Triangle Business Journal Names Mike Mitchell and Bart Norman Triangle Law Award Winners

Smith Anderson partners Mike Mitchell and Bart Norman have been named winners in Triangle Business Journal’s inaugural Triangle Law Awards, which recognize attorneys contributing to the Triangle’s economic growth through excellence in business representation. Winners were selected not only for legal excellence but also for their accomplishments in the past year, exemplary representation of the Triangle's key business sectors, and direct involvement in the local community.

Mike has continued to distinguish himself as one of the Triangle’s premier trial and appellate lawyers, leading complex, high-stakes business and intellectual property litigation in state and federal courts across North Carolina and beyond. As co-chair of Smith Anderson’s Litigation team and Intellectual Property Litigation practice group, Mike has guided clients through bet-the-company litigation, Business Court matters and cases designated as Exceptional by the Chief Justice, delivering strategic, business-minded outcomes in some of the region’s most consequential disputes. His nomination also recognized the various leadership roles he has held at the firm over his career and his broader contributions to the legal profession and the administration of justice in North Carolina court projects, pro bono Guardian ad litem appellate representation, bar organizations and other public service appointments.

Over the past year, Bart has further solidified his reputation as a leading finance attorney in the Triangle, advising borrowers and lenders on complex debt transactions that fuel growth across industries. As co-leader of Smith Anderson’s Debt Finance practice group, Bart has played a central role in expanding the depth and reach of the firm’s practice. Historically known for its strong borrower-side work, the firm now also represents multiple lenders in addition to corporate borrowers, strengthening its market position and deepening its insight into both sides of the lending relationship. In the past year, he has led numerous significant loan matters for corporate borrowers and lenders across industries, including handling complex structuring, negotiation and documentation for transactions. His nomination also highlighted his leadership within the firm, including service on the Management Committee from 2020 through 2025 and long-standing work mentoring and developing attorneys.

In addition to their client work, both Mike and Bart were recognized for their broader impact in the Triangle. Mike’s community service includes board leadership with the Veterans Life Center of North Carolina which supports at-risk 21st century veterans and helps prevent crisis. Mike also currently serves in appointed leadership roles with key allies to the North Carolina Judicial Branch, including the Chief Justice’s Rules Advisory Commission and the Civil Local Rules Committee for the Eastern District of North Carolina. Bart’s community service includes leadership with A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can café, where he currently serves as board chair and helps support its mission to address food insecurity with dignity and choice.

Recognized by Chambers USA for more than a decade in Litigation: General Commercial, Mike is praised for his “great insight” and for being a “creative thinker, effective at connecting divergent ideas and facts.” His sustained excellence is further reflected in his recognition as a North Carolina Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation, repeated inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® across multiple litigation disciplines, and his designation as “Lawyer of the Year” in Raleigh for Litigation – Intellectual Property. Bart has been ranked by Chambers USA in Banking & Finance every year since 2014 where clients say he is "as good as they come." Bart is also recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Banking and Finance Law and Securities and Capital Markets Law.

The recognition reflects the strength of Mike and Bart's client work, leadership within the firm and contributions to the broader business and legal communities.

Click here to read Mike’s and Bart’s winner profiles and see all of this year’s Triangle Law Awards honorees.