Overview
George Smith is based out of the Firm's Raleigh office, where he practices in the areas of economic development, state and local taxation, and corporate law.
George has extensive experience advising companies seeking to relocate or expand operations in the southeast, including site selection and negotiating with the state and local officials throughout all phases of the incentive approval process. His economic development practice also includes assisting clients with environmental and site assessments, permitting, zoning, and general real estate. His list of clients that he has advised includes companies based in Finland, Korea, China, Denmark, Canada and Poland. George has represented various industry sectors, including datacenters, EV suppliers, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, life sciences and sports and entertainment. His efforts on behalf of clients has led to the creation of thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars in capital investment.
George’s tax practice primarily involves state and local tax controversy, with a specific focus on property tax appeals before county Boards of Equalization and Review and the North Carolina Property Tax Commission. He represents clients within a variety of property classes and industries, including commercial, retail, multifamily, townhome developments, industrial, as well as manufacturing, healthcare, sports and entertainment, and pharmaceutical facilities.
George’s corporate practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, investment funds, restructurings and recapitalizations. George serves as outside M&A and corporate counsel to several middle market companies in various industries, including healthcare, service, technology and manufacturing.
George graduated from NC State University and the University of South Carolina School of Law. He is a fourth-generation Raleigh native and lives in Raleigh with his wife, toddler son, and dachshund.
Recognitions
Recognition
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America, "Ones to Watch" for Corporate Law (2025)
- Leadership Raleigh, Class of 2020 Graduate
Media
News
Insights
Videos/Podcasts
George Smith discusses the economic impact the electric vehicle industry is having on North Carolina and the potential for even more growth in the near future.
Understanding incentives is critical in order to maximize the most competitive package available for your project. Attorney George Smith discusses what businesses and professionals should know about economic development incentive grants in North Carolina.
Admissions
- State Bar: North Carolina