Christopher R. Smith

Chris is counselor to a wide variety of both corporate and individual clients. Chris represents domestic and international business and nonprofit clients (both tax-exempt and taxable) and others in a broad mix of transactions including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures; entity choice, organization, and restructuring; equity and debt financing; contracts; board governance and policies; shareholder relations; compliance and regulatory matters; and more.

Chris is outside corporate counsel to a range of enterprises including early-stage ventures and other businesses and NGOs with regional, national, and global operations. An avid traveler, Chris has presented internationally on cross-border investment issues including related government reporting requirements.

Chris is a leading provider of business and corporate legal services on behalf of clients of the firm’s Private Clients & Fiduciary Services Group. He advises individuals and families in connection with their business interests, coordinating efforts with members of the firm’s trusts and estates and real estate practices as needed to help these individuals and families achieve their broader objectives. Chris believes that he can serve his clients best by taking the time to get to know them, their businesses, and their interests and values.

Chris provides a broad spectrum of services to tax-exempt organizations in matters from simple to highly complex including guidance through the exemption process, management of ongoing charitable solicitations compliance, and counsel with respect to numerous additional regulatory and other matters.

Public service is important to Chris, and, in keeping with one of Verrill’s best traditions, he relishes working with clients and others to make a difference in the community and beyond. Chris currently serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations in the Portland area. Viewed as a “rising star” and a “detail-oriented, thorough lawyer—someone who gets it done and gets it done right,” Chris is a driven advocate for his clients and, through his policy and volunteer work, is committed to being a true ally and voice for business.

Services/Industries

• Business Law
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Business Counseling
• Tax & Nonprofit
• Corporate Governance & Board Advisory

Education

• Emory University School of Law (J.D.)
  • Managing Editor, Bankruptcy Developments Journal
• Harvard University (A.B., cum laude)

Public Service

• Boards of directors, Institute for Family-Owned Business, Prouts Neck Improvement Association (Secretary), and Sandpiper II Condominium (Secretary)
• Governing committee, St. James Episcopal Church
• Third Thought Initiatives for Civic Engagement Advisory Network
• Harvard College Schools and Scholarships Committee
• Phillips Academy (Andover), Alumni Council (2006-2010)
• Former member, boards of directors, Portland Harbor Museum; Breakwater at Spring Point Condominium Association; Prouts Neck Community Organization; Prouts Neck Country Club; Victoria Mansion; Maine Historical Society; Waynflete School (past President); and Charles E. Thomas Memorial Library

Bar Admissions

• Maine
• Massachusetts

Memberships

• Immediate past chairman, Business Law Section, Maine State Bar Association
• Drafting Committee, Maine Business Corporation Act, Maine Limited Liability Company Act, Maine Model Registered Agents Act, Maine Revised Uniform Partnership Act, and Maine Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act

Honors

• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America^® under Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law, and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• Named The Best Lawyers in America^® as the Business Organizations (including LLCs and partnerships) “Lawyer of the Year” in Portland, Maine (2020)
• Recognized in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business under Corporate/M&A (2010-2012)
• Selected by peers for inclusion in New England Rising Stars under Business/Corporate Law (2010-2013)

Learn more about the third-party ratings, rankings, and selection processes used for inclusion.

Clerkships

• U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, Chief Judge Howard D. McKibben