Peter Smith

I love going to the office, and the reason is simple: my clients do amazing things! From manufacturing cookstoves for the developing world to building software that runs autonomous vehicles, I have the pleasure of working with people who are dead set to make a dent in the universe. 

My practice focuses on for-profit and nonprofit corporate governance, meaning I draft and review bylaws, shareholders agreements and other documents for an entity’s stakeholders. I also practice in intellectual property as nearly all of my clients’ legal needs include understanding and protecting intellectual property. 

I am most helpful during times of transition.  This includes starting up; buying or selling a business; adding investors, shareholders, or other partners; and even winding down.  It is these situations of transitions where I find the most joy i as I guide clients through the decision-making process and protecting their interests as best I can. 

Finally, I have a passion for education.  I have taught the nonprofit law clinic at Seattle University and the University of Washington. I also write and speak, mostly about legal issues facing social entrepreneurs.  These issues include hybrid entities like the social purpose corporation or benefit corporation and tax-exempt organization law.