Smith Anderson Welcomes Two Partners to its Real Estate Development Practice

RALEIGH, N.C. – Smith Anderson is pleased to announce that Michael R. Thornton and C. Allen York have joined the firm as partners. Both lawyers previously served as partners in the Raleigh office of a national law firm.

“We are delighted to welcome Mike Thornton and Allen York to our firm,” said Carl Patterson, Managing Partner at Smith Anderson. “They bring a wealth of experience and expertise in Commercial Real Estate Development that will further enhance our ability to serve our clients in this important area.”

Mike Thornton has extensive experience representing owners and developers of retail, office, multi-family and hotel properties in a broad range of matters, including finance, leasing and land use issues. Mike received his B.A. from the University of North Carolina, with honors, and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, cum laude. Mike is listed in The Best Lawyers in America®.

Allen York’s experience includes a wide range of real estate transactions, including the representation of developers in connection with all phases of acquisition, ownership, operation and disposition of real property. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and received his J.D. from the University of North Carolina Law School, with honors. Allen was recently recognized as a “Rising Star” by North Carolina Super Lawyers.

"Commercial real estate development in the Triangle region has long been an important facet of our economy, and will be well into the future,” said Pete Marino, head of Smith Anderson’s Real Estate Development practice. “The addition of talented lawyers, such as Mike Thornton and Allen York, demonstrates our commitment to meeting the growing needs of our commercial real estate clients.”

About Smith Anderson’s Real Estate Development Practice

Smith Anderson’s Real Estate Development (RED) practice comprises more than 20 lawyers, including many of the area’s top legal professionals from each of our five related practice groups: Commercial Real Estate; Construction; Environmental, Health & Safety; Land Use & Zoning; and Real Estate Litigation.  The firm’s real estate practice has been recognized by Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, The Best Lawyers in America, North Carolina Super Lawyers and Business North Carolina Legal Elite.