Chris Smith advises investment managers, private fund sponsors and institutional investors on the formation, fundraising, governance and ongoing operation of private investment vehicles. His practice encompasses a broad range of fund structures and investment strategies, and he regularly guides clients through the legal, regulatory and commercial issues that arise throughout a fund’s lifecycle.

Chris works with sponsors launching and managing domestic and offshore investment platforms and advises on matters ranging from fund structuring and investor negotiations to operational and regulatory compliance. He also assists clients with business transactions involving investment management firms and complex sponsor-level arrangements.

Prior to joining Bass, Berry & Sims, Chris was an attorney with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP in its Dallas office. He earned a law degree from Duke University School of Law. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Rhodes College, where he studied accounting and business.