Peter B. Vogel

Peter represents plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes commercial disputes across industries and across the country. For example, he has asserted and defended breach of contract and business tort claims for pharmaceutical, technology, and financial services companies. Peter also has extensive experience defending class actions, particularly false advertising claims, and advising employers on workplace policies. Through his work, Peter has managed all facets of civil litigation, including drafting dispositive and pre-trial motions, supervising document discovery, taking and defending depositions, and identifying and collaborating with experts.

Peter also maintains an active pro bono practice focused on defending the rights of marginalized individuals and communities. Before joining Smith Anderson, Peter practiced at an international and a leading litigation firm in New York, where he was named “Litigator of the Week” by the American Lawyer for his role securing a landmark civil rights settlement on behalf of a Long Island mosque. Peter’s other victories on behalf of pro bono clients include gaining land use approval for a synagogue experiencing discrimination and asylum for three individuals assaulted in their home countries due to their sexual orientation.

Prior to his time in private practice, Peter clerked for Judge James A. Wynn, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and Judge Loretta C. Biggs of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

Peter now resides in Charlotte and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife (Madison), their daughter (McCarty Anne), and their beloved dog (Beaufort). 

Clerkships

• Law Clerk to the Honorable James A. Wynn, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
• Law Clerk to the Honorable Loretta C. Biggs of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina

Education

• Stanford Law School, J.D., 2019
  • Articles Editor, Stanford Journal for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
  • Coordinator, Housing Pro Bono Program
  • Religious Liberties Clinic
  • Community Law Clinic
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A., with highest honors, 2015

Bar & Court Admissions

• Represented a healthcare company as plaintiff asserting nine-figure claims for tortious interference with contract and deceptive trade practices arising out of the alleged misappropriation of patient assistance funds.
• Represented a medical device company as defendant and counterclaimant in a $100m earnout litigation relating to development of software for use in orthopedic surgery.
• Represented a pharmaceutical company in a $140m arbitration concerning alleged breaches of a vaccine manufacturing agreement.
• Defended a payment technology company against multiple putative class actions concerning gift card fraud.
• Represented a payment technology company in asserting constitutional, statutory, and common law claims in affirmative action against major municipality.
• Prosecuted breach of contract and fiduciary duty claims against trustee of residential mortgage-backed securities trust.
• Represented a pharmaceutical company in a Hatch-Waxman patent infringement action concerning blockbuster drug for treatment-resistant depression.
• Defended a media company against claims of tortious interference brought by prominent executive.
• Advised philanthropic clients on employment and grant-making policies related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Investigated alleged misuse of charitable funds in response to whistleblower complaint.
• Named “Litigator of the Week” for role as lead associate on team representing mosque in religious discrimination case; drafted complaint, expert reports, pretrial briefing, and fee motion; took, defended, or second-chaired fourteen depositions; led relationship with Department of Justice and media; recovered $5 million in attorneys’ fees and costs at fee arbitration.
• Helped secure municipal approval to build a synagogue over the discriminatory opposition of local residents.
• Obtained asylum for three clients after representing them in federal litigation and administrative hearings.
• Drafted Supreme Court amicus brief regarding the independent state legislature theory.