Paul A. Schmid

Partner
Paul serves as a trusted advisor to middle market companies and their investors.
Paul A. Schmid, Arent Fox LLP, Associate

Paul is an attorney and business advisor who brings a practical approach to his clients and an ability to work with diverse stakeholders to achieve their objectives. He represents companies on matters across the life cycle of a business, including formation, financing, operations, joint ventures, succession planning, and mergers and acquisitions.

Paul has significant experience in representing founder-owned businesses in what is often the most significant transaction in the founder’s life: the sale of the business. Paul guides his clients through the exit planning process, helping them avoid common pitfalls and frequent stumbling blocks.

Paul has represented clients in diverse industries, including architecture, engineering and construction services, oil and gas, manufacturing, business services, logistics, food products, and technology.  

Prior to his legal career, Paul served on the staff of three Members of Congress and advised them on transportation and environmental policy. In that capacity, he drafted and negotiated consequential federal legislation.

Client Work

  • Serves as outside general counsel for a closely-held oil and gas company, including negotiation of a minority investor recapitalization, mergers and acquisitions, debt refinancings, joint ventures, and real estate dispositions.
  • Serves as outside general counsel for an employee-owned architecture, engineering and construction services company, including advising on mergers and acquisitions, tax compliance, and corporate governance and shareholder matters.
  • Advised a family-owned auto dealership chain in New England on the sale of four retail locations to a strategic buyer.
  • Represented a Registered Investment Advisor in its sale to a private equity buyer.
  • Represented a family-owned equipment manufacturer in Massachusetts in its sale to a multi-national strategic buyer.  
  • Counseled a last-mile logistics provider on its sale to a private equity firm.
  • Represented a fourth generation-owned food products manufacturer in a majority recapitalization with a private equity firm.
  • Advised an environmental remediation company in a strategic acquisition that allowed it to compete in a new geographic territory.
  • Advised a real estate investment firm on multiple commercial real estate joint ventures.  
  • Assisted a private equity firm with the purchase and later disposition of an assisted living facility in New Hampshire.
  • Represented a medical device manufacturer in numerous debt and equity financings.
  • Served as outside general counsel for a Massachusetts quasi-governmental agency, including reviewing all of the agency’s grant agreements and contracts.

Memberships

  • Association for Corporate Growth, Boston Chapter
  • Exit Planning Exchange, Greater Boston Chapter
  • Boston Bar Association

Life Beyond the Law

Paul and his wife live with their three sons and family dog outside of Boston. Paul is an avid skier and Little League coach. On summer weekends, he helps out on his family’s organic cattle farm in southeastern Massachusetts.

Publications, Presentations & Recognitions

Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers (2024)

Perspectives