Bill Smith has practiced with Steptoe & Johnson since 1994. Since joining the firm, his emphasis has been in the areas of commercial transactions, commercial litigation and real estate.

AREAS OF CONCENTRATION

Commercial Transactions
Mr. Smith has successfully assisted both commercial lending institutions and businesses in many commercial transactions, such as:

• Large commercial loan closings
• Commercial lease preparation
• Contract preparation and review
• Collections
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Venture capital financings

Commercial Litigation
Drawing on his years of experience as a businessman and entrepreneur in the private sector, Mr. Smith regularly represents businesses and municipal corporations in commercial litigation matters.

Real Estate
Mr. Smith has worked in many aspects of real estate law, including:

• Real estate closings
• Loan closings
• Purchase and sale agreements
• Complex multi-tract transactions
• Mineral ownership and development
• Landlord/Tenant disputes

E-Commerce
Mr. Smith represents several companies engaged in e-commerce on local, national and international levels.

International Law
Mr. Smith focuses on business and litigation matters for the International Law practice emphasizing:

• Commercial transactions
• Real estate matters
• E-commerce

Mr. Smith is also fluent in German, making him a valuable resource, not only as legal counsel, but also as a language and cultural interpreter for German businesses and companies that do business in Germany.

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS

Mr. Smith is a member of the West Virginia State Bar, the American Bar Association and the Harrison County Bar Association. Mr. Smith is a member of Leadership Harrison and sits on the Board of Directors of the Harrison County Chapter of the American Red Cross. He is also actively involved in The West Virginia Entrepreneurs Forum, a West Virginia University affiliated entity promoting entrepreneurship and assisting companies of all sizes in doing business in West Virginia and around the world.

EDUCATION

Mr. Smith received his legal degree at West Virginia University College of Law.  While there, Mr. Smith was a member of the Moot Court Board and the Environmental Law Society.

Mr. Smith received his undergraduate degree from Arizona State University. Additionally, he holds a Master of Arts degree in German Literature from Arizona State University, where he taught German language and literature for several years.