Noel Hudson

Noel Hudson is an attorney with Smith Anderson’s Litigation practice.

Before joining Smith Anderson, Noel served as a judicial law clerk for Judge Charles R. Wilson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and Chief Judge Alia Moses of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. She also gained experience working for judges at the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Superior Court. In these roles, Noel conducted extensive legal research, managed criminal and civil dockets, drafted orders and opinions on complex legal issues, and facilitated jury trials. Her time working closely with judges has given Noel valuable insight into judicial decision-making. Now, as a client advocate, she uses that experience to analyze cases from all angles and develop strategies that make sense to judges, drawing on her background to anticipate judicial reasoning, sharpen her legal analysis and deliver thoughtful strategies for her clients.

A North Carolina native, Noel returned home after clerking in Texas and Florida, drawn to Smith Anderson’s reputation for handling high-profile and complex cases. She values the firm’s collaborative and supportive culture and its central location in downtown Raleigh, steps away from the courts where she enjoys practicing.

Noel speaks Spanish and incorporates her language skills into her legal practice, strengthening client connections. She was initially inspired to pursue law because of its human connection and counselor aspects, and she remains passionate about guiding clients through challenges with care and precision.

Outside of work, Noel enjoys playing flag football, growing orchids, traveling, staying active in her church community and listening to murder mystery audiobooks and legal podcasts.

Clerkships

• Judge Charles R. Wilson, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
• Chief Judge Alia Moses, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas

Education

• University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D., 2022
  • North Carolina Law Review
  • North Carolina Journal of International Law
  • Vice President, Women in Law
  • Gressman & Pollitt Oral Advocacy Award
  • Pro bono
    • Assisted refugees applying for humanitarian parole
    • Reviewed license restoration documents
    • Assisted Legal Aid clients in expunction opportunities
• Meredith College, B.A., 2017
  • Presidential Full-Tuition Scholarship Recipient
  • Meredith Herald, Contributing Writer
  • Kappa Nu Sigma Honors Society, President
  • Communication Club, President

Bar & Court Admissions