Dan uses his scientific training and background to help clients solve complex problems related to environmental laws, frequently working as part of a larger Brooks Pierce team. Dan has represented and advised a variety of industries to help them obtain necessary permits and comply with environmental regulations.  He has advised clients on matters involving CERCLA, RCRA, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, asbestos, combustible dust, underground and aboveground storage tanks, private nuisance claims, and groundwater and soil contamination.

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Dan is a frequent member of teams that handle large, complex business litigation. Dan also represents small companies and startups and helps them navigate the issues and challenges that can arise in the normal course of doing business.

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A former science teacher, Dan represents boards of education, administrators, and teachers in a wide variety of litigation in state and federal courts and before administrative tribunals.  He has advised and represented clients on a broad range of issues including special needs education and disabilities, bullying, personal injuries on school property, disputes with former employees, environmental health, and education-related provisions of the North Carolina Constitution and United States Constitution.  Representative matters include:

  • Obtaining trial court dismissal of employment-related claims brought by a former teacher against a board of education and its superintendent and persuading the North Carolina Court of Appeals to dismiss an attempted appeal from the trial court’s judgment.
  • Persuading a federal district court to dismiss IDEA and attempted tort claims asserted by a student and his parents against a board of education and special education teacher.
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A former North Carolina Supreme Court law clerk, Dan brings a unique insight to his clients. He advises within the firm on the handling of appeals and petitions and is often consulted on the finer points of appellate procedure.  Dan has represented clients in the Supreme Court of North Carolina and the North Carolina Court of Appeals in matters arising from business disputes, school employment, and state and federal constitutional questions.

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Recognized in North Carolina Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in Environmental Law (2016-2018)

Adjunct Law Professor, Environmental Law, Administrative Law, Elon University School of Law (Fall 2017-present)

Member, North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities (2017-present)

Sustainability Committee Co-chair, Environment, Energy, & Natural Resources Section, North Carolina Bar Association (2014-2017)

Chair (August 2018-July 2020), Vice-Chair (September 2017-July 2018), Member (2014-present), Board of Directors, Greensboro Beautiful

Member, Appellate Practice Section Council, North Carolina Bar Association (term beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2019)

Panelist, "Breaking Chains: Women, Employment & Reentry," Greensboro, NC, May 20, 2017

Presenter, State and Federal Case Law Update, North Carolina Bar Association Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Section Annual Meeting, May 6-7, 2016

Presenter, State and Federal Case Law Update, North Carolina Bar Association Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Section Annual Meeting, April 26-27, 2013

Alexander Elkan and Daniel F.E. Smith, North Carolina Mineral Rights/Access to Shale Gas, 2012

Mark D. Martin & Daniel F.E. Smith, Recent Experience with Intermediate Scrutiny Under the North Carolina Constitution: Blankenship v. Bartlett and King v. Beaufort County Board of Education, 59 U. Kan. L. Rev. 761 (2011)

 

One surprising thing people don’t know about me is I was a collegiate fencer. My idea of happiness is spending time with family, enjoying good food and the time we have together.

Recent Publications & Media

Brooks Pierce Announces Three New Partners

Firm News
/
September 18, 2018
Leading North Carolina law firm Brooks Pierce is delighted to announce that Daniel Adams, David Green and Dan Smith have been named partners in the firm. “These three highly accomplished attorneys have proven their dedication to serving our clients...(read more)

Speaking Engagements

Recognitions

Thirty-eight Brooks Pierce attorneys have been recognized in the 2018 edition of North Carolina...(read more)
Thirty-eight Brooks Pierce attorneys have been recognized in the 2017 edition of North Carolina...(read more)
Thirty-six Brooks Pierce attorneys have been recognized in the 2016 edition of North Carolina Super...(read more)

Recent Publications & Media

Brooks Pierce Announces Three New Partners

Firm News
/
September 18, 2018
Leading North Carolina law firm Brooks Pierce is delighted to announce that Daniel Adams, David Green and Dan Smith have been named partners in the firm. “These three highly accomplished attorneys have proven their dedication to serving our clients...(read more)
Beautiful sunset with birds over a lake

2013 North Carolina Environmental Legislation Summary

Insight
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August 1, 2013
The 2013 session of the North Carolina General Assembly came to a close on July 26, 2013, and a number of legislative actions this year impacted environmental regulation in North Carolina. Governor McCrory has now signed into law all of the Bills...(read more)

Court of Appeals Affirms Client's Holdings in Texas Company

Firm News
/
May 13, 2013
Brooks Pierce lawyers Bob King and Dan Smith represent Hydroscience, Inc., a subsidiary of TIMCO Aviation Services. In 2010, a dispute arose as to whether Hydroscience, Inc. was a shareholder in a Texas company, Hydroscience Technologies, Inc. (“HTI...(read more)

North Carolina Mineral Rights / Access to Shale Gas

Insight
/
October 18, 2012
Shale gas is natural gas (methane) found within hydrocarbon-rich sedimentary rocks. The gas is located in “shale gas plays” – gas-rich rock formations with similar geologic properties and geographic distribution. Nationally, significant shale gas...(read more)