Brian A. Smith

For businesses of all sizes across Illinois, navigating the intricate landscape of corporate transactions, capital events, and complex tax implications requires legal counsel that is not only knowledgeable but also deeply strategic and uniquely insightful. From startups seeking to establish growth platforms to well-established companies engaging in mergers, acquisitions, or international joint ventures, the need for a seasoned attorney who can simplify complex legal and financial realities is paramount. In the bustling heart of Chicago, Brian A. Smith stands as a highly esteemed partner in the Corporate & Securities Group at Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP. With a distinguished background in both law and accounting, Brian A. Smith is the go-to legal professional for those in Illinois seeking expert guidance in business, corporate, and tax law.

Brian A. Smith is recognized by his clients as a skilled "translator," possessing a unique ability to transform complex legal, tax, and commercial facts into easy-to-digest business decisions. This exceptional talent allows companies of every size to turn to him for creative thought leadership in structuring joint ventures, investment funds, mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, among a wide array of other transactional matters. His deep understanding of how a company's capital events impact various variables—financial, management control, taxation, and personnel—enables him to craft comprehensive and effective strategies. Having started his career as a CPA for Arthur Andersen and later working for the Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service, where he represented government interests before the United States Tax Court, Brian brings a robust technical tax background that is invaluable to his corporate and transactional practice. He seamlessly melds these proficiencies with his creativity and extensive experience to help clients develop and execute plans that foster future growth, attract additional investment, and realize valuable exit strategies.

This article will provide an in-depth overview of what makes Brian A. Smith a leading legal resource for locals in Illinois. We will explore his accessible Chicago office, the comprehensive range of specialized services he offers, what sets him apart in the legal landscape, and why his client-centric and strategic approach makes him an ideal choice for businesses and individuals seeking sophisticated legal guidance in the region. His consistent selection to the Super Lawyers list for Illinois underscores his outstanding work and commitment to the legal profession.

Brian A. Smith's office, as part of Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP, is centrally located at 200 W Madison St Ste 3000, Chicago, IL 60606, USA. This prominent address places him within the vibrant and easily accessible Loop district of downtown Chicago, making it highly convenient for clients throughout Illinois and the broader Midwest region. The modern office building on West Madison Street is a well-known fixture in Chicago's financial and legal hub, offering a professional and discreet environment for client consultations and strategic planning.

The accessibility of this prime location is a key benefit for businesses and individuals in Illinois. For those utilizing public transportation, the office is situated within a short walking distance of numerous CTA 'L' train lines (including the Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple lines) and various bus routes. This extensive public transit network ensures seamless connectivity from diverse neighborhoods within Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, facilitating easy commutes. Furthermore, the close proximity to major commuter rail hubs such as Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station is particularly advantageous for clients traveling from more distant parts of Illinois.

For clients who prefer to drive, the downtown Chicago area offers a multitude of parking garages and lots within easy reach of 200 W Madison Street. While navigating urban traffic and finding parking can sometimes require advanced planning, the abundance of nearby options helps ensure a smoother visit. This central and easily reachable location underscores Brian A. Smith’s commitment to client convenience, enabling businesses to access top-tier legal and strategic advisory services without undue logistical burdens. Being at the heart of Chicago's business and financial community also allows for efficient interaction with other key corporate entities, financial institutions, and legal professionals, further enhancing his capacity to serve a diverse and sophisticated clientele effectively.

Brian A. Smith is a partner in the Corporate & Securities Group at Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP, where he specializes in a broad range of legal services for companies, encompassing all types of capital events and transactional matters. His expertise spans both corporate law and complex tax issues. Key services offered include:

• Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures: Advising and leading teams in the sale and acquisition of businesses, including complex transactions involving global manufacturers, family offices, and private equity firms.

• Joint Ventures: Structuring and negotiating joint ventures for various industries, including international partnerships and national purchasing consortiums.

• Investment Funds: Assisting in the formation of investment funds and advising on convertible-debt and preferred equity investments, particularly for technology and real estate companies.

• Private Equity Transactions: Representing private equity firms in connection with financing and platform acquisitions across diverse sectors, such as precious metal dealerships and outsourced electronics repair services.

• Emerging Companies: Helping emerging companies devise structures and platforms that foster future growth, attract additional investment, and realize valuable exit strategies.

• Corporate Reorganizations: Providing legal counsel on the restructuring of companies to optimize operations, tax efficiency, or ownership.

• Tax Law: Leveraging his background as a CPA and former IRS Chief Counsel to advise clients on the tax implications of corporate structures, transactions, and "life events" of a company. This includes representing clients before the United States Tax Court.

• General Corporate & Business Matters: Providing ongoing legal advice on day-to-day business operations, corporate governance, and various commercial agreements.

Brian A. Smith’s comprehensive service offering allows him to address the multifaceted legal needs of businesses at every stage of their lifecycle, from formation to strategic growth and exit.

Brian A. Smith’s professional profile is marked by several significant features and highlights that underscore his expertise, reputation, and effectiveness in the legal community:

• Distinguished Tax and Accounting Background: Brian began his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for Arthur Andersen and later worked for the Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service, where he represented government interests before the U.S. Tax Court. This strong technical foundation in tax and accounting provides him with a unique and invaluable perspective on corporate transactions.

