Prominent Land Use Attorney Michael Birch Joins Smith Anderson
RALEIGH, N.C. — Smith Anderson has added Michael Birch, one of the Triangle’s most highly-regarded land use attorneys, as a partner in the firm’s nationally recognized Land Use and Zoning practice, further strengthening the firm’s market-leading capabilities in development, zoning, and entitlement matters.
Michael joins Smith Anderson after nearly two decades advising clients on complex land use, zoning, and development approvals. Under the leadership of Land Use and Zoning practice chair Toby Coleman, Smith Anderson has assembled North Carolina’s deepest and most experienced bench of land use attorneys. Michael’s arrival builds on the recent additions of prominent land use attorneys Robin Tatum and Catherine Hill and reflects the firm’s continued investment in one of the fastest-growing and most critical areas of real estate development.
Michael’s addition also strengthens Smith Anderson’s broader Real Estate Development group, a team of more than 30 lawyers who advise on many of the state’s most significant development projects. The group counsels clients across the full life cycle of development, including land use and zoning, commercial real estate, construction, environmental matters, financing, public-private partnerships, and real estate litigation.
“Michael has extensive relationships in both the development community and our local governments, and pairs it with a sophisticated understanding of the processes and politics of municipal governments,” said Toby Coleman. “That perspective, paired with his reputation, positions him as an exceptionally valuable resource for our clients.”
Michael represents landowners, developers, and businesses through all stages of the permitting and entitlement process, including rezoning, site plan review, special use permitting, variances, code interpretations, and zoning due diligence. He regularly appears before city councils, planning boards, and boards of adjustment across North Carolina. He has particular depth in the Triangle region, including Raleigh and surrounding municipalities in Wake County.
“Smith Anderson has long been a leader in real estate development, and we have been intentional about building the premier land use practice in North Carolina,” said Smith Anderson Managing Partner Byron Kirkland. “Land use issues often arise at the earliest and most consequential stage of a project, and Michael’s addition reinforces our ability to deliver the leadership, experience, and advocacy clients need when the stakes are highest.”
Michael has earned many accolades, including a ranking for Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use in North Carolina in the 2025 and 2026 editions of Chambers USA. He has been selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers each year since 2022, following eight consecutive years on the publication’s Rising Stars list.
For more information about Smith Anderson and its team, visit www.smithlaw.com.
About Smith Anderson
Smith Anderson is a leading full-service business and litigation law firm serving regional, national and global companies. Nearly half of our attorneys have joined us from national and international firms, providing clients with a highly experienced and deep bench of support at favorable local market rates. More than half of our partners are recognized in Chambers and Partners, the definitive mark of excellence across the legal industry. It’s our client-focused culture and forward-thinking insights that have shaped Smith Anderson for more than a century as we help guide our clients toward success.
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