Smith Anderson Lawyers Ranked Among the "Most Influential" by the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research

Two Smith Anderson lawyers were ranked in the 2005-2006 list of The Most Influential Lobbyists in the 2005 North Carolina General Assembly recently released by The North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research.

Smith Anderson partner and head of the Firm's Public and Government Affairs practice, Dave Horne, was ranked as the 5th most influential lobbyist out of 50 lobbyists who received rankings. Mr. Horne received his first ranking in 1989, and last year appeared on the list as the 7th most influential lobbyist.

Receiving a ranking of #48, Smith Anderson lawyer, Dana Simpson, appears on the list for the first time this year. Mr. Simpson, age 32, and one other lobbyist tied as the youngest lobbyists appearing in this year's rankings.

The Center ranks the top 50 lobbyists out of 638 registered lobbyists and bases its rankings on results from a survey conducted of all 50 state senators, 120 representatives, 442 registered lobbyists and 16 state capital news correspondents asked to identify the most "influential" lobbyists during the 2005 session of the General Assembly.

Mr. Horne's honors this year also include receiving the North Carolina Medical Society John Huske Anderson award which recognizes laypersons whose contributions positively impact the medical profession and public health as exemplified by Smith Anderson name partner John Anderson (1907-1990) and selection for the Woodward/White 2007 list of The Best Lawyers in America in the Government Relations Law category.

The Smith Anderson Public and Government Affairs team advises clients on how best to effectively communicate their message to political and government leaders. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team provides clients with an understanding of the political, regulatory and legal environment and an experienced perspective on how decisions impacting public policy are made.