Merrill Mason

With extensive experience representing technology and life sciences companies, Merrill Mason represents entrepreneurial and emerging enterprises.

Prior to joining Smith Anderson, Merrill co-founded Triangle-based Hutchison + Mason in 1996 where his leadership helped the firm grow to 20 lawyers specializing in meeting the general corporate needs of technology and life sciences companies.

Passionate about working with developing entrepreneurs and law students, Merrill has taught as an adjunct instructor at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Merrill has multiple awards including Best Lawyers®, Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice; Securities/Capital Markets Law; Venture Capital Law (2007-2021), Best Lawyers®,”Lawyer of the Year,” Raleigh Venture Capital Law (2020), Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite, Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated, North Carolina Super Lawyers (Business/Corporate) and Recipient of Entrepreneurial Excellence Award for Outstanding Service to Entrepreneurs from the Council for Entrepreneurial Development(www.SmithLaw.com).

Merrill has multiple Professional & Community Affiliations which includes being a member of the board of advisors at University of North Carolina School of Law Institute for Innovation and IDEA Fund Partners. He is also a member of the board of directors at North Carolina Biotechnology Center and part of the Executive Committee for Triangle Angel Partners I & II. He is a former Board member for the Council for Entrepreneurial Development, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Foundation Investment Fund, Inc., A Ban Against Neglect, Inc. and The Green Chair Project, Inc.