Williams Mullen has taken a significant step in building its economic development practice with the addition of Anthony M. “Tony” Copeland as Partner in the firm’s Raleigh office. Mr. Copeland will be working along with former Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Virginia Pat Gottschalk, helping to lead the firm’s economic development team in North Carolina.
Mr. Copeland has more than 25 years of experience in economic development, regulatory affairs and corporate governance, working in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining Williams Mullen, Mr. Copeland owned his own firm, where he helped clients with economic development, corporate relocation and expansion and business incentive solutions. During that period, he negotiated the largest global headquarters incentive agreement in North Carolina history on behalf of a provider of open source software solutions.
Before starting his own firm, Mr. Copeland served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the State of North Carolina, leading the recruitment of nearly $12 billion in investment and the creation of nearly 100,000 jobs. He also served as Vice President and chief legal counsel for BTI Inc., the Raleigh-based telecom company that grew during his tenure from $38 million in revenue in 1992 to nearly $300 million in 2003.
“At Williams Mullen, we offer our clients the multifaceted approach of legal, government relations, and economic development services to help grow our region’s economy,” said Tom Frantz, President and CEO of the firm. “Mr. Copeland’s background as a corporate attorney, businessman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and economic development professional will elevate the level of service he and the firm can provide.”
Mr. Copeland is a graduate of Duke University and the T.M. Cooley School of Law.
