Smith Anderson Named a Top Lobbying Firm in North Carolina

The North State Journal released its inaugural lists of the “Top Lobbyists and Top Lobbying Firms in North Carolina,” naming Smith Anderson a top five lobbying firm and government relations attorney Dana Simpson as a top 10 lobbyist. For North Carolina, over 250 companies and firms were listed this session and over 650 lobbyists were registered, according to the article. Smith Anderson’s team is led by Dave Horne and Dana Simpson and includes Kara Weishaar, Josh Grant, Chandler Spaulding and Lori Fuller.  

The North State Journal rankings were determined by legislator and staffer surveys and client quality scores. The rankings listed were limited to the top five lobbying firms and the top 10 lobbyists because, according to the Journal, that was “difficult enough without trying to figure out a fair way to determine who is number one.” The article mentioned that Smith Anderson ranked high in the quality of clients represented, and it also highlighted that Dana Simpson was nearly a unanimous pick among staffers and legislators.

The surveys consisted of rankings by legislators, staffers, reporters and business leaders. Client quality was measured and based on many factors, including market capitalization, business trade publication rankings, legislative success and size.  

Read the full article here. “Top lobbying firms” article was published in print on August 12, 2020.

The North State Journal is the only statewide newspaper in North Carolina. The goal of the North State Journal is simple: print the news of North Carolina with truth and beauty.