennedy Award, Valerie Johnson joins a distinguished group of North Carolina legal professionals who have not only succeeded in the courtroom but have shaped the legal landscape in ways that matter. As one of the most trusted Durham NC personal injury lawyers at Johnson & Groninger PLLC, her work continues to make a difference every day—for her clients, for the profession, and for the cause of justice.
