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.
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
- “M/WBE Utilization in New York State: How to Apply & How to Comply,” CREW Rochester, October 7, 2025
- “Avoiding SEQRA Litigation,” 50 Years of SEQRA: Lessons Learned and Future Directions, May 1, 2025
In the news
- The Real Deal
Will the state budget blunt lawsuits that block housing?
March 9, 2026This article includes commentary from Rochester Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Laura Smith on Governor Hochul’s proposed reforms to SEQRA, which would exempt certain housing projects that have no significant environmental impact and meet specific thresholds from the lengthy additional environmental review process. Laura notes that while the proposed changes would be a good start for housing development, she doesn’t foresee the potential changes resulting in a large number of projects becoming exempt from SEQRA.
- Law360
Nixon Peabody reps senior living project’s $633M financing
March 2, 2026This article mentions Rochester Project Finance & Public Finance partners Katie Baynes and Terance Walsh for representing Ziegler in providing a $633 million nonrated tax-exempt bond to RiverSpring Living to build a continuing care retirement community in New York City. Rochester Affordable Housing & Real Estate counsel Laura Smith assisted on real estate matters.
- New York Law Journal
Attorneys ‘on the move’
Jan 10, 2025This 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.
Admitted to practice
New York
Vermont
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
Professional activities
- Landmark Society of Western New York, Board of Trustees (January 2026)
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllChristopher R. Froeb
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Real Estate & Affordable Housing- Boston
- Boston +1 617.345.1137
- cfroeb@nixonpeabody.com
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Colette A. Dafoe
Partner / Industry Strategy Partner- Washington, DC
- Washington, DC +1 202.585.8393
- cdafoe@nixonpeabody.com
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Ian T. O'Banion
Partner / AIA / LEED®AP- San Francisco
- San Francisco +1 415.984.8313
- iobanion@nixonpeabody.com
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