Overview
Jeff Smith’s practice focuses on the national representation of institutional investors in all facets of real estate finance, including mortgage and mezzanine financing, property acquisitions and dispositions, syndicated and securitized loans, participation arrangements, joint ventures, workouts, and restructurings. These transactions have involved such diverse property types as large office buildings, regional shopping centers, apartment buildings, industrial/retail properties, hotels and other hospitality properties, golf courses, timeshare resorts, campground properties, and condominium developments. He has extensive experience in the purchase and sale of loan portfolios.
Jeff's clients include insurance companies, pension fund managers, banks, and commercial finance companies. Jeff has a strong background in asset-based lending, commercial finance, and other forms of secured transactions.
Areas of Focus
Practices
Industries
Insights
News
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America
- Banking and Finance Law, Equipment Finance Law, Real Estate Law, Securitization and Structured Finance Law (2008–2020)
- Hartford "Lawyer of the Year," Real Estate Law (2015), Banking and Finance Law (2016, 2018)
- Chambers USA (2007–2018)
Professional & Community Involvement
- American Bar Association
- Business Law Section
- Former Chair, Real Estate Financing Subcommittee, Commerical Finance Committee
- Business Law Section
- American College of Real Estate Lawyers
- American College of Commercial Finance Lawyers
- Connecticut Bar Association
- Official Observer, Uniform Law Commission
- Uniform State Laws Drafting Committee
- Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act
- Uniform Assignment of Rents Act
- Uniform State Laws Drafting Committee
Speaking Engagements
- "General Growth Properties – The Largest U.S. Real Estate Bankruptcy in History," Greater Boston Real Estate Board, Boston, MA (November 11, 2009)
- "Commercial Real Estate Financing," Practising Law Institute (2001, 2002)
- "Commercial Lending Requirements and Loan Documentation in Connecticut," Lorman Education Services (2001–2005)
- "Commercial and Real Estate Loan Documentation," Lorman Education Services (2001–2005)
- "Revised Article 9 and Its Impact on Real Estate Lawyers," American Land Title Association 2001 Annual Meeting (2001)
- Frequent speaker at ABA and Connecticut Bar Association programs
Credentials
Education
- Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., 1978)
- Duke University (B.A., cum laude, 1975)