Robin L. Tatum

Robin Tatum is a member of Smith Anderson’s Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Litigation practice groups, and is recognized as one of North Carolina’s most accomplished land use litigators. With more than three decades of experience representing local governments, private businesses and developers, Robin frequently serves as lead counsel in significant cases in state and federal courts, both at trial and on appeal, and provides strategic counsel on complex land use, zoning and land development challenges.

A former city attorney for nearly a decade for both Raleigh and Asheville, North Carolina, and previously practicing at a national law firm, Robin brings a unique perspective shaped by her experience in both private practice and public service. During her tenure in municipal government, she was appointed as a municipal representative on a four-member drafting committee that rewrote the North Carolina General Statutes governing land use and zoning.

Her practice encompasses land development approvals, entitlements, zoning amendments and variances, historic preservation, impact fees, condemnation and eminent domain, environmental litigation, development agreements and public-private partnerships. Robin is a frequent speaker on municipal and land use law and is highly regarded for her commitment to mentoring and cultivating the next generation of attorneys.

Outside the office, Robin enjoys spending time at her home on Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks, where she frequently travels with friends, family and her three dogs. She also enjoys staying active and can often be found running or swimming several days a week.

Recognition

• Chambers USA, Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use (2025)
• Triangle Business Journal, Women in Business Award (2025)
• The Best Lawyers in America^©
  • Land Use and Zoning Law (2008-2013)
  • Land Use and Zoning Litigation (2013)
• Super Lawyers
  • Top 50 Women North Carolina (2013)
  • North Carolina Super Lawyers (2010-2013)
• Martindale Hubbell’s AV Preeminent Judicial Edition

Clerkships

• Franklin T. Dupree Jr., U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina (1990-1991)

Education

• North Carolina Central University Law School, J.D., summa cum laude, 1990
  • Valedictorian
• North Carolina State University, M.Ed., 1986
• North Carolina State University, B.S., 1983

Bar & Court Admissions

• North Carolina Bar Association, Land Use and Zoning Section
  • Section Council (2005-present)
  • Chair, Section Council (2013-2014)
• North Carolina Bar Association, Government and Public Sector Section
  • Section Counsel (2014-2018)
• North Carolina Board of Law Examiners
  • Emeritus Member (2007-present)
  • Former Member (1998-2007)
• Board of Visitors, Campbell University School of Law (2020-2024)