Justin G. Truesdale

Justin Truesdale developed an early interest in business and entrepreneurship while studying economics at Duke University. After earning his law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School, he returned to North Carolina’s Research Triangle to build his practice in one of the country’s most dynamic business hubs.

Justin advises companies, founders, and investors on complex corporate matters and high-stakes transactions. He works with clients at all stages, from emerging growth companies to public companies, on mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and governance strategies aligned with their business goals. He has significant experience advising life sciences companies, an important sector in the Research Triangle, and also represents clients across a broad range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, and private equity-backed businesses.

Justin brings particular depth in transactions involving public company reporting and SEC compliance, helping clients navigate regulatory requirements while maintaining deal momentum in competitive environments.

Based in the Southeast, Justin represents clients nationwide, delivering sophisticated M&A and Securities counsel with a practical, business-focused approach.

In addition to his client work, Justin serves on Smith Anderson’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and as co-chair of the firm’s Recruiting Committee.

Outside the office, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and is an avid basketball fan—always open to a spirited conversation about Duke basketball.

Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America®, Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2024-2026)
• North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2020-2024)
• Selected, North Carolina Bar Association’s Leadership Academy, Class of 2014
• Inaugural Hot List - Southern Region, Lawyers of Color, 2013 

Education

• Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 2009
• Duke University, B.A., Economics, 2006

Bar & Court Admissions

• Elected Director, Tenth Judicial District Bar (Term: 2015-2017)
• North Carolina Bar Association
• Wake County Bar Association

• Advised an international private equity investor and its portfolio Contract Research Organization on the acquisition of a U.S.-based CRO, enhancing the platform’s global presence and supporting its strategy to build a leading independent specialist CRO.
• Represented a North Carolina mutual insurance holding company in its merger with a Minnesota mutual insurance holding company, combining two of the nation’s leading providers of medical professional liability insurance in the first-ever merger by a North Carolina-domiciled mutual insurance holding company, resulting in a combined company with over $2 billion in consolidated assets.
• Represented a publicly traded company and leading provider of end-to-end spend management solutions in its sale of the company to a leading technology-focused private equity firm for approximately $509 million.
• Represented an international health care group and its U.S. specialty pharmaceutical company subsidiary in obtaining multinational rights to three cardiovascular drugs from a large public pharmaceutical company for $264 million in cash at closing, up to $480 million in milestone and royalty payments, and the assumption of up to $50 million in milestone payment obligations.
• Advised a specialty pharmaceutical company in a definitive agreement to acquire product rights from a specialty pharmaceutical company.
• Advised a global contract research organization and drug development services company in a definitive agreement to acquire a provider of mobile-connected self-service platform solutions for decentralized clinical trials.
• Represented a private equity-backed telecommunications engineering, construction, and infrastructure company in its equity purchase of a regional specialized construction contractor that provides fiber optic, horizontal directional drilling, and underground utility services.
• Represented an international research-oriented healthcare group in the acquisition of worldwide product rights from a Canadian pharmaceutical company.
• Advised a EU-based clinical research organization in a definitive agreement to acquire the pharmacovigilance business from a global, listed healthcare services company for approximately $10,000,000 in cash.
• Advised a publicly traded supplier of water and water dispensers in an agreement to acquire by merger a publicly traded competitor for $263 million in cash and stock.
• Represented a leading private company provider of pharmaceutical product access support services in its acquisition by a private equity fund in a $206 million reverse triangular merger.
• Advises NYSE- and NASDAQ-listed public companies in various industries with respect to public disclosure and securities law compliance matters, NYSE and NASDAQ listing requirements, corporate governance, public and private offerings and general corporate matters.
• Represented a major convenience store chain in a registered exchange offer of $250 million of outstanding unsecured debt.
• Represented a leading provider of pharmacy-based patient care solutions and medication synchronization services to independent and chain pharmacies in its approximately $41 million sale of the company to a publicly traded buyer.
• Assisted a global pharmaceutical contract manufacturing and development company with its $30 million subscription rights offering.
• Represented a state of the art aseptic food processing company in various capital raises, including Series A, Series B and Series C Preferred Stock offerings.
• Advised a company specializing in technological pharmaceutical solutions in a definitive agreement to acquire a company specializing in customized pharmaceutical reimbursement-based programs.
• Advised a U.S. subsidiary of an international health care group in an agreement to acquire rights to certain intellectual property and know-how relating to a cardiovascular therapeutic product.
• Advised a company specializing in kitchen and bath countertops, sinks, showers, and glass shower enclosures in a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of a company specializing in bath and shower installations and renovations, for cash and earn outs, and advised the company in a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of a company specializing in counter top installations and kitchen renovations.

• Advised a specialty pharmaceutical company in its acquisition of a private pharmaceutical company focusing on pediatric medications.