Douglas D. Smith, Esq., is a distinguished attorney with over 45 years of legal and business advisory experience, specializing in franchise law on national and international levels. A trusted expert in structuring franchise agreements, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering collaborative business relationships, Mr. Smith has been instrumental in helping businesses thrive and achieve sustainable growth. His pragmatic, cost-effective approach and extensive expertise make him a sought-after advisor for franchisors, franchisees, and business leaders worldwide.
Mr. Smith graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University in 1976 and earned his Juris Doctorate, also cum laude, from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU in 1979. Early in his career, he served as a student law clerk for Judge Monroe G. McKay of the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, setting the foundation for his prolific legal trajectory. He is admitted to practice in Oregon, Utah, the U.S. Federal District Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Since 1990, Mr. Smith has been the founder and principal attorney at FranchiseSmith, a law firm renowned for its expertise in franchise law. Previously, he was a partner at Lindsay, Hart, Neil & Weigler, where he honed his skills in corporate and business law. Over the years, he has advised clients on franchise agreements, disclosure materials, trademarks, litigation, and compliance with federal, state, and international laws. His clients range from startups to established companies, reflecting his adaptability and depth of experience.
A prolific contributor to the field, Mr. Smith has coauthored significant publications, including Franchise Legal Documents and Business Aspects of Franchising. His work with the Oregon Corporation Division on franchising regulations demonstrates his pivotal role in shaping franchise law. He has also shared his expertise as a speaker at prestigious events organized by the International Franchise Association (IFA) and the American Bar Association (ABA).
Mr. Smith’s global perspective is a hallmark of his career. He has represented clients in England, Australia, and Switzerland and completed an 18-month mission in Romania. Fluent in Romanian and French, he leverages his multilingual abilities and international exposure to navigate cross-border complexities with ease.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Smith has served on public company boards and continues to advise organizations on governance and strategy. His leadership extends to the community, where he has held significant roles in the Boy Scouts of America, the LDS Church, and various nonprofit initiatives.
With a personal mission to “create and preserve happy and successful franchise and business relationships,” Douglas D. Smith remains an invaluable resource for organizations navigating the franchise landscape. His dedication to excellence, wealth of experience, and personable demeanor solidify his reputation as a respected leader and trusted advisor.
Character
Douglas D. Smith is a principled and approachable professional known for his integrity, collaborative nature, and dedication to fostering successful business relationships.
Knowledge
With over 45 years of specialized expertise in franchise law, Mr. Smith possesses unparalleled insights into legal, regulatory, and operational aspects of franchising.
Strategic
He brings a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to navigating complex challenges, ensuring businesses achieve sustainable growth and compliance.
Communication
A skilled communicator, Mr. Smith excels in articulating legal and business concepts clearly, engaging audiences through public speaking, and fostering productive dialogue across diverse stakeholders.
