Biography

Brian represents developers in connection with retail, office, apartment, large-scale residential and mixed-use projects.

He enjoys addressing the unique set of challenges that each project presents, such as entitlements, restrictive covenants, easements, title defects, environmental contamination, leasing and financing. Brian has represented developers in connection with development of new residential, commercial and mixed-use condominium regimes as well as condominium conversions of existing office, retail and apartment buildings. He serves a broad range of clients including individuals and regional and national developers.

Brian partners with other groups within the firm to advise companies and nonprofit organizations in various industries, including textile, furniture and higher education, regarding real estate matters affecting their operations. He assists operating companies with matters such as leasing, property acquisition, compliance with governmental requirements and real estate secured lending.

He also represents private lenders, banks and life insurance companies in connection with mortgage loans secured by income-producing and owner-occupied properties. He advises lenders on collateral remediation matters such as title defects, defective planned community and condominium documents and foreclosure defects.

Brian represents developers in connection with retail, office, apartment, large-scale residential and mixed-use projects.

He enjoys addressing the unique set of challenges that each project presents, such as entitlements, restrictive covenants, easements, title defects, environmental contamination, leasing and financing. Brian has represented developers in connection with development of new residential, commercial and mixed-use condominium regimes as well as condominium conversions of existing office, retail and apartment buildings. He serves a broad range of clients including individuals and regional and national developers.

Brian partners with other groups within the firm to advise companies and nonprofit organizations in various industries, including textile, furniture and higher education, regarding real estate matters affecting their operations. He assists operating companies with matters such as leasing, property acquisition, compliance with governmental requirements and real estate secured lending.

He also represents private lenders, banks and life insurance companies in connection with mortgage loans secured by income-producing and owner-occupied properties. He advises lenders on collateral remediation matters such as title defects, defective planned community and condominium documents and foreclosure defects.

Before Fox Rothschild

Brian was a partner at Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP, which combined with Fox Rothschild in 2018.

Bar Admissions

  • North Carolina

Education

  • University of Virginia School of Law (J.D., 1997)
    • Order of the Coif
    • Editorial Board, Virginia Law Review
  • University of Virginia (B.A., with distinction, 1994)
    • Phi Beta Kappa

Memberships

  • American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL) 
  • Leadership Greensboro Class of 2010
  • North Carolina Bar Association
    • Real Property Section, Vice Chair 2019-2020, Chair 2020-2021

Board of Directors

  • Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro, Board of Directors, 2025-present
  • Greensboro Pregnancy Care Center, Board of Directors, 2006-2009
  • Northwest Men's Lacrosse Boosters, Board of Directors, 2015-2017
  • Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition, Board of Directors, 2007-2010, 2014-2016

Honors & Awards

  • Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite Hall of Fame, Real Estate (2016, 2022-2025)
  • Named to the "Lawyer of the Year" list for Land Use & Zoning Law (2013, 2016, 2022, 2024) and Real Estate Law (2026) in North Carolina by Best Lawyers  
  • Chambers USA, North Carolina Leaders, Real Estate (2009-2015)
  • North Carolina Super Lawyers, Real Estate (2012-2020), Rising Stars Edition (2009-2011)
  • Super Lawyers Business Edition, Real Estate (2013-2015)
  • Selected to the "Best Lawyers in America" list for Real Estate Law (2007-2026) and Land Use & Zoning Law (2012-2026) in Greensboro, NC by Best Lawyers
  • Martindale-Hubbell's top (AV) Peer Review Rating

Community Activity

  • Greensboro Board of Adjustment, 2000-2003
  • Greensboro Zoning Commission, April 2003-September 2005