John Paul (JP) Smith

JP is a Partner at McLeod Law who helps businesses get complex deals done and deliver major projects with confidence. He advises energy, infrastructure, construction, mining, and defence clients on corporate and commercial matters, negotiating and structuring transactions that have to work on paper, in the field, and in front of boards, lenders, and counterparties. Clients engage JP to shape mergers and acquisitions and strategic investments, financings and securities matters, procurement driven projects, and the contracting frameworks that sit underneath them, including RFP strategy, prime and subcontract structures, flow down terms, and disciplined risk allocation. He delivers plain language, boardroom tested advice that supports decisive execution.

In regulated and government facing environments, JP focuses on seamless interfacing with regulators and key stakeholders. He builds clear, defensible positions, anticipates disclosure and compliance pressure points, and aligns legal strategy with business reality so approvals, reporting, and oversight stay on track. JP also leads investigations and compliance mandates, including internal investigations, risk assessments, and response planning for matters involving regulatory exposure, corruption allegations, and heightened government attention, helping clients protect credibility and maintain momentum.

When he is not in the office, JP is a proud hockey dad to three boys and recharges on his ranch north of Calgary.