Manning, Fulton & Skinner, P.A. (Manning Fulton) is pleased to announce that Carlie Smith and Chris Bobby have been elected to the Firm’s partnership. Both attorneys reflect Manning Fulton’s commitment to cultivating exceptional talent and providing clients with the highest standard of legal counsel. Their contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the firm’s position as a leader in the North Carolina legal landscape and we are proud they are part of our team.
Carlie Smith practices Franchise and General Corporate Law and brings a wealth of experience across diverse industries, including Retail, Hospitality, Education, Home Services, Business Services, and Medical. She works with franchisors and franchisees to grow their brands and businesses by helping them to comply with state and federal franchise regulations, protect their intellectual property, prepare and negotiate commercial contracts, and navigate corporate transactions. Carlie chairs the firm’s trademark practice. Her dedication extends beyond individual client work as she actively shares her expertise through presenting at the firm’s annual Franchise Success Summit and by hosting Women’s Franchise Network events, fostering a vibrant community for local franchise professionals. She joined Manning Fulton in 2019 after graduating Summa Cum Laude from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and working for Judge Thomas B. Griffith at the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
“Carlie has distinguished herself as a franchise attorney. She is a great asset to our clients in a variety of industries, particularly those in regulated industries such as healthcare franchising. Our clients appreciate her preparation and her attention to detail on their behalf. We are thrilled to have her join our partnership,” said Manning Fulton franchise practice group leader, Ritchie Taylor.
Chris Bobby is a member of the Corporate Practice Group and specializes in Federal Income Tax Planning matters, General Corporate advice and Mergers and Acquisitions. With deep expertise in M&A, restructurings, REIT and partnership transactions, private and public offerings, financings, and private equity deals, Chris brings a powerful skillset to the table. After graduating from the University of Chicago Law School in 2018 and spending over two years in the tax group of an AmLaw 100 law firm, Chris joined Manning Fulton in 2021. Chris’ experience includes advising Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Real Estate Joint Ventures, Private Equity Funds, and Large Public and Private Corporations on the corporate and federal tax implications related to a wide variety of international and domestic business transactions. Chris’s talent has garnered recognition by Best Lawyers: One’s to Watch for Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Tax Law for 2024.
“Chris is an exceptional transaction and tax attorney,” said Partner Tom Lyon. “Chris has also been able to successfully lead and negotiate a number of corporate acquisitions for our Firm’s middle-market clients. Our clients also appreciate his ability to provide practical guidance with respect to complex tax issues in real estate and merger & acquisition transactions. He is a key member of our Firm’s growing corporate and merger & acquisition practice, and we look forward to his continued success at our Firm.”
