Lecturer Bios
E. David Smith, Esq.
E. David Smith, Esq., is principal of Smith & Associates, and serves as outside general counsel for US and foreign companies and family offices. Guiding his clients in the creation and growth of their wealth, he positions business entities for growth opportunities and for mitigating risk, including asset preservation. Combining his experience in corporate transactions, capital raising and financing, corporate governance, corporate litigation and intellectual property, he provides strategic guidance, identifies and addresses core issues, and quarterbacks companies’ and family offices’ legal needs. He is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and the Tulane University School of Law, and is admitted to practice in New York, New Jersey and Georgia, in addition to numerous federal trial and appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States. The team at Smith & Associates includes seasoned practitioners in tax, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, investment agreements, employment, litigation, commercial real estate and intellectual property.
You can learn more about E. David Smith or contact him here: http://edslaw.net/
Steven J. Thayer, Esq.
Steven J. Thayer, Esq., is a founding partner of Handler Thayer, LLP, a nationally recognized law firm based in Chicago, Illinois. Handler Thayer has two primary practice areas, namely the Advanced Planning & Family Office Practice and the Commercial Practice Group. Mr. Thayer serves as the Chairman of the firm’s Commercial Practice Group which includes the firm’s Business & Corporate, Entertainment, and Real Estate Practice. Mr. Thayer was recently recognized as a 2010 Leading Lawyer. Mr. Thayer has a diverse background representing entrepreneurs, fund managers, developers, and family offices. He advises fund managers on formation issues, offering
documentation, investment advisor registration, and regulatory compliance matters. Mr. Thayer also assists companies with structured finance transactions involving the use of special purpose vehicles for capital market transactions. Mr. Thayer also works closely with the firm’s Advanced Planning and Family Office Group representing family offices with respect to their business, venture capital, and real estate transactions. In 2013, he was one of four finalists for the prestigious Family Office Review Award - Best Private Client Lawyer in North America.