Atty. Ryan M. Smith

Atty. Ryan M. Smith

Ryan Smith is co-head of the Investment Team and a member of the Management Committee. For over 20 years, he has built a practice that represents clients on a variety of complex leveraged financings, senior and junior capital lending transactions, private equity and other equity investments, and corporate transactions.

Charlotte Charlotte 30 Years Experience 30 year
Call (704) 331-1000

Profile Summary

About Ryan M. Smith at a glance

Ryan M. Smith is a business attorney based in Charlotte, North Carolina, practicing at Moore & Van Allen PLLC. They have 30+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1996. Admitted to practice in North Carolina (1996). Educated at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (J.D., 1996) and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA, 1993). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law (2026). Serves clients in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Ryan Smith is co-head of the Investment Team and a member of the Management Committee
  • For over 20 years, he has built a practice that represents clients on a variety of complex leveraged financings, senior and junior capital lending transactions, private equity and other equity investments, and corporate transactions
  • Ryan’s primary focus is in finance and equity investment transactions
  • As counselor to lenders and passive and controlling stakeholders, he represents a variety of finance companies, business development companies (BDC’s), small business investment companies (SBIC’s), hedge funds, private equity funds, and other private capital investors in connection with leveraged transactions, acquisition financings, going-private transactions, management buyouts, growth investments, and other finance and equity related transactions
  • For over 20 years, Ryan has represented his clients in transactions that have ranged from $1 million to $1 billion
  • He also has extensive experience in the focus areas that impact these transactions from intercreditor relationships to each class of equity securities issued in the capitalization of an enterprise

Practice Areas Explained

Ryan M. Smith's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Ryan M. Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Ryan M. Smith is one of 452,854 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in North Carolina →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in North Carolina

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 Charlotte 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.

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

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Ryan M. Smith

Where is Ryan M. Smith's law office located?
Ryan M. Smith's law practice is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm is Moore & Van Allen PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Ryan M. Smith handle?
Ryan M. Smith focuses on business. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in North Carolina.
How long has Ryan M. Smith practiced law?
Ryan M. Smith has 30+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1996.
Where did Ryan M. Smith go to law school?
Ryan M. Smith earned their education at (J.D., 1996); (BA, 1993).
How can I contact Ryan M. Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Ryan M. Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Ryan M. Smith received?
Ryan M. Smith's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law; Lawyer of the Year — Banking and Finance Law (Charlotte).

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 1996
BA
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- 1993

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Banking and Finance Law (Charlotte)
- 2023

Bar Admissions

North Carolina
Admitted: 1996

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