Mike McIntyre

Mike McIntyre

Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Economic Development

T 919.277.9191
F 919.277.9177
E mmcintyre@wardandsmith.com
O Raleigh, NC
Practice Areas: Agribusiness, Business, Coastal Law, Defense and Government Contracting, Economic Development, Election Law, Environmental, Government Relations, International, Real Estate

Mike McIntyre

Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Economic Development

Raleigh, NC
919.277.9191
919.277.9177
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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.

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:

  • “Best Lawyer,” The Best Lawyers in America®, 2025-2026
  • H. Brent McKnight Renaissance Lawyer Award for best exemplifying “qualities of professionalism, civility, personal integrity, the pursuit of excellence, enthusiasm for intellectual achievement, and service to the community and the profession.”  North Carolina Bar Association, 2024
  • Doctor of Laws honorary degree awarded from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill “for outstanding accomplishment in public service,” 2023
  • John B. McMillian Distinguished Service Award, the North Carolina State Bar’s highest award, for demonstrating “exemplary service to the legal profession,” 2021
  • Liberty Bell Award Recipient, awarded by the Young Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association for “strengthening our democracy and promoting civic engagement”, 2020
  • “Lawyer of the Year,” North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, 2019
  • Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake, Jr., Public Service Award, which “recognizes an outstanding lawyer who has performed exemplary public service,” awarded by the North Carolina Bar Association, 2018
  • North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society, NC Supreme Court, 2016
  • Order of the Long Leaf Pine, State of North Carolina, 2014
  • Distinguished Public Service Award, given by the Secretary of the Navy as the US Navy’s highest civilian award, 2013
  • Doctor of Laws, Honorary Degree for Meritorious Public Service, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, 2004
  • United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors, 2001-2009
  • Founder, McIntyre Youth Leadership Challenge (for middle school & high school students), N.C. Bar Foundation, 2016-present
  • Morehead-Cain Foundation Central Selection Committee for Sophomore Scholars, 2025

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:

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.

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

Concentrations

  • Economic Development
  • Local Government
  • Military Issues
  • State and Federal Lobbying
  • Sports and Entertainment Law
  • Utility Law

Practice Groups

Related News

Media Mention: NC Bar Foundation Spotlights McIntyre Youth Leadership Challenge

McIntyre Youth Leadership Challenge Inspires Next Generation of Civic Leaders on Law Day 2025

Ward and Smith Hosts Leadership Raleigh 50 Class for Government and Politics Day

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