John Smolen

Construction, Data Centers, Energy, Entertainment, Government Services, Finance and Lobbying, Infrastructure, Public-Private Partnerships, Alternative Project Delivery

John P. Smolen advises public entities, private developers, concessionaires, and financing parties on large-scale, complex alternative project delivery (APD) transactions across the United States. His experience encompasses a comprehensive array of delivery methods, including design-build, progressive design-build, construction manager/general contractor (CM/GC), other progressive delivery approaches, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), and public-private partnerships (P3). His work spans all manner of delivery of civil, energy, and social infrastructure projects.

John is consistently recognized as a top-tier practitioner by The Legal 500, Chambers USA, and Chambers Global. He has played a leading role in several APD programs and projects in the transportation, transit, energy and renewables, port and airport infrastructure, and social infrastructure spaces.

John’s practice ranges from statutory drafting, program and template development, and pre-procurement activities to deal structuring, procurement, and negotiation, as well as post-selection commercial and financial close. He possesses additional expertise in project implementation, administration, and dispute avoidance and resolution.

As part of his pro bono practice, John has represented a nonprofit transitional program in real estate, finance, and corporate matters; assisted military veterans with benefits matters before the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and supported homeless or at-risk clients in criminal record expungement proceedings.

John is a veteran of the United States Navy, having served as a naval aviator.

US Naval Academy

B.S.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

M.A.

University of Kansas School of Law

J.D.