Smith Anderson Added Six Associates in 2020

(Raleigh, N.C.)  Smith Anderson, the largest law firm headquartered in the Research Triangle region, welcomed Dewey F. Bennett, Andrew S. Collins, Tyler J. Cook, Shameka C. Rolla, Lee Strasburger and Derek A. Sutton as new associates to the firm in 2020. 

Dewey F. Bennett joined Smith Anderson with a focus on representing banks, financial institutions and fintech ventures in connection with mergers, finance transactions, securities matters and corporate governance. Prior to joining the firm, Dewey practiced in the financial institutions group in the New York office of a global law firm. In addition to financial institutions, he has also advised private equity firms and public companies on acquisitions, reorganizations and activist investor defense across a variety of industries. Dewey graduated with high honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Prior to joining Smith Anderson, Andrew S. Collins worked in the corporate and technology practice groups of one of Ireland’s leading law firms and practiced corporate law in the Palo Alto office of an international law firm. He focuses on a range of corporate transactions, including representing clients in connection with securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, venture-backed private financings and corporate governance. Andrew received his J.D. from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law.

Tyler J. Cook joined Smith Anderson after working as a corporate attorney in the New York office of a large international firm. He currently practices corporate law and represents issuers and investment banking firms in connection with public and private offerings of securities. Tyler also has experience advising on SEC disclosure and compliance obligations as well as corporate governance. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School.

Prior to joining Smith Anderson, Shameka C. Rolla was a summer associate with the firm’s summer program. Shameka is a member of the litigation practice group and assists clients on a wide range of business disputes, including contract and business tort claims. She is a Wake Forest University School of Law graduate, where she was a member of the National Trial Team.

After practicing for several years at a national law firm’s New York office, Derek A. Sutton joined Smith Anderson’s commercial litigation team. His practice encompasses a wide range of civil litigation, including contract and commercial disputes, antitrust, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, employment and business-related tort and statutory claims. Derek received his J.D. from New York University School of Law.

From the Boston office of a global technology law firm, Lee Strasburger joined Smith Anderson in the Research Triangle region of N.C. with a focus on life sciences and representing AgTech companies on complex, mission-critical transactions. Leveraging his background as a registered patent attorney, Lee advises on structuring and negotiating business arrangements related to the discovery, development, supply and commercialization of agricultural biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and medical devices. He graduated with honors from Emory University School of Law.

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