Smith Moore Leatherwood Adds Two Partners to Raleigh Office

November 10, 2009

David Otterson and Brett Hanna bolster the firm’s corporate and real estate practices

RALEIGH, NC – November 9, 2009 –  David Otterson and Brett Hanna, two well-regarded Triangle business attorneys, have joined Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP as partners in the firm’s Raleigh office.  Otterson’s practice focuses on corporate securities and commercial law issues on behalf of domestic and international companies. Hanna’s real estate development and finance practice concentrates on the acquisition, financing, development and sale of commercial property. 

“It is a real pleasure to welcome these two outstanding lawyers to the firm,” says Steve Earp, Smith Moore Leatherwood’s managing partner.  “We know that Dave’s corporate practice is respected by clients and peers across the region and nation, and Brett is an ideal fit with our multi-state platform that covers nearly every facet of the real estate development process.”

Otterson has counseled emerging growth companies and mature businesses, both public and private, for more than 25 years on mergers and acquisitions, strategic alliances, public and private financing, corporate governance and technology development and licensing. Hanna acts as general counsel to several real estate developers and has been the lead attorney on many commercial, mixed use and condominium projects, including regional malls and shopping centers.

Otterson is on the board of directors for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance and is a graduate of California State University and the University of California’s Hastings College of Law.  A former combat pilot and intelligence officer for the U.S. Air Force, Hanna graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and the Wake Forest University School of Law.  Hanna was also named as one of Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite in 2009.

About Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP
Tracing its roots to 1919, Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP counsels clients throughout the Southeast, the nation and abroad.  Recognized for a personal commitment to solving complex legal issues, Smith Moore Leatherwood attorneys bring a passion for excellence, teamwork and innovation to their representation of clients in over 80 practice areas and industry groups. Smith Moore Leatherwood has more than 180 attorneys practicing out of offices in Charlotte, NC; Raleigh, NC; Greensboro, NC; Wilmington, NC; Greenville, SC and Atlanta, GA. Visit
http://www.smithmoorelaw.com for more information.