Smith Anderson Adds Seven Attorneys, Capping 2025 Growth at 19 New Hires

Smith Anderson is pleased to announce the addition of seven attorneys across several key practice groups, the latest in a series of hires that brings the firm’s 2025 attorney hiring total to 19. The additions further expand the firm’s attorney roster to more than 170 lawyers, reinforcing Smith Anderson’s position as one of the largest law firms in North Carolina. This latest expansion follows the recent arrival of partner Robin Tatum and counsel Catherine Hill and reflects the firm’s continued commitment to attracting top legal talent to meet client needs. 

"This is an exciting milestone for Smith Anderson and marks a record number of attorney hires for the firm in a single year," said Managing Partner Byron Kirkland. "We’re continuing to invest in outstanding lawyers and building the depth our clients need, while staying true to our culture and values." 

Seth Berger joins the Banking & Finance and Corporate & Transactional groups. He supports clients with commercial lending, corporate matters and other financial transactions. Seth previously interned with Chief Judge Stroud at the North Carolina Court of Appeals and worked in fiduciary administration at one of the nation’s largest banks. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law.

William Henderson, Jr. joins the Corporate & Transactional and Private Client groups, advising clients on tax and business matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments and financings transactions. Before law school, Will worked as a tax associate with national accounting firms and is a licensed North Carolina CPA. He earned his J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

David Levintow joins the Business Litigation group. He brings significant courtroom exposure gained through three years of federal clerkships in the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina, where he drafted hundreds of orders in civil and criminal cases. David previously practiced at an AmLaw 50 firm in Washington, D.C., representing corporate clients in complex commercial disputes, government investigations and international arbitrations. He is a graduate of The George Washington University Law School.

Samantha Smith joins the Corporate & Transactional group, where she advises clients on complex business matters, including mergers and acquisitions, restructurings and compliance issues. She brings experience from national law firms and a secondment with a global corporation, where she counseled internal teams on consumer compliance and data matters. Sam is a graduate of Duke University School of Law.

Benjamin Spencer joins the Business Litigation group. Ben previously clerked for the Honorable Terrence W. Boyle in the Eastern District of North Carolina, gaining hands-on exposure to federal trial and motion practice. During law school, he supported regulatory work at the FDA and NIH and contributed to multiple academic publications. Ben earned his J.D. from Duke University School of Law.

McLean Waters joins the Corporate & Transactional group, focusing on mergers and acquisitions and general corporate matters. During law school, McLean represented startups through the Startup NC Law Clinic and served in chambers for Justice Tamara Barringer of the North Carolina Supreme Court. He earned his J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Sidney Wiswell joins the Real Estate Development group, where she advises clients on land use, zoning and commercial real estate matters, including permitting, condemnation and eminent domain actions. She gained experience through multiple clinics at The University of Texas School of Law and prior roles in paralegal work and community outreach. Sidney earned her J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law.

Smith Anderson’s continued growth aligns with the firm’s strategic priorities for expansion in high-demand areas, including corporate transactions, litigation, real estate development and regulatory matters.