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Peter J. Smith

Adjunct Professor

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Corporate Law
  • Nonprofit and Tax-Exempt Organizations

EDUCATION

  • J.D., Seattle University School of Law, summa cum laude, May 2009
  • B.A., University of Washington, Political Science and Classical Studies, 2006

Biography

After graduating second in his class from Seattle University School of Law in 2009, Peter worked as a litigation associate for the Seattle land use and real estate law firm GodonDerr, LLP. While practicing at GordonDerr, Peter volunteered many hours of his real estate law expertise at the Housing Justice Project advocating for those on the verge of homelessness in eviction and leasing matters.

In 2011, Peter co-founded The Apex Law Group, a small business law firm. At Apex Law Peter's practice has been dedicated to counseling business that aim to make a social impact, whether for-profit, nonprofit and tax-exempt, or a hybrid legal entity. Peter frequently writes and lectures about corporate law matters, including the legal issues facing tax-exempt organizations and impact entities like the social purpose corporation and benefit corporation.

Publications

  • "Tips for Successful Nonprofit Board Service" published in the NW Lawyer Volume 6, Number 3 (April/May 2014).
  • "Not a Performing Bear: The Supreme Court's Decision in Lummi Indian Nation v. State" published in the Environmental & Land Use Law Newsletter Volume 37, Number 3 (December 2010)