David Smith

United Kingdom

Jones Day
21 Tudor Street
London EC4Y 0DJ
United Kingdom

Tel: +44.20.7039.5285

Email: dsmith@jonesday.com
Web: www.jonesday.com

Professional Biography

David Smith has advised clients for more than 25 years on complex real estate developments and investments. David heads the direct real estate team in London, and over the last decade he has advised on close to £15 billion of transactions in the student accommodation and build-to-rent sectors. David also has broad experience in most sectors, including office, retail, industrial, leisure, hospitality, and health care. He acts for a range of clients, including real estate companies, real estate funds, and high net worth investors, many based overseas.

David has advised numerous major developers, including Greystar and Henderson Park on the development of two of the world’s tallest modular residential towers in Croydon and Get Living plc in relation to their redevelopment of Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre to create 1,000 apartments, a new London Underground Station, and new university campus.

The Real Estate Law Practice

Jones Day’s lawyers provide client-focused, comprehensive counsel across every stage of real estate investment. Drawing on the firm’s global experience and deep understanding of local markets, the team delivers tailored solutions for even the most complex real estate transactions.

The firm’s global real estate practice operates seamlessly across multiple disciplines, including funds, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, finance, development, tax, regulatory, planning and zoning, and environmental matters. Combining worldwide reach with local insight and multidisciplinary expertise, Jones Day delivers solution-driven advice throughout the entire real estate investment lifecycle.

Jones Day advises participants across the full capital structure of real estate investments, including private equity real estate funds, institutional investors, public and private companies, REITs, lenders, developers, operators, and managers. The team’s extensive experience spans all major asset classes, including multifamily and living, hospitality, retail, industrial, logistics, office, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Jones Day is a leading global law firm known for its extensive reach, multidisciplinary capabilities, and commitment to delivering practical, business-oriented legal solutions. With more than 40 offices across five continents, the firm provides clients with seamless service wherever they operate, combining global resources with local market insight.

The firm advises many of the world’s largest corporations, financial institutions, and government entities on complex and high-stakes matters, including mergers and acquisitions, litigation, antitrust, intellectual property, labor and employment, regulatory compliance, and restructuring. Jones Day’s integrated approach ensures that clients benefit from the collective experience and knowledge of its lawyers worldwide.

Distinguished by its collaborative culture and focus on client service, Jones Day is recognized for fostering long-term relationships built on trust, responsiveness, and results. The firm’s lawyers are dedicated to advancing clients’ strategic goals while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in every engagement.

“David manages our relationship very well. He’s very commercial in his dealings having acted for us for a very long time and is a real extension to our business”.
Client Testimonial