Nate Smith recognized by Atlanta Business Chronicle as Outstanding General Counsel

May 12, 2026

Norfolk Southern General Counsel Nathaniel “Nate” Smith III has been named the 2026 Outstanding General Counsel for a Large Legal Department by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as part of its annual Corporate Counsel Awards. The recognition honors legal leaders across Georgia for their professional achievements, leadership, and contributions to their organizations and communities.

Smith oversees high-stakes legal matters, labor and employment law, and legal operations across Norfolk Southern. He routinely advises senior leadership on complex legal, regulatory, operational, and reputational matters across the business, helping the company navigate consequential issues with sound judgment and strategic discipline.

Prior to joining Norfolk Southern, Smith served as Associate General Counsel and Head of General Litigation at Tesla. He also served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, where he prosecuted complex cybersecurity, fraud, and data breach cases. His early career included positions at prestigious firms like Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Kirkland & Ellis as well as a clerkship for a federal judge.

Smith remains active in civic and professional leadership, including Leadership Atlanta and the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force.

Why It Matters
At Norfolk Southern, in-house counsel plays an important role in helping the company navigate complex legal and regulatory matters. He helps our people, operations, and teams earn and maintain trust with the communities and stakeholders we serve. Nate’s recognition reflects the critical work our legal team performs. It also reinforces Norfolk Southern’s commitment to principled leadership, accountability, and operational excellence.

In His Words
“To me, this award reflects the importance of legal work that is strategic, practical, and grounded in sound judgment. I am grateful to work with talented colleagues across the company, and proud that this recognition reinforces the value of disciplined, business-aligned, and principled legal leadership.” – Nate Smith

Congratulations Mr. Smith on your well-earned recognition and thank you for all you do for Team NS.