Stoel Rives Adds Nicholas Harper-Smith as a Corporate Partner in Seattle

Stoel Rives, an AmLaw 200 law firm, today announced that Nicholas D. Harper-Smith has joined the firm’s Seattle office as a partner in its Corporate Group. Harper-Smith brings a broad-based transactional practice advising family offices, closely held businesses, and high net worth individuals on complex corporate, investment, and real estate matters.

“Nick brings a strong, client-centered approach to advising private companies and family offices on transactions, governance, and day-to-day operational matters. His addition further positions us to deliver practical, strategic guidance to clients in Seattle and throughout our markets as their needs continue to evolve,” said Steve Boender, chair of Stoel’s Corporate Practice Group.

Harper-Smith advises clients on a wide range of business and personal transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, private equity and venture capital investments, and real estate acquisition and development. He also counsels company leadership on strategic initiatives, governance, and day-to-day operational matters, offering practical, business-oriented guidance.

A significant portion of his practice is dedicated to representing family offices, where he often serves in an outside general counsel role. In this capacity, he manages legal teams, oversees contract negotiations, and works closely with executive leadership across multiple business lines, including operations, philanthropy, technology, and aviation.

“Stoel Rives provides the platform my clients need as their businesses increasingly require coordination across a wide range of corporate, investment, and real estate matters,” said Harper-Smith. “Stoel offers the resources and collaborative environment to better support clients’ evolving needs and to continue growing those relationships over the long term.”

Harper-Smith earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, and his B.A. from Wheaton College, summa cum laude. He joins Stoel Rives from Helsell Fetterman, where he was a partner in the business and real estate transactions group. He has previous experience at large law firms, including Foster Garvey, Baker & McKenzie and Ropes & Gray.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nick to our Seattle office!” said Maren Norton, Stoel’s Seattle Office Managing Partner. “Nick has a strong track record as a trusted advisor to family offices. He brings a unique mix of experience and expertise which we are excited to add to our Seattle corporate group.”