Daniel Peterson focuses on litigation, land use, and local government services. Clients have described him as a pragmatist whose well-rounded experience helps him cut to the heart of an issue and provide practical solutions.
Daniel has extensive litigation experience across the State of North Carolina, including at the appellate level. He has resolved a variety of disputes before federal and state courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, the North Carolina Court of Appeals, and the North Carolina Supreme Court. As Charlotte Assistant City Attorney prior to joining Parker Poe, he served as sole or lead defense attorney for the city on nearly 80 lawsuits in federal and state courts on a variety of municipal issues. He has continued that practice for both public and private clients since joining the firm in 2018, earning Best Lawyers’ municipal litigator of the year in the Charlotte region for 2026.
Daniel co-chairs Parker Poe's Government & Municipalities Industry Team in North Carolina and currently serves as the appointed town attorney for two municipalities. He has helped cities and towns throughout the state, advising them on achieving their public policy objectives and defending them in litigation, including class actions. He has experience analyzing potential constitutional issues, tailoring policy recommendations, and resolving disputes. He has advised on a range of discrete local government issues, including involving land use and zoning, economic development, and various local ordinances. He endeavors to be a trusted voice in the room on any issue concerning local governments.
The private sector also turns to Daniel because of his comprehensive perspective on land use and zoning. He offers a unique vantage point as an attorney who has worked with all stakeholders on local government projects throughout his career. He analyzes zoning ordinances, statutes, and other regulations to provide clients with a path forward to meet their business goals, including through rezoning petitions. He has deep experience and strategic insight in communicating with councils, boards, and other municipal decision-makers.
Daniel also has a passion for community service. He currently serves on the board of trustees for the Charlotte Symphony and is a past chair of the Mecklenburg County Bar's Litigation Section.