Byron Kirkland Honored for Visionary Leadership in 2025 TBJ Corporate Leadership Awards

Smith Anderson is proud to announce that Managing Partner Byron Kirkland has been named a winner of the Triangle Business Journal’s 2025 Corporate Leadership Awards. This annual recognition celebrates senior executives in the Triangle who demonstrate outstanding leadership in both their organizations and the broader community.

As Managing Partner, Byron has helped guide the firm through a period of significant strategic growth. Most recently, he guided the firm’s decision to renew and expand its long-term lease at 150 Fayetteville Street, the iconic high-rise in the core of downtown Raleigh and oversaw the continued and significant growth of Smith Anderson’s legal team with the addition of several new lawyers from nationally respected law firms, including a former U.S. Supreme Court clerk. Together, these strategic moves have reinforced the firm’s deep roots in the region and strengthened its position as a premier destination for top legal talent and high-stakes matters.

Under Byron’s leadership, more than half of Smith Anderson’s partners have achieved recognition in Chambers and Partners, the definitive mark of excellence across the legal industry, surpassing any other North Carolina-based law firm. Byron himself was recognized as an Eminent Practitioner, a rare distinction awarded to attorneys with exceptional reputations, influential client relationships and lasting contributions to the profession. His leadership has also contributed to the firm earning six consecutive honors as both Benchmark Litigation’s North Carolina Firm of the Year and Triangle Business Journal’s Best Places to Work.

Notably, Byron’s leadership extends well beyond the legal field. He currently serves on the boards of United Way of the Greater Triangle, NC TECH, the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and The Miracle League of the Triangle.

In addition to his role as firm Managing Partner, Byron is a full-time practicing corporate attorney where he advises private equity firms and public and private companies on mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings and other complex business matters. He is also known within the firm as a dedicated mentor and collaborator and a key contributor in helping to shape Smith Anderson’s inclusive and client-focused culture.

"Byron leads with empathy, humility and vision and his leadership continues to elevate not only our firm, but also the legal and business communities across our state," said Amy Batten, Chair of the firm’s Management Committee and Co-Chair of the Corporate and Transactional practice. "His deep commitment to our people, clients and community makes him a truly deserving recipient of this honor."

Reflecting on the award, Byron shared, "This honor is really a reflection of the incredible team at Smith Anderson. I am privileged to work with such dedicated, talented people and I’m proud of the culture of excellence and collaboration we’ve built together."

Read more and view the full list of winners here.