Overview
Steve Mason has more than 40 years of experience representing commercial banks, other lending institutions and borrowers in complex lending, commercial real estate finance transactions and corporate law. His practice focuses on secured lending, syndicated credit facilities and real estate–backed financings across a range of asset classes.
Steve regularly advises banks on loan structuring, documentation and negotiation, as well as development and leasing matters involving office, retail and residential developers and investors. He also counsels financial institutions on general corporate and business matters, including contract issues, financings and acquisitions. Steve serves on Smith Anderson’s Opinion Committee, responsible for reviewing and approving legal opinions issued in connection with complex financing transactions and lender and investor requirements.
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Recognition
- Chambers USA
- Real Estate (2017-2025)
- Real Estate: Finance (2004-2025)
- Fellow, American College of Mortgage Attorneys
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Real Estate Law (1995-2026)
- "Lawyer of the Year," Raleigh, Real Estate Law (2012)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated
- Super Lawyers
- North Carolina Super Lawyers (2006-2014)
- North Carolina Super Lawyers, Top 100 Lawyers
- Named Top Business Lawyer in North Carolina by Business North Carolina (annual Legal Elite peer selection edition, January 2009)
- Business North Carolina's Legal Elite, Real Estate (2004-2016)
- Hall of Fame since 2009
Education
- University of Virginia, J.D., 1981
- University of North Carolina, B.A. with highest honors, 1978
Bar & Court Admissions
- North Carolina
Academic Appointments
- Adjunct Professor, University of North Carolina School of Law (2015-Present)
Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Wake County Bar Association
- Former Chair, Board of Directors, DHIC, Inc., non-profit affordable housing developer
