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    1. Home
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    3. Laura M. Smith

      People
    1. Home
    2. People
    3. Laura M. Smith

      People

    Laura M. Smith

    Counsel


    • Rochester
    • Office+ 1 585.263.1027
    • lsmith@nixonpeabody.com
    • Download vCard
    • LinkedIn Profile

    Introduction

    Laura Smith advises businesses, developers, municipalities, and public authorities on environmental, land use, and municipal transactions. As former general counsel for Monroe County, she drafted local laws, advised on procurement, ensured compliance, and provided legal support for public works projects.

    Practice Areas

    Real EstateEnvironmental Permitting & CompliancePermitting & Land Use

    /My focus

    I represent municipalities, public authorities, businesses, and developers on zoning, planning, municipal law, real estate, permitting, solar energy, and environmental issues.

    /Looking ahead

    Large-scale developments will need to consider access to market-rate and affordable housing, long-term capacity in the electric grid, and adaptability to next-generation technology when selecting sites.

    /Insights

    • "Avoiding SEQRA Litigation," 50 Years of SEQRA: Lessons Learned and Future Directions, May 1, 2025

    /In the news

    • New York Law Journal

      Attorneys ‘on the move’

      This roundup of recent hirings and promotions of New York attorneys includes the NP arrivals of New York City Global Finance partner Liz Taraila and Rochester Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Laura Smith.

      Jan 10, 2025

    /Admitted to practice

    New York

    /Education

    University of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D., recipient of the Noyse E. Leech Award for Achievement in International Law
    College of Wooster, B.A.magna cum laude

    Insights And Happenings

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    • Press Release

      Nixon Peabody welcomes five lateral counsel during the first quarter of 2025

      April 1, 2025
    View All

    Professionals in the Practice Area

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    • Christopher R. Froeb

      Partner / Practice Group Leader, Real Estate & Affordable Housing
      • Boston
      • Office:+1 617.345.1137
      • cfroeb@nixonpeabody.com
      Christopher R. Froeb
    • Denise A. Pursley

      Partner
      • Long Island
      • Office:+1 516.832.7542
      • dpursley@nixonpeabody.com
      Denise A. Pursley
    • Colette A. Dafoe

      Partner / Industry Strategy Partner
      • Office:+1 202.585.8393
      • cdafoe@nixonpeabody.com
      Colette A. Dafoe
    • Ian T. O'Banion

      Partner / AIA / LEED®AP
      • San Francisco
      • Office:+1 415.984.8313
      • iobanion@nixonpeabody.com
      Ian T. O'Banion
    • Mark E. Beaudoin

      Partner
      • Manchester
      • Office:+1 603.628.4025
      • mbeaudoin@nixonpeabody.com
      Mark E. Beaudoin
    View All

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