Charlotte, NC – Tony Lathrop has joined Parker Poe as a partner in the firm's Charlotte office. Tony will focus his practice at the intersection of transportation, land use, and public-sector strategy, advising clients on how to navigate complex infrastructure initiatives and the governmental processes that shape them.
As chair of the North Carolina Board of Transportation and a former chair of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Commission, Tony provides strategic counsel on transportation and public mobility planning, funding, and finance, as well as on zoning, land use, and economic development connected to major transportation corridors.
Tony represents local governments, real estate developers, manufacturers, energy companies, and other clients in high-stakes projects. He helps private-sector partners structure and advance successful public‑private initiatives. His work is informed by deep experience as a trial lawyer, certified mediator, and public‑sector leader, positioning him to guide clients through the policy, regulatory, and political considerations that influence their long-term goals.
"I have known Tony for more than 30 years and have always admired his impact on public policy in North Carolina," said Bruce Thompson, leader of the firm's Government & Public Policy Group. "We are thrilled about him joining our team and look forward to what he will offer firm clients. His infrastructure experience will benefit our clients throughout the region."
"I am excited to join the team at Parker Poe," Tony said. "The firm has a robust practice and deep experience in transportation, infrastructure, and government-facing services. It is a great fit for my clients and me, especially amid the regionalization and growth trends in North Carolina creating increased demand for complex infrastructure projects."
For public agencies, infrastructure sponsors, and companies tied to transportation corridors, Tony's practice is multimodal, involving air, motor, and rail transportation. His experience on the NC Board of Transportation — including eight years as chair of its Finance Committee — provides insight into funding and creative financing solutions for these projects. He handles both commercial and regulatory issues with a focus on insurance, technology, government relations, litigation, and strategic planning. He has represented international and domestic clients in product liability disputes, insurance coverage issues, catastrophic accidents, and municipal easement and right‑of‑way negotiations for public works and transportation infrastructure.
Tony has extensive experience with municipal planning, zoning, entitlement, and related development regulations. His years leading the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Planning Commission give him an inside view of how planning and zoning agencies operate, which he uses to help clients move projects forward and address community and regulatory concerns. He has particular experience with residential, commercial, and industrial development, city planning, transit‑oriented development, and opportunities for regional collaboration.
Tony's experience also spans a wide range of complex business and real estate disputes in state and federal courts, before mediators and arbitrators, and in North Carolina administrative forums.
Tony is a recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which North Carolina's governor presents for exemplary service that has strengthened the state. Through long-standing service in the legal, transportation, and planning communities of North Carolina, he has regular and significant interaction with local, state, and federal elected officials; governmental agencies; trade organizations; stakeholder groups; and industry professionals on policy, advocacy, project planning and management, funding, economic development, public‑private partnerships, and broader business development efforts.
Tony joins Parker Poe from Moore & Van Allen. He received his law and bachelor's degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill.
About Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP
Businesses and local governments turn to Parker Poe to structure transactions, navigate regulations, and resolve disputes. Founded in 1884, the Southeast business law firm today has over 300 attorneys across offices in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Washington, DC.
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