Michael P. Smith Email & Phone Number

Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Fr

Lead commercial lawyer who functions as a “mini GC” supporting two high volume regions, rail and autonomous vehicle business segments ($500M+ in revenue), providing trusted advice and counsel on complex commercial matters, risk mitigation, crisis management and general strategic support. Intimately involved and daily provides guidance in all aspects of high-level commercial transactions pertaining to key revenue contracts, vendor agreements, master service agreements, policy development, commercial disputes and other high stakes issues impacting the business.

A full-service, 100% minority-owned law firm providing emerging entrepreneurs and innovative startups with exceptional general counsel services and strategic business advice. Client list, comprised overwhelmingly of minority- and women-owned businesses, includes innovators in cannabis (dispensary, cultivation, transportation, private equity, industry groups), technology, data analytics, ecommerce, marketing, product distribution, 3D printing, fintech, RE construction and video/movie production.

Phoenix, Arizona, Us

Ultimate responsibility for the active management and resolution of the Fortune 500 company’s broad national litigation portfolio (pending and threatened) consisting of approximately $10 million in claimexposure, with matters that involved product/general liability, breach of contract, real estate, intellectual property and false advertising. Responsibilities also included selection and management of outside counsel and resolution of regulatory actions against the company, including various state investigations and attorney general inquiries. Close collaboration with corporate teams, including safety, operations, audit and HR. With a team of three paralegals asdirect reports, provided sound advice and counsel to the company’s 1600+ retail stores on a litany of brand-impact issues, including resolution of customer complaints and claims, management of law enforcement/regulatory investigations, OSHA compliance, crisis management and municipality/government relations.

Member of executive leadership team responsible for company’s legal functions and key deliverables, including various corporate transactions, corporate governance, analysis and registration of its intellectual property, analyzed government regulations and created/implemented compliance procedures to address the same, and focused risk assessment related to the company’s essential business functions.

Rosemont, Il, Us

Managed and monitored all aspects of pending and threatened national litigation ($15 million in reserve exposure) impacting the company’s operations, including trucking/transportation, product liability, food contamination, breach of contract, tort/personal injury and premises liability. Extensive knowledge and experience in risk assessment/management, insurance programs and overall safety strategies involved in protecting a large, corporate enterprise and ensuring compliance within its vital business functions. Retained and directed outside counsel in the defense and investigation of claims/litigation and closely coordinated with counsel to establish and effectively execute resolution/defense strategy.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Managed high-exposure individual and class action cases involving multi-million dollar mass tort, environmental and pharmaceutical losses under various insurance policies, including commercial general liability, product liability, liquor liability and product recall. Retained outside counsel to defend pending and threatened litigation and coordinated with counsel to create and implement litigation strategy. Developed strong collaborative relationships with outside counsel to ensure effective and efficient management of litigated matters. Frequently reviewed and analyzed commercial contracts, including asset purchase agreements and distribution/vendor agreements.

Chicago, Illinois, Us

Represented and counseled large third-party debt collection companies in individual and class action commercial litigation cases involving federal and state consumer laws. Also represented and counseled lawyers and law firms in legal malpractice disputes stemming from underlying cases involving lien and bond rights, various contractual disputes, banking, construction defects and personal injury claims.

J.D.

B.A., Communications/Public Relations