Pete A. Smith
Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Pete Smith is a seasoned Northern Kentucky real estate and project finance attorney based in Strauss Troy’s Covington office. With decades of experience representing lenders, developers, and business owners, Pete focuses his practice on real estate development, construction finance, deal structuring, and corporate law. He serves as a title agent for First American Title Insurance Company and has performed hundreds of title examinations throughout the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. His work spans traditional secured debt, equity deals, TIF, bond financing, mezzanine lending, and private placements—allowing him to guide clients through complex transactions with clarity and precision.
Pete also advises clients on business formation, corporate governance, and estate planning matters. Known for his problem-solving mindset and practical approach, he helps clients resolve title issues efficiently and move deals forward with confidence. Whether he’s structuring multi-layered real estate deals or helping families plan for the future, Pete brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented perspective to every matter. A longtime member of the firm’s leadership, Pete has served on Strauss Troy’s board of directors and management committee. He’s also happy to discuss a transaction on the golf course—if you're up for it.
Overview
- English
- University of Notre Dame, J.D., graduated 1994
- University of Cincinnati, BS
- Kentucky, Kentucky Bar Association
- Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association
- Center for Great Neighborhoods - Pro Bono Legal Work
- Florence Baptist Church - Active Member
- International Council of Shopping Centers - Member
- National Association of Industrial Office Properties - Member
- University of Cincinnati, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity - Past President Alumni Association
- University of Notre Dame - Articles Editor of The Journal of College and University Law
- English
- Kentucky, Kentucky Bar Association
- Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association
- Center for Great Neighborhoods - Pro Bono Legal Work
- Florence Baptist Church - Active Member
- International Council of Shopping Centers - Member
- National Association of Industrial Office Properties - Member
- University of Cincinnati, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity - Past President Alumni Association
- University of Notre Dame - Articles Editor of The Journal of College and University Law
- University of Notre Dame, J.D., graduated 1994
- University of Cincinnati, BS
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus

- Project Finance Law, Cincinnati (2023)
- Project Finance Law, Cincinnati (2021)
- Project Finance Law, Cincinnati (2018)
- Project Finance Law, Cincinnati (2014)
- Real Estate Law
- Project Finance Law
- Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Attorney
- U.S. News Best Lawyers in America®
- U.S. News Best Lawyers in America® Cincinnati Project Finance Law "Lawyer of the Year" 2014
- Kentucky Super Lawyers "Rising Star" 2005-2007, 2009
- Kentucky’s Best Lawyers
- Covington Citizenship Award Recipient 2010
News & Media
Additional Information
- Areas of Concentration
- Commercial Real Estate
- Lending
- Banking
- Finance
- Small Business
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