Rod Malone, Attorney

In the diverse and dynamic legal landscape of North Carolina, finding an attorney with specialized expertise is crucial, particularly when dealing with complex areas like education law or intricate construction disputes. For school boards, educational institutions, and businesses involved in the construction industry across the state, having a knowledgeable and experienced legal partner is not just an advantage—it's a necessity. In Raleigh, one such prominent legal professional is Rod Malone, Attorney, a distinguished partner at Tharrington Smith, LLP.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Rod Malone's practice, highlighting his areas of specialization, his deep commitment to public education, and why he is a highly suitable choice for local clients in North Carolina. We will delve into his services, his central location, and the notable features that make him a trusted and respected figure in the legal community.

Rod Malone is a highly respected attorney based in Raleigh, North Carolina, whose practice is primarily concentrated on two distinct yet vital areas of law: education law and construction law. As a partner at Tharrington Smith, LLP, a firm renowned for its comprehensive legal services and long-standing dedication to its clients, Mr. Malone brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges within these fields. His career spans several decades, and he has been admitted to practice in North Carolina since 1989, the same year he joined Tharrington Smith after earning his law degree.

Mr. Malone's work in education law involves representing public school systems throughout North Carolina, advising on a wide array of issues from employment cases and policy development to school finance, open meetings, public records, and student matters. His commitment to public education is evident in his long-standing service, including roles on the National School Board Association Council of School Attorneys' Board of Directors and as chair of the North Carolina Council of School Attorneys. This extensive involvement underscores his profound expertise and passion for supporting the state's educational institutions.

In construction law, Mr. Malone specializes in complex construction litigation, public bidding, and condemnation. His comprehensive approach to both fields demonstrates his versatility and ability to navigate highly technical legal matters. Born in North Carolina, he holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University (1986) and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1989), providing him with a unique analytical perspective that benefits his clients.

Rod Malone, Attorney, practices from a highly convenient and central location in Raleigh, North Carolina, making his services easily accessible to clients throughout the state. His office is situated at:

150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

This address places his practice within the prominent Wells Fargo Building on Fayetteville Street, a key thoroughfare in downtown Raleigh. The central location in the state capital’s vibrant business and legal district offers excellent accessibility for clients. Fayetteville Street is well-connected by public transportation, including local bus routes, which can be a convenient option for those residing within Raleigh. For clients traveling from other parts of Wake County or further afield in North Carolina, the downtown area offers numerous parking garages and metered street parking options within easy walking distance of the office. The building itself is a professional environment, designed to accommodate clients seeking legal services. This strategic placement underscores the firm's commitment to providing accessible and convenient legal support to a broad range of clients, from school boards and construction companies to individuals with related legal needs.

Rod Malone's legal practice at Tharrington Smith, LLP, is deeply specialized, offering comprehensive services primarily in two distinct yet impactful areas of law:

• Education Law: Mr. Malone is a leading authority in representing public school systems and educational clients across North Carolina. His services include:
  • Employment Cases: Advising and representing school boards in matters concerning employee relations, disputes, and compliance.
  • Policy Development: Assisting school systems in drafting and reviewing policies to ensure legal compliance and best practices.
  • School Finance: Providing legal counsel on funding mechanisms, budget issues, and financial compliance for educational institutions.
  • Open Meetings Law: Guiding school boards on compliance with North Carolina's open meetings statutes.
  • Public Records Law: Advising on the proper handling of public records requests and compliance with relevant laws.
  • Student Issues: Addressing legal matters related to student conduct, rights, and discipline.
  • Special Education Law: Offering expertise in navigating the complex legal framework surrounding special education services.
  • Constitutional Matters: Advising on constitutional issues affecting public education.
  • School Construction, Purchase & Finance: Providing legal oversight for the construction and financing of school facilities.
  • Litigation & Appeals: Representing school boards in legal disputes and appeals before state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
• Construction Law: Mr. Malone handles a variety of legal issues within the construction industry, including:
  • Construction Litigation: Representing clients in disputes arising from construction projects.
  • Public Bidding: Advising on the legal aspects of public procurement and bidding processes.
  • Condemnation: Handling eminent domain cases related to construction projects.

