Experienced General Counsel and Start-Up Operator - Peter Smith - Joins Pierson Ferdinand
Latest Partner appointment joins with remit to grow Emerging Companies Practice
New York, NY – October 10, 2024 – Pierson Ferdinand LLP (“PierFerd”), one of the world’s fastest-growing law firms, announces the appointment of Peter Smith as a Partner in its Corporate Department.
Based in New York, Peter joins with a remit to grow its Emerging Companies and Cannabis, Hemp & CBD Practices.
He brings significant legal experience - particularly in M&A transactions, fundraising, deal structuring, and civil litigation. His track record of founding companies operating in the e-commerce, healthcare, and international advisory sectors; and his extensive pedigree in operations roles, has equipped Peter to frequently find creative solutions to clients’ challenges.
Peter has served as Corporate Counsel for numerous companies in the health, fitness, technology, entertainment, and manufacturing sectors - notably Palm Springs Clean Energy, Live Building Systems, and Mile High Run Club. In these roles he has regularly negotiated difficult transactions and structured complex corporate ventures on behalf of his clients.
He joins PierFerd from boutique law firm, SmithStone Law, which specialized in early-stage corporate formation and governance, fundraising transactions, and cannabis law.
The representation of emerging companies, including Cannabis, Hemp & CBD clients is a significant growth opportunity, particularly amid an evolving regulatory landscape. Furthermore, Peter brings his operational and advisory experience in emerging companies to help PierFerd offer a wider breadth of representation to the industry leaders of tomorrow.
Michael Pierson, Co-Chairman of Pierson Ferdinand, said:
“We are thrilled to announce Peter’s arrival at PierFerd. His extensive legal and business experience makes him an ideal fit for our Corporate department; embracing the entrepreneurial culture we are building at PierFerd. His prior activity in the cannabis sector positions him perfectly to drive the growth of PierFerd’s Cannabis, Hemp & CBD practice – a key target sector.”
Peter Smith, Partner at Pierson Ferdinand, added:
“I am delighted to join PierFerd; its innovative, entrepreneurial approach and embrace of technology meant it was the obvious choice for my next career move. I look forward to working with my new colleagues as we continue to build PierFerd’s Cannabis, Hemp & CBD practice, supporting clients by creating successful legal outcomes in this exciting area of law.”
Peter holds a Bachelor's degree in English and History from Franklin & Marshall College and his J.D. from New York Law School.
About PierFerd
PierFerd is an international law firm serving clients globally from over 20 markets.
Pierson Ferdinand UK LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England, with registered number OC449880, and is authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registered number 8006801. PierFerd UK is connected with its affiliate in the United States, Pierson Ferdinand LLP, although they are two separate legal entities. The word “partner” denotes a member of PierFerd UK or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications.
PierFerd’s 180+ partners have extensive experience practicing at top global law firms, including Am Law-ranked, regional and boutique law firms, in federal and state government, and senior in-house counsel roles.
PierFerd’s partners practice in over 80 practice areas including corporate, employment, litigation, and intellectual property.
Media Contact
Simran Randhawa
pf@thoburns.com
+44 7564 584423
