Arent Fox Partner Kelli Scheid Smith Named to 2021 ‘Top Women Lawyers’ by Daily Journal

Arent Fox is pleased to announce that Real Estate and Corporate Partner Kelli Scheid Smith has been named among the 2021 “Top Women Lawyers” in California by the Daily Journal as a result of her impressive track record of success on behalf of clients as well as her efforts in the pro bono arena.

Kelli advises companies across a variety of industries, including sports, hospitality, and fashion and retail. In recognizing her achievements, the Daily Journal noted her real estate transactions work with The Buccini/Pollin Group, highlighting a recent joint venture matter between a hotel chain and BPG, including the financing and development of Virgin Hotels in Nashville and New Orleans, as well as financing of the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore. The Daily Journal also highlighted her work for several U.S. fashion retailers, as well as her sports transaction deals.

“Kelli is a rising star in her field and the Daily Journal’s recognition of her among the top women lawyers in California is well deserved. Having worked closely with Kelli for many years, I have observed firsthand her special talents as a negotiator, draftsperson, and advisor.”
– Richard L. Brand, San Francisco Managing Partner

COVID-19

Kelli represents companies in industries that were very negatively affected by the pandemic and has managed to find resolutions to many of their unforeseen issues. “We’re tackling new problems, and it’s been a really difficult year, but we’re now seeing the resiliency of these industries as things start to pick up,” Kelli said to the Daily Journal.

Pro Bono Efforts

The Daily Journal reported that Kelli received the firm’s Marc L. Fleischaker Pro Bono Award for outstanding pro bono achievement. Kelli told the Daily Journal, “I want to make our San Francisco office part of our firm’s long and storied pro bono history.”