Four Smith Anderson Lawyers Named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers (2012)

Raleigh, NC (October 18, 2011) – Smith Anderson is pleased to announce that four of its lawyers have earned the distinction of “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas by Best Lawyers (2012). This recognition is in addition to selection for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America.

• Tim Lehan, Raleigh Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants’ Lawyer of the Year
• Steve Mason, Raleigh Real Estate Lawyer of the Year
• Lacy Reaves, Raleigh Land Use & Zoning Lawyer of the Year
• Gerald Roach, Raleigh Mergers & Acquisitions Lawyer of the Year

Smith Anderson partners Marks Arnold, Chris Capel, John Jernigan, and Byron Kirkland have received this honor in previous years.

Every year, only one lawyer in each practice area in each community is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year.” Best Lawyers compiles its lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. The current, 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in America (2012) is based on more than 3.9 million peer assessments. Those receiving this honor have earned a high level of respect among their peers for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity.

Steven Naifeh, President of Best Lawyers, says, “We continue to believe – as we have believed for more than 25 years – that recognition by one’s peers is the most meaningful form of praise in the legal profession. We would like to congratulate these four Smith Anderson lawyers on being selected as ‘Lawyers of the Year’ for 2012.”

About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. For a quarter century, they have helped lawyers and clients find legal counsel in unfamiliar jurisdictions or unfamiliar practice areas. Best Lawyers compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. In the U.S., Best Lawyers publishes an annual referral guide, The Best Lawyers in America, which includes 41,149 attorneys in 126 practice areas, covering all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

About Smith Anderson
Smith Anderson is the largest Research Triangle-based business and litigation law firm and one of the largest in North Carolina. Representing diverse organizations with local, state, national and international interests, our lawyers focus on building and strengthening relationships by understanding our clients’ businesses and customizing our legal solutions accordingly. Our commitment to our clients also extends to our community and profession. For more information, go to www.smithlaw.com.