Introduction
Devry Smith Frank LLP is a multinational law firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. The firm specializes in corporate and transactional law, litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. With a presence in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the firm serves a diverse clientele that includes multinational corporations, private equity sponsors, emerging technology companies, non‑profit organizations, and high‑net‑worth individuals. As of 2024, Devry Smith Frank employs over 300 attorneys and 200 support staff across six office locations.
History and Background
Founding
The firm was established in 1998 by three alumni of Georgetown University Law Center: John A. Devry, Lisa M. Smith, and Robert K. Frank. The partners met during a joint research project on corporate governance and identified a market gap for a boutique firm that combined deep legal expertise with a flexible, client‑centric approach. The founding office opened on the second floor of the historic Washington, D.C. federal courthouse, a location chosen for its proximity to key regulatory agencies.
Early Growth
In its first decade, Devry Smith Frank focused on expanding its practice in the federal regulatory arena, particularly in the areas of securities, environmental, and healthcare compliance. The firm secured representation for several mid‑size companies undergoing Initial Public Offerings, which elevated its profile in the capital markets community. By 2006, the partnership had grown to twelve attorneys and relocated to a dedicated office building on 16th Street NW.
International Expansion
The turn of the century marked the beginning of the firm’s international strategy. In 2010, a satellite office opened in London, United Kingdom, to service cross‑border transactions. The following year, an office in Toronto, Canada, was established to cater to the North American market. The London office has become a hub for European regulatory matters, while the Toronto office has been instrumental in facilitating U.S.–Canadian trade and investment agreements. The firm’s global footprint is now anchored by five offices: Washington, D.C.; New York City; Los Angeles; Toronto; and London.
Practice Areas
Corporate & Commercial Law
Devry Smith Frank’s corporate practice covers mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, corporate governance, and shareholder matters. The team advises on due diligence, structuring, and post‑transaction integration for enterprises across technology, manufacturing, and services sectors.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
The litigation practice handles complex commercial disputes, securities litigation, antitrust cases, and arbitration. The firm’s litigators frequently represent clients in federal courts and the U.S. Court of Appeals, as well as in international arbitration forums such as the International Chamber of Commerce.
Intellectual Property
Specialists in patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets provide counsel on IP strategy, licensing, enforcement, and litigation. The IP team has represented several biotechnology firms in securing patents for novel therapeutics.
Real Estate & Construction
Real estate practice covers acquisitions, dispositions, financing, zoning, and construction contracts. The firm has negotiated agreements for commercial developments in Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles, including mixed‑use projects and high‑rise office towers.
Energy & Environmental Law
Clients in the energy sector receive assistance with regulatory approvals, environmental compliance, renewable energy financing, and permitting. The practice has secured approvals for wind and solar projects across the Mid‑Atlantic region.
Tax & International Trade
Tax attorneys advise on domestic and international tax matters, including transfer pricing, cross‑border mergers, and customs duties. The team collaborates with tax advisors to provide comprehensive solutions to multinational clients.
Key Personnel
Managing Partners
John A. Devry, who has led the firm since its inception, serves as Managing Partner. He oversees strategic planning, business development, and partnership governance. Lisa M. Smith, a senior counsel in the corporate practice, focuses on mergers and acquisitions. Robert K. Frank chairs the litigation and dispute resolution practice.
Senior Counsel
Prominent attorneys include:
- Michael R. Johnson – Head of Intellectual Property, 12 years at the firm.
- Ashley C. Patel – Lead in Real Estate and Construction, 8 years at the firm.
- David L. Martinez – Chief of Energy & Environmental Law, 10 years at the firm.
Support Staff
In addition to attorneys, Devry Smith Frank employs paralegals, legal secretaries, IT specialists, and marketing professionals. The firm’s internal training program includes a mentorship component for junior associates and a continuing legal education schedule aligned with American Bar Association requirements.
Notable Cases and Transactions
High‑Profile Mergers
The firm advised on the acquisition of Horizon Tech by Global Innovations, a $2.3 billion transaction completed in 2015. Devry Smith Frank provided due diligence, regulatory filings, and post‑merger integration strategy.
Regulatory Litigation
In 2018, the firm represented a national utility company in a securities litigation case before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, culminating in a settlement of $45 million. The case addressed alleged misleading financial disclosures.
Intellectual Property Disputes
The team represented a biotechnology startup in a patent infringement suit against a larger competitor. The outcome included a licensing agreement and a joint research collaboration.
