NCLW Recognizes Byron Kirkland’s Leadership for Fourth Straight Year

Smith Anderson Managing Partner Byron Kirkland has been named a 2026 Managing Partner to Watch by North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, marking his fourth consecutive year on the list and recognizing his leadership of the firm, commitment to client service, and role in guiding Smith Anderson through a period of significant growth.

Byron has served as managing partner for nearly seven years, helping to lead robust growth in both the number of lawyers and revenue while continuing to strengthen the culture that has long distinguished Smith Anderson. Under his leadership, the firm has implemented a strategic plan focused on enhancing client service, strengthening collaboration, and creating meaningful professional development opportunities for attorneys.

While managing partner, Byron has remained an active practicing lawyer, advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, securities matters, and general corporate matters. He also maintains an active venture capital and private equity fund practice, representing funds in formation, investments, and portfolio company transactions, and counseling emerging and established companies on strategic growth and capital-raising initiatives.

His leadership has led to continued expansion across the firm. Smith Anderson has grown to nearly 300 attorneys and business professionals, welcomed new talent across numerous practice areas, and strengthened its executive leadership team, while continuing to be recognized for its workplace culture. The Best Places to Work program from Triangle Business Journal put the firm at No. 1 among Extra-Large Companies for the second consecutive year, marking seven straight years on the list.

“Leading Smith Anderson is ultimately about people and relationships,” Byron said. “Great achievements are rarely accomplished by individuals working alone. They happen when people bring their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences together toward a common goal and are committed to each other. The relationships we build, the support we offer one another, and the respect we show each day create an environment where people can thrive.”

Beyond the firm, Byron is actively involved in the business and nonprofit communities. He serves on the boards of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, NC TECH, and previously served on and chaired the boards of The Miracle League of the Triangle and United Way of the Greater Triangle, reflecting his longstanding commitment to strengthening the region where Smith Anderson’s clients and employees live and work.

This fourth consecutive Managing Partners to Watch recognition adds to a growing list of honors for Byron. He has been named to Business North Carolina’s Power List for six consecutive years, is ranked as an Eminent Practitioner by Chambers USA, and is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® across multiple corporate and transactional categories. He also has received Community Champion, Corporate Leadership, and CEO of the Year honors from Triangle Business Journal and has been named a Client Service All-Star by BTI Consulting Group.

North Carolina Lawyers Weekly’s Managing Partners to Watch program highlights law firm leaders who are helping shape their organizations through strategic leadership, growth, culture and client service.