Smith Anderson Chairman and CEO of the Year award winner John L. Jernigan shares his recipe for a successful law firm

In a series focused on its 2017 CEO of the Year award winners, Triangle Business Journal published an article on Smith Anderson Chairman John L. Jernigan, highlighting his exceptional leadership and recipe for success at the helm of the Firm.

In the article, John explains that Smith Anderson thinks of accomplishments in terms of their clients’ successes and considers their clients’ business as their own. “One of the advantages or gifts that our law firm has is a wonderful clientele,” he added.

When asked about his professional goals, John stated his mission remains the same as last year. “My goal is to strengthen our law firm and to protect and enhance our wonderful reputation.”

John spends much of his time giving back to the community and especially enjoys counseling young attorneys as they begin their careers, encouraging them to focus on their long-term aspirations. “This is definitely a journey, and with it comes much privilege and much opportunity, but you’ve got to stay with it,” he said.

Acknowledging that trends in business can change over time, John feels that the principles of a great business or law firm are both simple and timeless. “Having a law firm with as many good, strong people in it as we do reinforces that every day.”

In addition to serving as Chairman of Smith Anderson, John maintains an active practice including corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, banking and corporate law.

The full article is available to Triangle Business Journal subscribers here.

Watch John’s 2017 CEO of the Year video interview with Triangle Business Journal here.