Nana A. Asante-Smith

Nana A. Asante-Smith is a North Carolina lawyer and associate at Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP who focuses on internal investigations, government investigations, white-collar defense, and business litigation. She represents clients in financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and other industries. Her work includes complex contract lawsuits and disputes, trade secret claims, unfair trade practices, securities matters, and workplace discrimination issues. She has experience in federal, state, administrative, and North Carolina Business Court proceedings.

Nana earned her A.B. from Duke University and later received her J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. During law school, she served as attorney general of the Graduate and Professional Honor System. She was inducted into the James E. and Carolyn B. Davis Society for leadership, integrity, dedication, and character.

Nana conducts high-stakes internal investigations and helps clients respond to federal and state government inquiries. Her experience includes SEC, FINRA, EEOC, Title IX, tax, and alleged PPP loan fraud matters. She has defended businesses facing workplace discrimination claims and represented closely held companies in commercial disputes. Before private practice, she served as a Wake County Assistant District Attorney and prosecuted a wide range of cases. Her background includes advocacy involving domestic violence and sexual assault matters.

Nana A. Asante-Smith brings prosecutorial, investigative, and litigation experience to clients facing sensitive legal and regulatory challenges. She represents businesses, executives, educational institutions, and other organizations in disputes and investigations with significant legal exposure. Her recognition includes national and North Carolina honors for advocacy, leadership, and professional service. She is admitted in North Carolina and continues to handle litigation and government investigation matters across diverse industries.

Law Office Affiliations

• Associate Attorney, Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
• Advisory Member, North Carolina State Bar, Grievance Committee, Subcommittee III, 2020-2025
• Board of Visitors, North Carolina Central University
• Chair, Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Board, Operations Committee
• Advisory Board, Durham YMCA
• Board of Directors, Duke Alumni Association, Triangle Chapter
• Co-Chair, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Zeta Omega Chapter, Building Our Economic Wealth Committee
• Political Action Coordinator, People’s Alliance
• President, George H. White Bar, 2022-2023
• President, North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers, 2017-2022
• Chair, Durham Mayor’s Council for Women, 2020
• Member, North Carolina Judicial Council, 2019-2020
• Board of Directors, Durham Crisis Response Center, 2017-2019

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Duke University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges