In a Three-Peat, Business North Carolina’s Power List Honors Managing Partner Byron Kirkland

Byron Kirkland does not have to look far for inspiration – he finds it each day in the Smith Anderson colleagues he leads as managing partner of the largest law firm in the Triangle, a position that has again earned him a spot on Business North Carolina (BNC) magazine’s 2023 Power List of North Carolina’s most influential leaders.

"The nation’s ninth-most populous state, and among the most economically dynamic, relies on great leadership to excel," writes David Mildenberg, editor of BNC, in the introduction to the list that covers 18 of North Carolina’s industries from agriculture to law to transportation. "Having among the nation’s most favorable business climates and fastest population growth rates doesn’t just happen. With the benefits of power comes great responsibility, of course."

This is the third consecutive year that BNC has named Byron to its annual Power List. Honoring 35 attorneys, the list is based on nominations, discussions with BNC sources, undertaking considerable research and enjoying years of experience covering North Carolina’s business community from the magazine’s unique statewide perspective.

Byron was elected Smith Anderson’s managing partner in January 2020 and is a member of the firm's Management Committee. He has extensive experience in private equity transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate law and securities matters. He represents emerging and established companies, both privately and publicly held, across diverse industry sectors, and has an active private equity fund practice.

Byron’s roles in the community include serving as chair of the board of directors for the United Way of the Greater Triangle, a member of the board of directors of NC TECH, the North Carolina technology industry’s trade association and a member and past chair of the board of directors for The Miracle League of the Triangle.

The entire BNC Law Power List can be viewed here.

Business North Carolina is a monthly magazine that focuses on the people, events and trends that shape business in North Carolina. Since it began publication in 1981, it has won more than 100 national awards for its writing, reporting and design.