421 N. Blount Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
864.240.3271
wmckinney@hsblawfirm.com
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William McKinney
Attorney & Government Relations Advisor
William McKinney advises clients on government affairs, public policy, economic development and strategic engagement with state and local government. Drawing on experience at the highest levels of North Carolina government, he helps businesses, organizations and public entities navigate complex legislative, regulatory and political environments.
Before rejoining Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, William served as General Counsel to the Governor of North Carolina and as Special Counsel to the North Carolina Attorney General. As General Counsel, William played a key role in shaping and implementing the Governor’s legal and policy agenda, advising on state and federal legislation, executive orders, ethics matters, public records, state finance issues, executive appointments and judicial vacancies. He also helped lead the administration’s response to major statewide challenges, including the COVID-19 State of Emergency, hurricane recovery efforts and significant constitutional and separation-of-powers matters.
William’s public service experience extends beyond North Carolina. Prior to law school, he served in Washington, D.C., as a Political Officer with the U.S. Department of State, where he gained firsthand insight into governmental decision-making and public policy. He previously practiced with Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd from 2012 to 2014.
His unique combination of executive branch experience, policy expertise and deep understanding of government operations enables him to provide clients with practical guidance on legislative strategy, regulatory issues, economic development initiatives and stakeholder engagement across all levels of government.