Profile
Sherman W. Smith III is a member of the Corporate Practice in Greenberg Traurig's Philadelphia office. He is a transactional attorney whose practice covers a range of disciplines including commercial and residential real estate, real estate finance (debt and equity), and commercial finance, including representing major financial institutions in transactions involving asset-based and cash-flow credit facilities. His many representations have included some of the nation’s largest financial institutions, where he has worked alongside loan officers in the structuring, negotiating, and documenting loans for lenders. Sherman lends his years of experience to privately held businesses as an outside general counsel and advisor, including prominent real estate developers embarking on all phases of real estate development and project-related finance.
A third-generation Howard University Law School graduate, Sherman is equally invested in the civic life and economic empowerment of area residents, serving as a board member of the Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC).
Concentrations
- Aviation finance
- Finance
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Real estate development
- Transportation
Capabilities
Experience
- Represented community-impact real estate developer in the acquisition and development of commercial and multi-family buildings designed to be a holistic development approach to serve local residents and support community transformation through promotion of health and well-being and economic mobility for long-time residents.
- Represented franchisor in the negotiation of five franchise agreements for separate nationally recognized franchise locations in the Midwest and ongoing representation of the franchisee in all aspects of development of commercial space and standing-up of the franchise locations.
- Negotiated, formed, and advised a California-based infrastructure private equity fund, with a major pension trust as its lead investor.°
- Served as counsel on a $40 million private equity health care investment on behalf of a major public pension fund.°
- Represented a client in the divesture of limited partnership interests in 28 separate private equity funds valued at some $30 million.°
- Represented a client in the creation of a unique private equity fund focused on specific commercial real estate segments.°
- Represented clients in the acquisition, trading, and disposition of private aircraft and helicopters.°
- Represented group of minority equity investors with respect to their equity investment in a state-of-the art $65 million ground-up life sciences project at the Philadelphia Naval Yard.°
°The above representations were handled by Mr. Smith prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
- Associate General Counsel, Don King Productions, Inc. 1999-2003
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, City & State Pennsylvania, "Law Power 100," 2022
- Member, Philadelphia Bar Association, 1992-Present
- Board Member, Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), Inc. 2016-Present
Credentials
- J.D., with honors, Howard University School of Law, 1992
- B.A., Morehouse College, 1989
- Pennsylvania