H. Daniel Smith is a partner in Smith Pauley Law who concentrates his practice in the area of commercial real estate financing nationwide for debt funds, life insurance companies, family offices and banks, having done loan transactions in 40 states and in every asset class and level of complexity.  

Mr. Smith also works in general commercial real estate, serving as general or local counsel for borrowers, owners, landlords, tenants, developers, managers and investors in all areas and stages of commercial real estate development and financing, representing clients in more than $500,000,000 in real estate transactions per year.  He is a Fellow in the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, which recognizes national preeminence in the practice of real estate law.

He is a frequent lecturer across the United States, having presented to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, American Law Institute, the American Bar Association, and Microsoft.  For these reasons he and the team can deliver innovative client solutions that systematize, automate and streamline transactions.

Education

  • University of Nebraska Lincoln, B.A.

  • University of Nebraska Lincoln, J.D.

Admitted to Bars and Courts

  • Nebraska State Bar

  • U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska

  • U.S. Claims Court

  • 8th Circuit Court of Appeals

  • Supreme Court of the United States

Professional Affiliations

  • Nebraska Bar Association

  • Omaha Bar Association

  • Fellow, American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL)

  • Fellow, Nebraska Bar Foundation

 Honors and Recognitions

  • Fellow - American College of Real Estate Lawyers (“Recognizing National Pre-eminence in the Practice of Real Estate Law.”)

  • AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated℠ by Martindale Hubbell®

  • CRE Summit Hall of Fame - 2017 Class

  • 2023 US News Best Law Firms

  • 2023 Best Lawyers in America

  • 2023 Super Lawyers

  • 2023 Chambers

  • 2024 Best Lawyers (Real Estate Law)

Civic and Community Services

  • Board of Trustees, Lauritzen Botanical Gardens

  • Board of Trustees, Nonprofit Association of the Midlands

  • Board of Trustees, Mid-America Council Boy Scouts of America

  • Board of Trustees, Goodwill Industries of Omaha

  • Board Member, Nebraska Continuing Legal Education

  • Chair - Practice Technology Committee - ACREL

  • Chairman, Metro Operations Committee - Board of Trustees - Mid America Council Boy Scouts

  • Chairman - Crew 2003 - international travel and culture Venture Crew - Boy Scouts

  • 2005 Volunteer of the Year - United Way of the Midlands

  • 2004-2007 - Chairman, Lewis & Clark District (North, Metro and South Omaha) of Mid-America Council Boy Scouts

  • 2001-2004 - Scoutmaster - Troop 42

  • Chapter Board (Trustees), Trinity Episcopal Cathedral 2008-2013