 Exum has participated in research regarding state constitutions, including providing the introductory article "Rediscovering State Constitutions" for the University of North Carolina's 1992 law review issue on the subject.The issue also includes a foreword by Supreme Court Justice William Brennan, who Exum cites as a substantial influence.In 2009, Exum received the 2009 John McNeill Smith Jr., Award from the North Carolina Bar Association's Constitutional Rights and Responsibilities Section.