Through these specialized services, Rod Malone provides invaluable legal guidance to ensure compliance, resolve disputes, and support the effective operation of public institutions and construction endeavors throughout North Carolina.

Rod Malone's extensive experience and distinguished career are highlighted by several key features and recognitions:

• Decades of Experience: Admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 1989, Mr. Malone brings over 35 years of dedicated legal practice, offering a deep well of knowledge and practical experience.
• Renowned Education Law Expert: He is highly regarded as a leader in education law, serving as a past chair of the North Carolina Council of School Attorneys and a former board member of the National School Board Association Council of School Attorneys. This demonstrates his national and state-level influence and expertise.
• Recognition in Best Lawyers®: Mr. Malone has been consistently recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Construction Law, including the 2025 edition, showcasing peer recognition of his proficiency.
• Super Lawyers Selection: He has been selected to the North Carolina Super Lawyers list for multiple years (2019-2025), a distinction awarded to only a small percentage of attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
• Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite": Recognized in Business North Carolina's "Legal Elite" for Construction Law (2024-2025), further solidifying his standing among the state's top legal professionals.
• Dual Expertise: His unique background with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from NC State University combined with his law degree from UNC Chapel Hill provides a technical and analytical edge, particularly beneficial in complex construction and technical education matters.
• Affiliation with Tharrington Smith, LLP: As a partner at Tharrington Smith, a firm established in 1964 and known for its high-quality professional legal services, Mr. Malone is supported by extensive resources and a team of seasoned attorneys.

These highlights collectively affirm Rod Malone's status as a highly capable, respected, and effective attorney for clients in North Carolina, particularly those navigating the complexities of education and construction law.

As a highly experienced and specialized legal professional practicing within a long-established law firm, Rod Malone, Attorney, focuses on providing expert legal counsel and representation rather than offering typical "promotions" or discounts on services. The value he brings to his clients is derived from his extensive knowledge, decades of experience in complex areas of law, and his proven track record of successful outcomes for school boards and construction-related entities.

Prospective clients, whether school districts, construction companies, or individuals with specific needs in education or construction law, are encouraged to contact his office to discuss their legal matters. While there may not be specific "special offers" advertised, initial consultations are a standard practice within legal services. During such a consultation, clients can outline their case, understand the scope of legal work required, and discuss the fee structure, which is typically based on the complexity and estimated time investment for the particular legal issue. Engaging with a lawyer of Mr. Malone's caliber is an investment in comprehensive and knowledgeable legal guidance designed to achieve the best possible results. Therefore, direct contact is the best approach to explore how his expertise can be applied to your specific situation.

For school boards, construction businesses, or individuals in North Carolina seeking expert legal counsel from Rod Malone, Attorney, his office is readily accessible:

• Address: 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
• Phone: (919) 821-4711
• Mobile Phone: +1 919-821-4711

Mr. Malone practices as a partner at Tharrington Smith, LLP. When contacting the office, you can expect a professional and courteous response from the firm's administrative team, who will guide you on how to best proceed with your inquiry. It is advisable to call during standard business hours to facilitate scheduling a consultation or to address any initial questions you might have regarding his specialized legal services in education and construction law.

For residents, institutions, and businesses throughout North Carolina, particularly those involved in the public education sector or the construction industry, Rod Malone, Attorney, stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal resource. His deep-rooted connection to North Carolina, exemplified by his local education and long-standing practice in the state, provides him with an intrinsic understanding of the local legal and regulatory environment.

What truly makes Mr. Malone invaluable for locals is his specialized expertise. For public school systems across the state, his profound knowledge of education law—covering everything from personnel matters and finance to student issues and open meetings—is unparalleled. His active involvement with both state and national school attorney associations ensures that he is always at the forefront of legal developments impacting educational institutions. Similarly, for those in the construction industry, his focused experience in litigation, public bidding, and condemnation means he can adeptly navigate the often-complex legal challenges unique to this sector.

Furthermore, his central location in Raleigh provides convenient access for clients across the state. By choosing Rod Malone, North Carolinians are not just selecting a lawyer; they are partnering with a highly recognized expert, backed by the reputable firm of Tharrington Smith, LLP, who is dedicated to providing strategic, informed, and effective legal solutions tailored to the specific needs of their community.