Matt Rhoad Receives Triangle Business Journal’s 2013 40 Under 40 Leadership Award

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Triangle Business Journal named Smith Anderson partner Matt Rhoad a recipient of its 2013 40 Under 40 Leadership Award. This award recognizes outstanding professionals under the age of 40 for their contributions to their organizations and to the community.

Matt has emerged as a leader in his profession and the community. He joined Smith Anderson in 2002 after completing a two-year clerkship with Justice (now Chief Justice) Sarah Parker of the North Carolina Supreme Court. He earned that position after graduating from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. In 2010, Matt was named a partner at Smith Anderson.

Matt’s practice focuses on land use and zoning; real estate development; commercial real estate transactions; public utility real estate issues, including right-of-way acquisitions and condemnation/eminent domain; easement negotiation and drafting; negotiating and litigating boundary and encroachment disputes; and title disputes. He is the co-author of several publications relating to his areas of practice and has presented at numerous seminars.

Matt is deeply involved with professional organizations. In 2012, he served as president of the Wake County Real Property Lawyers Association. He currently serves on the Board, Executive Committee, and as Treasurer of the Triangle Community Coalition. He continues to serve a four-year commitment on the Zoning, Planning and Land Use Section Council for the North Carolina Bar Association and has co-edited the section’s newsletter for the past two years. In addition, Matt is involved in such organizations as: the International Right of Way Association; Urban Land Institute; National Association of Industrial and Office Properties; Downtown Raleigh Alliance; and he has been a participant in the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Raleigh Program. He also serves on the technical review group for the Unified Development Ordinance of Raleigh, which is dedicated to “Building a 21st Century City.”

Matt has donated many hours of pro bono work to numerous causes, including Call 4ALL, a program that provides legal assistance to people in need. He also supports the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, a tribute to his father who suffers from MS; the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; UNC Children’s Hospital; March of Dimes; Muscular Dystrophy Association; area Boys & Girls Clubs; and many others. Matt also frequently volunteers at his childrens’ school.

 According to Carl Patterson, Smith Anderson’s Managing Partner, “Matt Rhoad has already accomplished much in his career, and is regarded by our Firm, clients, and the Triangle community at large as someone to watch.”

 Six judges from Triangle Business Journal and the local business community pored over more than 300 qualified nominations to come up with the final list of 40 winners in the 2013 40 Under 40 Leadership Award class. For more information on the award, please visit the publication’s website.