• "Skilled Translator" for Complex Issues: Clients and peers recognize Brian for his ability to "craft easy to digest business decisions from complex sets of legal, tax, and commercial facts and variables." This skill is critical for clients who need clear, actionable advice to navigate intricate corporate and financial landscapes.

• Illinois Super Lawyer: Brian A. Smith has been selected to the prestigious Super Lawyers list for Illinois, including for 2024-2025. This highly selective designation is based on peer recognition and professional achievement, with only the top 5% of attorneys in the state receiving this honor. He has also been recognized as an Illinois Leading Lawyer.

• Expertise in Capital Events: His practice is specifically geared towards helping companies anticipate, negotiate, and implement strategies involved in all types of capital events, including structuring joint ventures, forming investment funds, and executing mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.

• Diverse Client Representation: Brian advises privately held companies of every size, including Fortune 500 corporations, middle-market businesses, and emerging companies. His experience spans various industries, from food manufacturing and audio/video equipment to fast-casual restaurants and precious metal dealers.

• Strategic Thought Leadership: He is sought after for his "creative thought leadership" in structuring transactions, helping clients devise platforms that foster future growth, attract additional investment, and realize valuable exit strategies.

• Active in Significant Transactions: Brian has led teams in numerous high-value transactions, such as the sale of a global manufacturer to a private equity firm, the sale of an audio/video equipment manufacturer to a family office, and representation of venture capital funds in technology investments. He also counseled on a $500 million real estate joint venture.

• Strong Academic Credentials: He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Indiana University Maurer School of Law and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Indiana University Kelley School of Business, providing a robust academic foundation for his legal and business acumen.

As a highly respected attorney specializing in complex business, corporate, and tax law, Brian A. Smith and Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP do not typically engage in traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer sense. Their value proposition is built on their unparalleled expertise, strategic guidance, and a track record of successfully navigating intricate legal and financial matters for their clients.

However, the firm’s operational philosophy and the specific benefits Brian A. Smith brings to his practice can be considered significant "offers" for businesses and investors in Illinois:

• Efficient and Strategic Counsel: Brian's ability to "craft easy to digest business decisions from complex sets of legal, tax, and commercial facts and variables" inherently provides a streamlined and efficient legal process. By simplifying complex issues and focusing on actionable strategies, he saves clients time and resources, which is a substantial economic benefit.

• Integrated Tax and Legal Expertise: His dual background as a CPA and a tax attorney means clients receive comprehensive advice that considers both the legal and critical tax implications of their corporate and transactional decisions. This integrated approach can prevent costly oversights and optimize financial outcomes, effectively bundling two areas of expertise.

• Cost-Effective Solutions: While not offering discounts, the strategic and efficient nature of his advice, coupled with the firm's overall approach, aims to achieve optimal results in the most cost-effective manner possible for complex business needs. This can often translate to greater value compared to firms with less integrated expertise or efficiency.

• Initial Consultations: Prospective clients can typically arrange initial discussions with Brian A. Smith or a member of his team to understand their specific legal needs and how his specialized expertise can provide solutions. This allows for a preliminary assessment of fit without an immediate financial commitment.

For businesses and investors in Illinois, the "offer" from Brian A. Smith is the promise of sophisticated, clear, and strategically integrated legal and tax advice that helps them successfully navigate complex capital events and corporate transactions, ultimately fostering growth and achieving business objectives.

To connect with Brian A. Smith at Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP in Chicago, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 200 W Madison St Ste 3000, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

• Phone: (312) 224-1200

• Mobile Phone: +1 312-224-1200 (This is typically the main office line, suitable for direct dialing including from international phones).

It is recommended to call during standard business hours to schedule a consultation or to inquire about his specific legal services related to business, corporate, or tax matters. The firm's professional staff will be able to direct your call to Brian A. Smith or the appropriate legal professional within the Corporate & Securities Group to ensure your needs are addressed efficiently.

For businesses and investors across Illinois seeking sophisticated and strategic legal counsel in corporate, securities, and tax law, Brian A. Smith at Fox Swibel Levin & Carroll LLP offers an exceptionally suitable and highly advantageous partnership. His central location in downtown Chicago ensures easy accessibility for clients throughout the metropolitan area and the wider state, placing top-tier legal expertise conveniently within reach.

What truly makes Brian A. Smith ideal for locals in Illinois is his unique blend of deep legal expertise and a robust background in accounting and tax. His experience as a CPA and former IRS Chief Counsel provides an unparalleled advantage, enabling him to offer integrated legal and tax strategies that are crucial for navigating complex corporate transactions, capital events, and business growth. This dual proficiency ensures that clients receive not just legal advice, but holistic business solutions that consider all financial and regulatory implications. His recognition as an Illinois Super Lawyer further solidifies his standing as a highly respected and effective attorney.

Brian's celebrated ability to "translate" complex legal and financial information into actionable business decisions is invaluable for local enterprises aiming for clarity and strategic advantage. Whether you are an emerging company seeking investment, a growing business considering a merger, or an established corporation managing complex tax implications, Brian A. Smith provides the precise and forward-thinking guidance needed. For anyone in Illinois requiring a lawyer who is not only profoundly knowledgeable but also a strategic business advisor committed to fostering growth and achieving optimal outcomes, Brian A. Smith is an outstanding choice, ready to help you navigate the intricate world of corporate finance and compliance effectively.