WILLIAM K. SMITH
**** ******** ****, *********, **** 44286 ( 216-***-**** (
*******@**********.***
ATTORNEY
Solutions-focused, AV-rated attorney with a comprehensive background in
transactional law, specializing in real estate and financial transactions.
Calm demeanor in the face of difficulties; proven track record of
proactively resolving complex issues and providing strategic business and
legal advice to senior executives. Highly versatile; adept at quickly
mastering new roles and responsibilities. Reputation for integrity,
perseverance, work ethic and humor.
CORE COMPETENCIES
( Real Estate Development ( Corporate Finance ( Business
Development
( Contract Drafting & Negotiations ( Real Estate Acquisitions &
Financing ( Dispute Resolution
( Junior Lawyer & Staff Training ( Client Relations Management (
Lender-Side Representation
KEY AWARDS
"AV" Rating from Martindale-Hubbell / "Best Lawyers in America"
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Solo Law Practice - Law Offices of William K. Smith, Richfield, OH (2009-
Present)
Partner - Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP, Cleveland, OH (2008-2009)
Senior Counsel - Ulmer & Berne LLP, Cleveland, OH (2004-2008)
Partner - Frantz Ward LLP, Cleveland, OH (2000-2004)
Partner - Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, Cleveland, OH (1996-2000)
Associate/Partner - Jones Day Reavis & Pogue, Cleveland, OH (1983-1995)
Demonstrate strategic planning and organizational skills by managing
projects from inception through completion, with a focus on Business,
Corporate, Real Estate and Finance Law. Establish and develop a stand-
alone practice with an independent client base, and grow the practice to
include a wide variety of sophisticated transactional, advisory and other
services. Closely collaborate with clients to develop strategies, set
expectations and achieve goals; implement innovative transaction
structures, scope of services and billing procedures to provide real value
to clients. Successfully build top-performing personnel essential to
knowledge-intensive, successful practice by recruiting and interviewing
candidates and by working extensively with junior attorneys and key staff
members to enhance their understanding of legal principles, practice
requirements and successful transactional approaches, playing a key role in
their performance and professional development.
Selected Highlights:
. First-chair responsibility for structuring, closing and helping to
monitor a variety of transactions, including construction loans and
construction/"miniperm" facilities, land acquisition and development
loans, agented and multi-lender facilities, as well as individualized
"one-off" transactions.
. Successfully represented a broad range of financial institutions
regarding lending and portfolio management activities, including
workout, forbearance and enforcement matters.
. Diligently represented owners, users and developers of real property
and related interests in a variety of transactional and advisory
assignments, including single-site and portfolio acquisitions,
dispositions and financings of real property and real property
interests, real estate bankruptcy issues, leasing transactions and
retail leases for anchor and line stores.
EDUCATION & BAR ADMISSIONS
J.D. - The University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, VA
B.A., magna cum laude - Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA; Phi
Beta Kappa
Ohio (active); Georgia (inactive)
PRESENTATIONS
Speaker - Bar Association, Law Firm and Continuing Legal Education
Audiences - Real Estate, Finance and Related Topics