Chambers USA 2011 Recognizes Eleven Smith Anderson Partners Among America’s Leading Lawyers for Business

Raleigh (June 13, 2011) -- Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P., the largest law firm based in the Triangle and one of the largest law firms in North Carolina, has earned high honors from Chambers USA: America’s Top Leading Lawyers for Business. Chambers USA is an annual client guide noting professional recognition that reflects independent research obtained from clients, peers, and members of the business community.

The firm received the highest honors (Band One) among North Carolina’s leading firms in the area of Corporate/M&A for the fourth successive year, the only Triangle-based firm and one of only three firms in North Carolina to receive this honor. Five Smith Anderson lawyers were recognized in the Corporate/M&A area, the most of any North Carolina firm. Other practices recognized include: General Commercial Litigation, Labor & Employment, and Real Estate.

Smith Anderson partners John L. Jernigan and Gerald F. Roach (Corporate/M&A) and Lacy H. Reaves (Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use) received the highest ranking possible in their respective practice areas.

At the invitation of Chambers USA, Smith Anderson again provided the introductory essay on the North Carolina business and legal environment.

Smith Anderson lawyers receiving recognition include:

Corporate/M&A

• Christopher B. Capel
• Timothy S. Goettel
• John L. Jernigan
• Byron B. Kirkland
• Gerald F. Roach

Labor and Employment

• Rosemary G. Kenyon
• Kimberly J. Korando

Litigation

• Carl N. Patterson

Real Estate

• Francis Bagbey
• C. Steven Mason
• Lacy H. Reaves (Zoning/Land Use)

Comments about Smith Anderson provided to Chambers from clients and the business community:

Corporate/ M&A: “(Smith Anderson consists of) ‘very accomplished lawyers … number one in terms of client responsiveness.’”

Real Estate: “(Smith Anderson) clients benefit from (the firm’s) ‘detail-oriented and cost-conscious approach' … (and)… ‘vast experience and responsiveness’…(the team offers a) … ’practical and common sense approach to legal issues’…’very high quality.’”

Commercial Litigation: "This firm strikes a great balance between regional know-how and international capabilities. Its team of litigators has the size, depth and experience to handle anything, anywhere."

Labor and Employment: "‘This firm (has) the judgment and sophisticated approach to handle complicated, delicate matters on a national level’… (they) deliver ‘high-quality work’ and are ‘always very easy to talk to.’”

About Chambers USA
The Chambers USA list is the only legal directory conducting independent research to rank lawyers and firms. Chambers researchers conducted in-depth interviews with more than 7,000 leading private practice attorneys and key in-house counsel. The rankings are based on technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client.

About Smith Anderson
Smith Anderson celebrates the firm’s 100th Anniversary in 2012. During the century, the firm has grown to become the largest Triangle-based law firm and one of the largest in North Carolina. As a full service corporate law firm, our lawyers represent diverse organizations with local, state, national and international interests, as we focus on building and strengthening relationships by understanding our clients’ businesses and customizing our legal solutions accordingly. Lawyers from Smith Anderson are recognized nationally by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Legal Elite and among the Who’s Who Legal World’s Leading Corporate Governance Lawyers.