Michael Anderson

Michael Anderson is an attorney at Smith Anderson in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he is a member of the firm’s Business Litigation practice group. He represents clients in complex civil litigation, government enforcement matters, investigations, and appeals. His practice is shaped by extensive federal government experience and private practice litigation work, allowing him to help clients respond to regulatory scrutiny, high-stakes disputes, and legal issues involving heavily regulated industries.

Anderson earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Duke University School of Law in 2011, where he served as executive editor of the Duke Law Journal. He also received his B.A., magna cum laude, from Duke University in 2008. After law school, he clerked for Judge James C. Dever III of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, gaining valuable experience in federal litigation and judicial decision-making.

Anderson previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the United States Department of Justice and as Chief of the Civil Division in the Eastern District of North Carolina. In that role, he oversaw investigations and litigation involving False Claims Act matters, Controlled Substances Act enforcement, asset forfeiture, debt collection, employment discrimination, civil rights, tort, bankruptcy, and real property disputes. He has tried eight federal cases and argued four federal appeals.

Michael Anderson brings practical insight to matters involving healthcare, opioids and pharmaceuticals, life sciences, financial services, cybersecurity, and government contracting. He has served as an evaluator for the Department of Justice Evaluation and Review Staff and on the Local Civil Rules Committee for the Eastern District of North Carolina. By combining government enforcement experience with trial and appellate skills, Anderson helps clients manage complex disputes with careful judgment and strategic guidance.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Smith Anderson
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association

Licensed State

• North Carolina
• District of Columbia
• New York

Education

• Duke University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Duke University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges