Michael Christopher Smith

Michael Smith is a trusted advisor to companies navigating complex legal, regulatory and reputational challenges. Drawing on senior in-house experience with global automotive manufacturers, he advises clients on risk management, crisis response, regulatory compliance, investigations, commercial matters and high-stakes disputes.

Clients turn to Michael for advice on matters where legal issues intersect with business, regulatory, reputational and public affairs considerations. With a litigator's perspective, Michael helps clients navigate significant challenges, identify emerging risks before they become larger problems and develop solutions that align legal and business objectives, all informed by an understanding of how today's decisions may later be scrutinized in an investigation, regulatory proceeding or dispute. His perspective is also shaped by significant in-house experience, having served as counsel at General Motors of Canada Company and later as Acting General Counsel and Government & Regulatory Affairs Counsel at Volkswagen Group Canada, the Canadian distributor of the Volkswagen, Audi and Lamborghini brands. His experience working alongside legal, regulatory, government relations, engineering and business teams enables him to deliver practical, business-focused advice grounded in the realities of operating within complex, highly regulated organizations.

Michael advises clients on risk and crisis management, commercial agreements, litigation and regulatory matters. His experience includes product liability and warranty claims, class actions, dealer/franchise disputes and other commercial litigation, recalls, consumer product safety and consumer protection compliance, vehicle safety and emissions compliance, greenhouse gas and zero-emission vehicle credit transactions, regulatory investigations, and interactions with government and regulatory stakeholders, including legislative and policy developments, and government incentive and funding arrangements.