Mark W. Smith

Mark W. Smith is a business and regulatory lawyer who advises clients on economic development, government relations, telecommunications, utilities, tax incentives, and regulatory matters. His work includes state and local incentive projects involving investments from small developments to billion-dollar initiatives. He represents clients before legislative bodies, agencies, and local governments, helping them evaluate incentives, manage public processes, and resolve legal issues tied to growth, infrastructure, operations, and compliance planning.

Mark earned his J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law. He also earned his B.A. from the University of Virginia. His legal education included Georgia Law Review and Order of the Coif honors. That background supports work involving statutory analysis, public policy, negotiation, and regulatory planning. He uses these skills to explain complex rules, assess risks, and guide clients through business and government decisions with sound judgment.

Mark has substantial experience advising utility systems, electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and telecommunications clients. He serves as assistant general counsel to an association representing more than 150 municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives. His work also includes regular counsel to some of the nation’s largest municipally owned and cooperatively organized utility systems. He speaks often on economic development, legislative, telecommunications, and utility law topics for industry audiences and legal conferences.

Mark W. Smith is admitted in Tennessee and Georgia, with court admissions covering state courts, federal district courts, federal appellate courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His recognition includes Best Lawyers in America for economic development law and government relations practice, along with CityScope Magazine Gold Club recognition as an influential business leader. Through regulatory counsel, incentive guidance, and public sector advocacy, he helps clients advance complex projects efficiently.

Law Office Affiliations

• Member, Miller & Martin
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Chattanooga Bar Association
• Member, National Association of Bond Lawyers
• Member, State Bar of Georgia
• Member, Tennessee Economic Development Council
• Member, Tennessee Bar Association

Licensed State

• Tennessee
• Georgia

Education

• University of Georgia School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Virginia
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges