Byron Kirkland Selected as a Judge for the Second Annual "Carolina Challenge"

On Saturday, April 22, 2006, Byron Kirkland, partner with Triangle-based law firm Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, LLP participated as a judge for the Second Annual "Carolina Challenge."

Students at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (UNC) created the Carolina Challenge to promote entrepreneurship and foster the development of ideas into ventures. With the theme of "Connect-Create-Launch," teams consist of at least two members, one of whom must be a student, faculty member or staff member at UNC. Each team develops a plan that encompasses all aspects of a business including concept, technology, marketing, management, market research, financials and execution. Judges selected for their business knowledge provide constructive feedback and select the winners. This year, the competition awarded $50,000 in total prize money.

Mr. Kirkland practices in the areas of corporate and securities, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and technology law. He regularly represents venture funds and diverse companies including public and private entities and start-up, emerging, growth and mature companies. His extensive experience includes public offerings, venture capital financings, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate law matters.