Bob has more than 30 years of experience representing financial institutions and public companies on key legal issues, and is widely recognized as a leader in banking and finance law. Bob also focuses his practice in mergers and acquisitions, securities and corporate finance law.
Bob spends the majority of his time representing financial institutions on a wide range of corporate, regulatory and operational issues. He also advises his clients on strategic and related initiatives. Bob has extensive experience in the negotiation and closing of large commercial loans. Additionally, Bob serves as counsel for the North Carolina Bankers Association.
He continues to be recognized by top industry publications, such as The Best Lawyers in America© and Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, for his work in banking and finance law. The 2019 Chambers USA guide states that Bob is "'very professional and highly knowledgeable' according to impressed sources."
Bob has served as the primary attorney or review partner on more than 120 mergers and acquisitions. He represents financial institutions and public companies, and uses his more than 30 years of experience in banking and corporate law to counsel his clients on various types of financing transactions.
Since 2000, Bob has served as counsel to issuers and underwriters in public securities offerings in excess of $1.1 billion, and has been involved in more than 50 public offerings as primary attorney or as the firm’s securities review partner. Bob counsels numerous publicly traded corporations on securities issues, and advises the firm’s litigation practice in securities cases.
Bob’s corporate practice involves a large amount of transactional work, including equity and debt offerings, private equity investments, and similar transactions. He represents public and private entities, including hotel developers, investment banking firms, retail chains and family offices. Along with the rest of the firm’s interdisciplinary corporate team, Bob is known for his ability to solve intricate problems for his clients.
Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in Banking and Finance Law, Financial Services Regulation Law (Greensboro "Lawyer of the Year" 2018, 2020), Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions Law (2007-2020)
Recognized by Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business for Banking and Finance Law (2006-2019) and Corporate Law/Mergers & Acquisitions (2004-2005, 2007-2008, 2010)
Recognized in North Carolina Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters) in Banking (2011-2019)
Recognized in Super Lawyers Business Edition in Banking (2015)
Member, Business Law Section, American Bar Association (1979 – present)
Member, ABA Subcommittee on Financial Institutions (2000 – present)
Member, Sports & Entertainment Section, American Bar Association (2000 – present)
Member, Business and Banking Law and Sports and Entertainment Law Sections, North Carolina Bar Association
Director, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Inc. (2014-2018)
Member, North Carolina Economic Development Board (2013-2014)
Chairman and President, Renew North Carolina, Inc. (2013-2014)
Director, Operation Smile of North Carolina (2002-2012)
Region III Director, United States Youth Soccer Association (2009 -2013)
Member, Board of Directors, United States Youth Soccer Association (2009-2013)
Member, Rules Committee, United States Soccer Federation (2003-2005)
Member, Task Force on Corporate Governance, United States Soccer Federation (2003-2005)
President, North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (2001-2009)
Director, North Carolina Soccer Foundation (2001-2009)
Director, North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame (2001-2009)
Director and Past President (1997-2001), Greensboro Youth Soccer Association
Recipient, Mosier Award for Exceptional Contributions to Youth Soccer, North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (2000)
Member, Greensboro Soccer Hall of Fame (2009)
Youth Soccer Coach (1988-2010)
Presenter, “Bank Directors: Relevant Differences and Necessary Questions,” Bank Directors’ College of the Commission of Banks and the University of North Carolina (UNC) Center for Banking and Finance, July 25, 2019
Presenter, "How Then Shall We Bank," North Carolina Bankers Association Bank Directors Assembly, Raleigh, NC, March 2018
Carolina Banker, quarterly commentary, 2009-present
Legal Alerts, North Carolina Bankers Association, 1988-present
Articles in Wake Forest University Law Review and Christian Legal Journal
More than 20 years ago, I volunteered to coach my daughter’s youth soccer team. I didn’t know much about the game at the time, but I was glad to help out and spend time with my 7-year-old. Since then, soccer has evolved into one of my true passions. I’ve coached three state championship youth teams, and play regularly in adult soccer leagues and on an adult travel team. For a number of years I helped guide local, state and national youth soccer organizations.
My experiences in soccer directly apply to my practice at Brooks Pierce. Business and sports are similar—athletes, coaches and professionals are very passionate, competitive and motivated individuals. Therefore, the philosophy I use to help my clients succeed is the same fundamental idea that I sought to instill in my players. In fact, it’s the same principle my mentors at Brooks Pierce taught me more than 30 years ago: If you work to achieve excellence in what you do, winning will follow.
