Best Lawyers Names John Jernigan and Gerald Roach “Lawyers of the Year”

Raleigh (June 5) -- John Jernigan, Managing Partner, and Gerald Roach, Partner, Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, have been named “Raleigh Lawyers of the Year” in their respective banking and corporate specialties, by Best Lawyers, a highly respected legal peer-review publication.

For 2009, Best Lawyers has named “Lawyers of the Year” in certain high-profile legal specialties and in certain large legal communities. This designation is based on recognition from fellow lawyers in each area and specialty. For the first time ever, Best Lawyers has named six “Lawyers of the Year” in Raleigh for 2009. Smith Anderson is the only Raleigh firm with two honorees.

“We are especially grateful to be acknowledged by our peers with this honor,” said Jernigan. “We believe we must work hard every day to continue to earn the confidence of our clients. That belief fosters our uncompromising commitment to excellence in handling the matters that our clients entrust to us.” John Jernigan is listed in Best Lawyers in the areas of Banking Law (Commercial Finance, Mergers and Acquisitions, Regulatory, Securities, Transactions), Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law and Securities Law.

Gerald Roach is listed in Best Lawyers in the areas of Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Securities Law, and Venture Capital Law.

“The editors of Best Lawyers would like to congratulate Mr. Jernigan and Mr. Roach on the honor of being held in such high esteem by their peers,” said Steven Naifeh, managing editor of Best Lawyers.

About Smith Anderson

Since its inception in 1912, Smith Anderson has grown to become the largest Triangle-based law firm and one of the largest in North Carolina. Representing diverse organizations with local, state, national and international interests, our lawyers focus on building and strengthening relationships by understanding our clients' businesses and customizing our legal solutions accordingly. Our commitment to our clients also extends to our community and profession.