Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith

Daniel F. E. "Dan" Smith


Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP

Recognized since 2021

Raleigh, North Carolina

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Environmental Law

Litigation - Environmental

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Dan Smith focuses his law practice on matters involving environmental, commercial, education, and state constitutional law. He 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 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.

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.

Locations
  • Wells Fargo Capitol Center, Suite 1700
    150 Fayetteville Street
    P.O. Box 1800
    Raleigh, NC 27602
  • Renaissance Plaza, Suite 2000
    230 North Elm Street
    P.O. Box 26000
    Greensboro, NC 27420
Education
  • The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, J.D., graduated 2010
  • Duke University, M.A., graduated 2003
  • Duke University, B.S., graduated 2002
Bar Admissions
  • North Carolina, North Carolina
Affiliations
  • Elon University School of Law - Adjunct Law Professor, Environmental and Administrative Law
Court Admissions
  • US Court of Appeals - 4th Circuit
  • US District Court - Western District of NC
  • US District Court - Middle District of NC
  • US District Court - Eastern District of NC
State Clerkships
  • North Carolina - Supreme Court

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Litigation - Environmental
  • Environmental Law
Awards:
  • Greensboro Beautiful Award of Distinction (2020)

  • Recognized in North Carolina Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in Environmental Law (2016-2018); Civil Litigation: Defense (2019-2020)
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Appellate Practice
  • Education Law

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Can All of Your Customers Use Your Website? Be Proactive, Avoid a Legal Challenge and Broaden Your Customer Base


Can All of Your Customers Use Your Website? Be Proactive, Avoid a Legal Challenge and Broaden Your Customer Base

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