John Christopher Smith

I give clients the full benefit of over 20 years as a trusted adviser and effective leader in private practice at Latham & Watkins and as general counsel for the most sophisticated and demanding stakeholders. I simplify complicated issues to focus on value creation and protection.

Long track record of success in negotiating and executing high-value, complex international transactions, obtaining government approvals, resolving disputes and crises, and overseeing investigations.

Boutique approach to resolving complexities for US businesses and their owners and investors.

Deep, broad expertise across:

- transaction types, including private equity, M&A, joint ventures, capital markets, bank, trade, project and lease finance, restructuring and other business deals;

- industries, including oil & gas, renewables, transport, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and others;

- geographies, in both developed and emerging markets, particularly US, UK, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Norway, North and West Africa.

Extensive experience advising board, shareholder and other decision-makers on critical issues. Served on supervisory board and audit committee of large German company.

Highly skilled in corporate governance, risk management and investigations.

Qualified as an English solicitor (2004) and admitted to the New York (2002) and Colorado (2025) bars.