Brian Smith joined the firm in 1991 and is the Managing Partner of the London Office.

Experience

Mr. Smith’s practice extends to most aspects of commercial real estate, including acquisition and sale, partnership/joint venture, fund formation, operating company investments, financing and the workout of distressed investments.  His practice has emphasized the representation of hotel operators and owners in the full range of matters relating to hotel and resort development, operation, management and finance and the representation of investment funds and other private equity capital in all manner of investment transactions (from M&A, to asset purchase and sale and hybrid equity/mezzanine debt investment).  In recent years, he has focused on cross-border hospitality transactions, taking the lead on hotel and hotel/residential projects throughout Asia, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa and private equity investment in operating company platforms. Mr. Smith's principal clients include investment banks and funds, advisors and investors and several of the world’s leading international hotel brands.

Mr. Smith is recognized by Chambers USA as one of America's Leading Lawyers for Business. Additionally, Mr. Smith is recognized as a leading real estate lawyer by PLC's Cross Border Real Estate Handbook, and Legal Media Groups’ Guide to the World’s Leading Real Estate Lawyers (all publications based on client and peer recommendations). Mr. Smith has taught “Real Estate Transactions” at Stanford Law School and has published and lectured extensively in the areas of real estate and hospitality practice.