Mike McIntyre

Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Economic Development
Ward and Smith, P.A.
Email mmcintyre@wardandsmith.com
919.277.9191 Fax 919.277.9177
Post Office Box 33009, Raleigh, NC 27636-3009
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For nearly 40 years, as an attorney, a public servant, and a business advisor, Mike has helped North Carolinians and businesses with government relations and economic development matters.

Almost half of Mike's career was spent in public service. He represented the Seventh Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2015. 

As a Congressman, Mike served as Chairman of the U.S. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development. He supported and developed policies promoting economic development and business opportunities in North Carolina. He has successfully championed the business and economic needs of counties and communities, as well as fire, police and EMS units, airports, schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, health clinics, senior centers, parks, and community facilities. Mike's hard work has earned him international, national, regional, and local recognitions and bipartisan respect for his leadership.

Mike brings that same level of dedication and commitment to his multifaceted legal practice. His professional experience encompasses business, energy, environmental, agribusiness, real estate, and sports and entertainment law. He also has extensive knowledge of complex coastal resource management and beach development matters. Being well-versed in the political process gives Mike a unique perspective to assist clients in governmental issues at the local, state, and federal levels.

Education

Representative Experience

In his government relations practice, Mike:

  • Assists clients in governmental matters for both the public and private sector on the federal, state, regional, and local levels; including matters related to the United States Congress, the Executive Branch, the Governor’s office, the state legislature, the state Executive Branch, and state and federal agencies and departments
  • Coordinates with local governments on the regional, county, and local levels to promote, enhance, and secure positive relations with government agencies on behalf of clients
  • Works with coastal, rural, military, suburban, and urban communities to promote positive government relations and help obtain grants, loans, and other funds for items such as beach renourishment, infrastructure, education, medical facilities, water and sewer, parks and recreation, and other facilities
  • Works with the private sector to coordinate a positive relationship with government agencies, obtain resources to power both residential and commercial needs, grow business opportunities, expand job opportunities, and promote economic development

Mike's economic development practice focuses on:

  • Business, economic, and energy development for the public and private sector, including the procurement of incentives, grants, loans, and other funds, for causes such as beach renourishment for coastal communities, economic development for rural and military communities, and strategic assistance for suburban and urban growth
  • Job opportunity and workforce development, including education, health care facilities, water and sewer, sports, parks and recreation projects, and infrastructure, as well as energy and environmental concerns

Honors and Distinctions*

Mike McIntyre has been roundly honored for his service by boards, commissions, organizations, and schools. This is a select list of some of the major recognitions from throughout his distinguished career.

Recognition for Public Service and Service to the Legal Profession:

Recognition in Economic Development:

Recognition in Agriculture and Agribusiness:

Recognition for Protection of Our Coastal and Environmental Concerns:

Recognition in Healthcare and Advocacy for Seniors:

Recognition for Military and Law Enforcement Advocacy:

Recognition for Sports and Tourism Advocacy:

Early Recognition:

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Professional and Community Affiliations

Related News

Admitted to Practice

  • North Carolina
  • Supreme Court of the United States
  • Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
  • United States District Court for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina

About Me

Little known facts:

I competed in disco and beach music dance contests while in college and law school, complete with a three-piece white suit—John Travolta-style.

Also, I hold a black belt in taekwondo, was a player and coach for the Congressional basketball team, captain of the Congressional soccer team, co-chaired the Congressional golf tournament, and played on the Congressional baseball, football, and tennis teams.

* Please see the following websites for an explanation of the membership standards for the following recognitions: www.bestlawyers.com; businessnc.com/special-sections/legal-elite/; and www.superlawyers.com/north-carolina.

Practice Groups

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  • American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Legal Elite Business North Carolina 2024
  • Super Lawyers 2021
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers 2025
  • U.S. News Best Lawyers 2025
  • 2024 Chambers USA

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