Chris E. Smith

Chris is a Shareholder and member of the General Corporate, Emerging Business, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Private Equity and Venture Capital practices. Chris has built a diverse practice focusing on the representation of clients in general business matters, commercial transactions, and corporate mergers and acquisitions.

Chris is an established business transaction advisor who has extensive experience in assisting client’s structure, finance, negotiate, and execute their most complex business transactions. He advises a variety of clients in their acquisition, investment and disposition strategies, and guides boards of directors, committees, and investors on growth strategy, special situations, restructurings, financing, and other corporate governance issues.

Chris serves as a general corporate counsel for many businesses overseeing all aspects of corporate planning and business advisory services. He is well-versed in private equity and venture capital investments, financing transactions, and general corporate planning. Chris also counsels clients in a wide variety of corporate matters including entity formation, corporate governance, business operations, production agreements, product development, marketing and advertising development, product packaging, retail sales promotions and contests, confidentiality agreements, supply and distribution agreements, disclosure agreements, technology development and licensing, outsourcing, strategic alliance and teaming arrangements, consulting and service agreements, and distributor/dealer relationships. He also assists clients in the design and implementation of executive compensation arrangements and employee stock incentive programs.

Chris also has extensive experience in the construction industry and assists owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and design professionals through all phases of the construction process. Chris has extensive experience in drafting and negotiating construction contracts, design contracts, design-build contracts, transportation and logistics contracts, material purchase agreements, equipment purchase, and installation contracts, as well as equipment leases.

Industry Focus

Chris has completed transactions and represented clients across numerous industries including all aspects of manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, technology and innovative sciences, government contracting, real estate development, banking and financial services, professional services, direct marketing and sales, retail, and engineering and construction.

Community & Professional

• American Bar Association
• Alabama State Bar Association
• Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association
• Leadership Huntsville-Madison County, Connect Class 11
• Connect Advisory Council, (2013-2014)
• Huntsville Library Foundation- Board Member (2015-2016)
• Nexus Energy Center- Board Member (2014-2015)

Recognition

• The Best Lawyers in America© for Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2020 - present); Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law (2021 - present)
• Mid-South Super Lawyers "Rising Star" in Business/Corporate Law (2016-2017)
• Alabama Super Lawyers "Rising Star" in Business Litigation (2013-2014)