LONDON, October 3, 2022: With a unique skill set ranging from serving in-house internationally and at a Big Four accounting firm to private practice in Big Law and in the US government, Todd Smith joins Morgan Lewis as a tax partner. Todd, who was most recently with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, will be based in the firm’s London office and will focus on US and international tax matters for sovereign and other institutional investors and multinational businesses.
“As we seek to enhance our global tax capabilities, Todd brings experience with highly technical, cross-border transactions and complex tax planning that takes many years of practice to develop,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon.“His presence in London provides our clients with on-the-ground US tax advice, while his insight into sovereign and similarly situated investors will serve these clients’ related tax needs.”
As lead tax counsel with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Todd managed legal, tax, and commercial aspects of a variety of international investments in sectors such as private equity, infrastructure, and real estate for the fund’s investments in the Americas. Prior, he advised on mergers and acquisitions tax issues within a global accounting firm and was a tax associate at two top 100 law firms named by The American Lawyer. Todd also has served as a law clerk to the US Senate Committee on Finance.
“Todd is already well known to many of our team, and he will be a great cultural fit within our global platform,” said Bart Bassett, who leads Morgan Lewis’s global tax practice. “Working closely with our international tax team throughout Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Asia, Todd will be integral to the rapidly evolving and intricate global tax landscape where our clients seek cross-border counsel in real time.”
Todd’s arrival follows that of partner Kai Lee Lau, who joined Morgan Lewis on March 1, adding local Singapore tax capabilities to the firm for the first time. Also, earlier this year, the firm added to its London office structured finance partners Merryn Craske and Rick Hanson, who represents private funds and a range of market participants on structured credit matters and securitization transactions.
“Todd’s arrival further deepens our bench strength in London and beyond and provides significant opportunities for collaboration with colleagues in our investment management and corporate practices,” said Frances Murphy, managing partner of the firm’s London office. “His skills also intersect with a number of our industry teams who provide clients with a multidisciplinary approach, and his deep experience leading teams to effectively manage risks and efficiencies will be an asset.”