Norton Rose Fulbright has hired Jen Smith as a Partner in its Corporate, M&A and Securities group in Austin, strengthening the global law firm’s private equity and transactional capabilities in Texas.
Smith joins from Latham & Watkins and advises private equity sponsors, portfolio companies and emerging-growth businesses across transactions ranging from early-stage financing through exits.
Her practice spans corporate transactions, M&A and venture capital.
Smith regularly advises clients on platform acquisitions, take-private deals, public offerings and cross-border sales and was part of the team that helped Latham & Watkins open its Austin office in 2021.
She joins a Norton Rose Fulbright Austin office with more than 70 lawyers, placing it among the five largest law firm offices in the local market.
Norton Rose Fulbright has maintained a presence in Austin for approximately 50 years.
Smith is the ninth M&A partner and 14th lateral partner to join Norton Rose Fulbright’s U.S. transactions-focused business group in 2026.
The broader global corporate practice includes more than 400 partners and 700 additional deal lawyers.
Her appointment adds another senior adviser with experience across private equity, venture capital and strategic transactions as the firm continues investing in its U.S. dealmaking platform.
Smith has been ranked in Texas Corporate/M&A by Chambers USA since 2021 and has also received recognition from The Deal, Texas Lawyer and The Best Lawyers in America.
KEY QUOTES:
“Jen is exactly the kind of lawyer we seek to attract to the firm: entrepreneurial by nature, admired in the market and committed to client service.”
Jeff Cody, Global and U.S. Managing Partner of Norton Rose Fulbright
“That local footprint, coupled with the firm’s broader capabilities, allows me to support clients through every stage of a matter and connect them with the resources they need to achieve their commercial objectives.”
Jen Smith, Partner at Norton Rose Fulbright
