Smith Anderson Welcomes Three Lawyers to the Firm Partnership

RALEIGH, N.C. – Smith Anderson, the largest law firm in the Research Triangle, has elected three of its attorneys to the Firm partnership. Effective Jan. 1, 2013, Heyward D. Armstrong, Joshua D. Bryant and Matthew G.T. Martin joined 77 other partners to further strengthen the 100-year old firm’s experience in the areas of securities and growth companies, mergers and acquisitions, tax and estate planning, real estate development, and contract disputes and commercial litigation, among other areas of law.

The following are details on each new partner’s practice:

Heyward D. Armstrong's practice focuses on corporate and securities law, including advising companies and their officers and directors on public company securities compliance, public and private offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance matters. Before joining Smith Anderson, he practiced law at the international law firm of Dechert LLP in London, England, where his practice focused on advising U.S. and non-U.S. private investment funds and fund managers on a broad range of legal issues arising under U.S. federal and state securities laws and regulations. Prior to entering private practice, Heyward clerked for the Honorable James A. Beaty, Jr., United States District Judge for the Middle District of North Carolina. He is also licensed as a Certified Public Accountant.

Heyward received his juris doctorate from the University of North Carolina School of Law with high honors.

Joshua D. Bryant practices in the areas of taxation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions and exempt organizations. He represents clients in matters involving federal, state and local taxation, and in business transactions with tax implications. Josh’s experience includes tax planning for corporate acquisitions, reorganizations, recapitalizations, divestitures and liquidations, as well as corporate distributions and stock redemptions. He also regularly advises limited partnerships and limited liability companies on tax and business law matters relating to formation, financing, operations, restructuring, mergers, conversions, owner retirement or withdrawal and liquidation, and assists in all aspects of the administration of decedent’s estates, including the preparation of federal and state estate tax returns. He is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. 

Josh achieved his juris doctorate from Duke University, magna cum laude.

Matthew G. T. Martin practices in the areas of commercial litigation, construction and real estate. Matt has represented businesses and individuals in a variety of civil litigation, construction and real property matters. He also has extensive experience in alternative dispute resolution. He has used his litigation experience to help clients prepare and negotiate commercial and construction contracts. He also advises companies in connection with land use, government contracting and public construction issues, and has experience helping clients finance and acquire real property. Matt presently serves as Chair of the Wake County Planning Board. Prior to joining Smith Anderson, Matt practiced with the law firm of Covington & Burling in Washington, D.C.

Matt received his juris doctorate with high honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he served as editor in chief of the North Carolina Law Review.