J. Drake Brinkley

J. Drake Brinkley


Ward and Smith, P.A.

Recognized since 2020

Greenville, North Carolina

Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

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Drake works with entities and individuals in transactions involving commercial real property. A substantial portion of his practice is focused on representing both landlords and tenants in commercial lease negotiations for a wide variety of spaces, including office locations, retail centers, industrial facilities, and solar farms. In addition, Drake represents buyers and sellers in negotiating and closing purchases and sales, including tax-deferred exchanges. He also represents developers and investors in all aspects of the land development process, including obtaining land use and zoning entitlements. He also represents borrowers and lenders in financing transactions. Drake also regularly assists clients with real property issues associated with mergers, acquisitions, and company divestitures. Drake's civil engineering background provides practical assistance to clients throughout real estate transactions. He is an accredited Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design associate (LEED AP).

Contact & Links
Location
  • 120 West Fire Tower Road
    P.O. Box 8088
    Greenville, NC 27835-8088
Education
  • Campbell University, J.D., graduated 2006
  • North Carolina State University, B.S., graduated 2002
Bar Admissions
  • North Carolina, 2006
Affiliations
  • North Carolina State University - College of Engineering, Engineering Foundation Board of Directors, Member
  • North Carolina Bar Association - Member- Sections: Business Law; Real Property Law
  • Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce - Leadership Greenville Alumnus, Class of 2015
  • Greenville ENC Alliance - Board of Directors Chair (present), Vice Chair (2022-2023), Secretary (2021-2022)
Court Admissions
  • United States District Court for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina
  • All state courts in North Carolina
  • North Carolina, 2006

Ward and Smith, P.A.
Headquarters: New Bern, North Carolina

56 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

14 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

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Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Real Estate Law
Special Focus:
  • COVID-19
Awards:
  • "Rising Star," North Carolina Super Lawyers, 201

  • "Legal Elite," Business North Carolina, Real Estate Law, 2023

Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Construction Law
  • Economic Development Law

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Publications

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