Hunt K. Choi

With more than two decades as Deputy City Attorney in the Raleigh City Attorney's Office, Hunt Choi brings a rare insider's perspective to Smith Anderson's Real Estate Development and Land Use & Zoning teams. He advises property owners, developers, and other stakeholders on land use and zoning matters, development disputes, construction contracts, eminent domain, and regulatory compliance—with firsthand knowledge of how local governments approach these issues from the inside.

During his tenure with the City of Raleigh, Hunt advised city departments on legal and regulatory matters and represented the City, its officers, and employees in a wide variety of federal and state court litigation. His work spanned quasi-judicial proceedings including special use permits and variances before the Raleigh Board of Adjustment, certificates of appropriateness before the Raleigh Historic Districts Commission, and employee grievance appeals before the Raleigh Civil Service Commission, as well as related appeals by Petitions for Judicial Review and Writs of Certiorari to Superior Court. He also represented public entities and public officials in law enforcement and civil rights litigation, handled multimillion-dollar construction delay claims, eminent domain compensation claims, contract drafting and review, third-party negotiations, and counseled City departments on risk, legal compliance, policies, and procedures.

Now in private practice at Smith Anderson, Hunt guides clients through complex land use and zoning issues, helping them assess development options, navigate approval processes, anticipate potential obstacles, and resolve disputes that may affect a project’s progress.

A Raleigh native, Hunt enjoys fishing, hunting, and golfing. He and his wife, Anna, have two children and two beagles, Sadie and Wyatt.

Education

• University of North Carolina School of Law, J.D., 1997
• Yale University, B.A., 1994

Bar & Court Admissions

• Government Practice Group, North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
  • Chairman (2015-2016)
  • Vice-Chairman (2014-2015)
• Government and Public Sector Section, North Carolina Bar Association
  • Chairman (2013-2014)
  • Vice-Chairman (2012-2013)
  • Secretary (2011-2012)
  • Treasurer (2010-2011)
  • Newsletter Co-editor (2008-2010)
• Wake County Bar Association
• International Municipal Lawyers Association
• North Carolina Association of Municipal Attorneys
• St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Holy Michael Foundation
  • Treasurer (2022-2026)
  • Board Member (2019-2022)
• Boy Scouts of America, Pack 346 / Troop 346
  • Pack Treasurer, Cub Scout Den Leader & Merit Badge Counselor (2009-2021)
• Board of Directors, Urban Ministries Wake County (2013-2019)