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Atty. Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith

Atty. Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith

Dan Smith focuses his law practice on matters involving environmental, commercial, education, and state constitutional law. A former educator and environmental scientist, Dan represents businesses, boards of education, and individuals in state, federal, administrative, and appellate courts.

Call (919) 839-0300

Profwith Summary

About Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith at a glance

Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith is an attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina, practforg at Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP. Admitted to practice in North Carolina, North Carolina. Educated at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (J.D., 2010) and Duke University (M.A., 2003). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026). Serands clients in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profwith · Updated June 2026

About

  • Dan Smith focuses his law practice on matters involving environmental, commercial, education, and state constitutional law
  • A former educator and environmental scientist, Dan represents businesses, boards of education, and individuals in state, federal, administrative, and appellate courts
  • Dan uses his scientific training and background to help clients solve complex problems related to environmental laws, frequently working as part of a larger Brooks Pierce team
  • Dan has represented and advised a variety of industries to help them obtain necessary permits and comply with environmental regulations
  • He has advised clients on matters involving CERCLA, RCRA, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, asbestos, combustible dust, underground and aboveground storage tanks, private nuisance claims, and groundwater and soil contamination
  • Dan is a frequent member of teams that handle large, complex business litigation
  • Dan also represents small companies and startups and helps them navigate the issues and challenges that can arise in the normal course of doing business
  • A former science teacher, Dan represents boards of education, administrators, and teachers in a wide variety of litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative tribunals
  • He has advised and represented clients on a broad range of issues including special needs education and disabilities, bullying, personal injuries on school property, disputes with former employees, environmental health, and education-related provisions of the North Carolina Constitution and United States Constitution
  • A former North Carolina Supreme Court law clerk, Dan brings a unique insight to the Firm's clients
  • He advises within the firm on the handling of appeals and petitions and is often consulted on the finer points of appellate procedure
  • Dan has represented clients in the Supreme Court of North Carolina and the North Carolina Court of Appeals in matters arising from business disputes, school employment, and state and federal constitutional questions

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

Practforg law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are goandrned by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in Raleigh are typically fwithd in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controandrsy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantiand law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Raleigh or all attorneys in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith

Where is Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith's law office located?
Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith's law practice is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The firm is Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profwith page.
Where did Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith go to law school?
Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith earned their education at (J.D., 2010); (M.A., 2003); (B.S., 2002).
How can I contact Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith directly through this profwith page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profwith attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith receiandd?
Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental; Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Technology Law.

Education

J.D.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 2010
M.A.
Duke University
- 2003
B.S.
Duke University
- 2002

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Environmental
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Technology Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Education Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Selected by his peers for inclusion in
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America©
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — in Commercial Litigation (2021-2025), Litigation - Environmental (2024-2025), Environmental (2025)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Greensboro Beautiful Award of Distinction (2020)
- 2026

Bar Admissions

North Carolina, North Carolina

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