Department profile

Real Estate

USA Guide 2026 : North Carolina

Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, LLP

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, LLP

More than 25 lawyers strong, our Real Estate Development (RED) team is a collaborative group of land use, real estate, environmental and construction law professionals. We have been involved in many of North Carolina's largest and most significant real estate developments - both public and private projects - including major mixed-use, office, manufacturing, multi-family, retail, natural resource, infrastructure and public utility projects.

We have assembled a comprehensive range of Real Estate Development practices under one cohesive group, designed to serve clients through all phases of a project. Our RED Group includes legal professionals who work together across multiple related areas:

Land Use and Zoning

Commercial Real Estate

Construction and Construction Litigation

Leasing

Environmental and OSHA

Real Estate Litigation

Energy and Renewable Energy

Industries (7)

Real Estate
Banking and Finance
Insurance
Foodservice
Pharmaceutical
Government Contracting
Construction

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Real Estate - North Carolina

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan garners strong market support for its representation of developers in state, national and regional transactions. The team's specific areas of expertise include the acquisition and development of retail and residential projects as well as significant lease negotiations. The firm is also noted for its experience in zoning and land use matters.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan LLP represented North Carolina FC and Kane Realty Corporation in the Downtown South development in Raleigh, a mixed‑use project anchored by a proposed 20,000‑seat stadium.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The team are extremely insightful, responsive and have high levels of integrity.
Real Estate respondentUSA
Their quality and responsiveness is top-notch.
Real Estate respondentUSA
They are easy to work with, extremely knowledgeable and provide a great level of service.
Real Estate respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Band 1
Band 1
Matt Rhoad
Matt Rhoad is an expert on matters that relate to eminent domain and condemnation issues. He counts a number of large public utility companies among his clients.
Matt has gone above and beyond to help with complex matters.
Real Estate respondentUSA
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Band 2
Band 2
Robin Tatum
Robin Tatum expertly represents local governments, private businesses and developers in complex land use and zoning matters.
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Band 2
Band 2
Toby Coleman
Toby Coleman's practice spans land use and zoning approvals. He often represents property owners and developers.
Toby’s has broad experience, in-depth knowledge and an effective communication style.
Real Estate respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
C Allen York
Allen York comes recommended for his representation of property developers in a wide range of real estate issues. His experience spans acquisitions, financing, leasing and dispositions.
Allen does a great job at streamlining advice and is very responsive. He is flexible with changing deadlines and working through everchanging legal issues.
Real Estate respondentUSA
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Band 3
Band 3
C Steven Mason
Steven Mason is well regarded for his broad experience in real estate matters, spanning development, leasing and financing issues.
He's very good at understanding a deal structure and provides great advice on the market.
Real Estate respondentUSA
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Up and Coming
Up and Coming
Davis Roach
Davis Roach advises clients on all aspects of commercial real estate and corporate transactions.
Davis is an incredibly skilled and personable attorney.
Real Estate respondentUSA
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Up and Coming
Up and Coming
Sharita Whitaker
Sharita Whitaker focuses on commercial real estate matters, with a particular expertise in right-of-way acquisitions. She represents both private and public clients in acquisitions, dispositions and easement negotiations.
Sharita does a great job handling complex matters and is a pleasure to work with.
Real Estate respondentUSA
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