Environmental Compliance
Devry Smith Frank assisted a renewable energy developer in securing federal tax credits for a wind farm in Virginia. The project received a $12 million investment, and the firm managed the permitting process with the Environmental Protection Agency.
Corporate Governance
Partnership Structure
The firm operates under a traditional partnership model. Partners share profits and liabilities equally, subject to the partnership agreement. The firm’s capital structure is comprised of contributions from senior partners and reinvestment of profits to support growth.
Committees and Oversight
Key committees include:
- Executive Committee – oversees day‑to‑day operations.
- Financial Committee – monitors revenue, expenses, and budget.
- Diversity & Inclusion Committee – develops programs to promote workplace equity.
- Legal Ethics Committee – ensures compliance with professional conduct rules.
Office Locations
United States
- Washington, D.C. – Headquarters; 12th floor, 16th Street NW.
- New York City – 28th Street, Manhattan.
- Los Angeles – Downtown Los Angeles, 200 West 6th Street.
Canada
- Toronto – 100 King Street West, Toronto.
United Kingdom
- London – 10 Whitehall, Westminster.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Legal Aid Initiatives
Devry Smith Frank sponsors a pro bono program that provides legal representation to low‑income families in housing disputes. The program has assisted over 3,000 clients since 2010.
Scholarship Programs
The firm funds scholarships for law students pursuing public interest law. Each fiscal year, three scholarships of $10,000 are awarded to students with demonstrated commitment to social justice.
Community Outreach
Annual seminars on corporate governance are hosted at local universities. The firm also participates in civic engagement activities such as the Washington, D.C. public health task force.
Awards and Recognition
Industry Awards
- Law Firm of the Year – National Law Review, 2016.
- Best Employment Law Firm – Chambers USA, 2018.
- Top M&A Firm – American Lawyer, 2020.
Peer Recognition
Several attorneys have been named to the Best Lawyers list in categories such as Intellectual Property, Litigation, and Real Estate.
Client Feedback
Client surveys indicate a satisfaction rate of 93 % for the corporate practice and 90 % for litigation services in 2023.
Financial Performance
Revenue Trends
From 2018 to 2023, annual revenue increased from $62 million to $84 million, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 %. The growth has been driven primarily by expansion in the corporate and litigation practices.
Profit Per Partner
Profit per equity partner (PEP) rose from $1.2 million in 2018 to $1.5 million in 2023. The firm attributes this increase to higher billing rates and the addition of senior partners with extensive experience.
Expense Management
Operating expenses, including legal salaries and overhead, averaged 58 % of revenue in 2023. The firm has implemented cost‑saving measures such as shared service centers for IT and finance.
Clientele
Corporate Clients
The firm’s corporate roster includes Fortune 500 companies, mid‑market manufacturers, and technology startups. Notable clients in 2023 included a leading renewable energy company and a multinational consumer goods corporation.
Private Equity and Venture Capital
Devry Smith Frank advises private equity firms on due diligence, transaction structuring, and post‑investment governance. The firm has worked with several venture capital funds focused on biotechnology and fintech.
Non‑Profit Organizations
The firm represents a range of non‑profit entities in matters of governance, tax‑exempt status, and regulatory compliance.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Initiatives
In 2020, the firm adopted an ESG framework that includes a carbon‑neutral office policy, a diversity recruitment strategy, and a community outreach calendar. The ESG policy is reviewed annually by the Sustainability Committee.
Diversity and Inclusion
Devry Smith Frank has a diversity target of 40 % for partners and 30 % for associate hires by 2025. The firm participates in mentorship programs for underrepresented groups.
Ethics and Compliance
The Legal Ethics Committee reviews all conflicts of interest, ensures compliance with the American Bar Association’s Model Rules, and provides ongoing ethics training for staff.
Future Outlook
Strategic Growth Plans
Plans for 2025–2030 include the opening of a second office in Boston and the expansion of the technology practice through strategic hires. The firm also intends to increase its international presence by establishing a presence in Singapore.
Innovation and Technology
Investments in legal technology include AI‑driven document review tools, client portals for real‑time case updates, and cybersecurity enhancements. These initiatives aim to improve efficiency and client service.
Talent Development
Devry Smith Frank continues to prioritize professional development through its alumni network, continuing legal education programs, and collaboration with law schools to recruit promising graduates.
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