Walt Smith is the retired Managing Partner of Baker Botts L.L.P., a global law firm with over 700 lawyers located in 12 offices around the world.  Elected to that position by the firm’s partners, Mr. Smith led the firm for approximately 10 years prior to his retirement, a period during which the firm grew dramatically in size and profitability. Under his leadership, the firm was particularly active internationally, opening offices in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and significantly expanded its technology practice, leading to the opening of its office in Palo Alto.  

 

Prior to his tenure as Managing Partner, Mr. Smith practiced for 30 years as a corporate and securities lawyer, representing issuers and investment banks in countless public and private financings, mergers and acquisitions, and special representations of boards of directors. Among his practice highlights is the representation of the issuer in what was, at the time, the largest initial public offering in United States history.

 

Mr. Smith has served on the boards of numerous educational, civic, and charitable organizations and has been the recipient of several honors in that regard, including relating to his development of a nationally recognized program for the employment of individuals with cognitive disabilities. Mr. Smith is a summa cum laude graduate of Creighton University School of Law and holds a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School.