Law360 Declares Smith Anderson a ‘Regional Powerhouse’

Law360 has recognized Smith Anderson as a 2024 North Carolina Regional Powerhouse for its leading role in high-profile mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and its success in handling impactful litigation. The firms on the list reflect a strong presence in their respective states and local markets, while often representing clients in deals and cases that capture national attention.

Law360 highlights how Smith Anderson spearheaded multimillion-dollar deals over the past year, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in M&A. Among the firm's notable transactions are the merger of Curi Holdings and Constellation, forming a $2 billion entity, and United Therapeutics' $50 million acquisition of IVIVA Medical. Smith Anderson also advised Wolfspeed on the $75 million sale of its radio frequency product line. In 2023, the firm played a key role in First Citizens Bank's acquisition of Silicon Valley Bank, a transformative deal for both North Carolina and the nation’s banking industry.

On the litigation side, Smith Anderson is defending a firefighter foam manufacturer, Dynax Corp., one of a number of companies facing multidistrict litigation over PFAS chemicals in their products. Dynax has denied all liability as the parties gear up for a bellwether case that is expected to go to trial later this year.

"We are defending literally hundreds of cases for our client Dynax in what's a fairly novel, burgeoning world of PFAS litigation," said Byron Kirkland, managing partner of Smith Anderson. "It certainly has the opportunity to be a tremendous area for litigation nationally."

The firm also represented pro bono client the Cherry Community Organization in a legal battle for affordable housing that reached the North Carolina Supreme Court. Cherry now has land in Charlotte that will become affordable housing instead of mixed-use development.

"The Cherry Community Organization case is noteworthy not due to its size but for the cause that we were supporting," Byron told Law360.

With a 112-year history, Smith Anderson is deeply rooted in the region and has earned a strong reputation for serving high-profile clients across industries such as life sciences, pharmaceuticals, health care, private equity and technology, which have experienced rapid growth in the Research Triangle area in recent decades.

"We've been here a long time," Amy Batten, a partner and co-chair of the firm’s management committee, told Law360. "We're not planning on going anywhere anytime soon. Our roots are old and go deep across the state."

The full story can be viewed here.

About Law360
With over 2.8 million newsletter recipients each day, Law360 is a trusted news source for legal professionals, business leaders and government officials.