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.
Commercial Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Raleigh, NC
Profile Summary
About Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith at a Glance
Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith is a business, litigation, and environmental attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina, practicing 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). Serves clients in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Get Legal Help from Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith in Raleigh
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About 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
- 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
Practice Areas Explained
Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Raleigh.
Business & Corporate Law in Raleigh
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in North Carolina →
Civil Litigation in Raleigh
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in North Carolina →
Environmental Law in Raleigh
Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.
Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith is one of 55,977 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in North Carolina →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Raleigh
Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Raleigh are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive 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.
Raleigh Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Raleigh-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
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?
What practice areas does Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith handle?
Where did Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith go to law school?
How can I contact Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith received?
Professional Profile
Why Clients in Raleigh Choose Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith's practice in the field of business, litigation, and environmental.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, litigation, and environmental, Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Raleigh
A Raleigh-based practice means Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith Handles in Raleigh
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith has experience with under North Carolina law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Raleigh commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith.
If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith directly.
Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
Client Reviews & Ratings — Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith
No reviews yet.