Justin Smith

Overview

Justin Smith’s practice focuses on corporate and transactional work with a focus on early-stage and middle market companies. Representative matters include representing clients at all stages of the business cycle from formation to growth stage capital, distribution and licensing strategies, to exit transactions. Prior to joining Jimerson Birr, Mr. Smith worked at various AmLaw 100 firms in their corporate and mergers and acquisitions practices before entering the venture capital space. As an entrepreneur, he understands first-hand the challenges of developing and scaling products and services, giving him valuable insight to help clients unlock opportunities and avoid pitfalls as they move from one stage to the next.

Mr. Smith recognizes the importance of effective legal counsel being “value creators” for their clients by proactively identifying risks or unlocking new opportunities to meet their business goals. He believes a successful legal relationship must be built upon a foundation of trust and communication, and it starts with an unparalleled commitment to understanding the client’s objectives in both the immediate and long-term. Mr. Smith is always on the lookout for ways to deliver legal services more efficiently and believes in the power of emerging technologies to streamline effective legal representation rather than replace it. That through innovation, and working smarter and harder, effective legal strategies can help drive client profitability instead of just driving up budget costs.

In his free time, Mr. Smith enjoys studying history, technology and markets. He enjoys reading and creating, whether writing or just dreaming up new ideas with morning coffee. He is the father of two daughters, Finley and Laiklyn, who constantly find ways to inspire and challenge him. Born and raised in Port Huron, Michigan, Mr. Smith grew up playing hockey in the winter and golf in the summer. He attended the University of Michigan, graduating with honors in a degree in Political Science before attending the University of Florida Levin College of Law. While there, he served on the Florida Law Review, and graduated at the top of his class, publishing a Note on conflicts between Florida’s Post-Conviction Relief procedures and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14^th amendment. He enjoys rooting for the Wolverines and Gators on Saturdays and praying for world peace and a Lions Super Bowl on Sunday.