With numerous complex deals to his credit, Phil Smith is a trusted advisor in Mergers and Acquisitions, Corporate, Corporate Finance, and Real Estate. Phil counsels a broad range of clients on many complex and strategic matters, including business formation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, outside general counsel, business succession planning, loan documentation, and real estate transactions. He represents clients, both business and individual, in a variety of industries, including investment and development funds, automotive component and equipment manufacturers, tool-and-die businesses, hotel and hospitality owners and operators, including several national hospitality clients, telecommunications and fiber optic providers, construction companies, golf courses, transportation and logistics providers, and retail businesses.
Prior to beginning his legal career, he served for six years in the United States Army with one deployment to Afghanistan, achieving the rank of Captain. He is recognized as a leader in his field and currently recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” (for multiple consecutive years). Phil received his B.S. from the United States Military Academy (West Point) and his J.D. from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. An active member in his community, he provides services to several national veterans relate non-profits and he volunteers his time and serves with many local charities and religious organizations.
Education & Credentials
Education
Indiana University Maurer School of Law
J.D.- Executive Business Editor, Indiana Journal of Global Legal Studies
- Elmore Entrepreneurship Law Clinic
- 1 of 7 JD and MBA students selected to participate for the Spring Semester, to assist startup companies and entrepreneurs with formation issues, funding, and intellectual property protection, and advised on operational matters
- CALI Excellence for the Future Award (Highest Grade), Transactional Drafting
United States Military Academy (West Point)
B.S., American Legal Studies and Environmental Engineering- One of six students selected to represent West Point at the competition for International Humanitarian Law for Military Academies at the International Institute of Humanitarian Law
- Member of the NCAA Division 1 football team
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Michigan Super Lawyers®
- "Rising Star," Business/Corporate, 2023-2025
Prominent Assignments
- Represented a major OEM manufacturer to handle general corporate matters, including assisting with its generational succession plan and a shareholder redemption.
- Acting as local counsel for a credit union in documenting and closing their Small Business Administration 7(a) loans for borrowers in Michigan or loans based in Michigan.
- Represented multiple business clients in the sale or purchase of assets, stock, and membership interests.
- Advised auto parts manufacturers, logistics, and transportation companies on business operations and finance issues working to resolve payment and billing issues, resulting in savings to client.
- Represented a major telecommunications company in the sale of its equity to an international purchaser.
- Represented commercial lenders in loan documentation, refinance and negotiations.
- Represented commercial developers in like-kind exchanges resulting in significant tax savings to the client.
- Represented a healthcare provider in the successful stock sale of their limited liability company.
- Represented multiple commercial developers and business clients in the negotiation and documentation of their real estate sales and purchases.
- Represented a major insurance holdings company in the acquisition of multiple add on agencies.
Professional Involvement
- Member, Indiana State Bar Association
- Member, Grand Rapids Bar Association (Michigan)
- Member, State Bar of Michigan
Community Involvement
- West Point Society of Michigan
- Board Member
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana