Gabriela Noemí Smith | Legal Counsel

Overview
Bar Admissions
Languages
Court Admissions
Education
Representative Experience
Additional Experience
Professional Recognition
Academic Credentials
Memberships and Activities
Recent Presentations
Professional Publications
About Gabriela

Meet Gabriela N. Smith: Unyielding Dedication Meets Passion for the Law.

In the demanding realms of transactional law, namely Business Law, M&A, Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Cross-Border deals, Gabriela N. Smith stands tall as a beacon of relentless dedication and legal acumen. Gabriela is the Founder and Managing Partner at GNS Law, a boutique law firm she founded in 2014 to serve family offices, business owners, investors, and companies, in the areas of business and corporate law.

Gabriela’s clients include some of the fastest growing private companies in the US in the digital and innovation, software, services, and renewable energy sectors. Her international background has allowed Gabriela to amass a significant practice dedicated to multinational and international business operations, and she has helped numerous multinational companies from Latin America and other parts of the world enter the US market and manage their risks and legal issues.

Gabriela enjoys being a trusted partner for clients seeking not just help with contracts and transactions, but strategic counsel that makes a tangible difference. Whether it’s navigating through the high-energy pulse of tech deals, illuminating the path in the energy sector, or crafting local and international deals, Gabriela’s focus and expertise are razor-sharp and unwavering. Gabriela likes to get the deal done.

Originally from Argentina, Gabriela has lived in California, Pennsylvania, and now in Texas. She attended California State University, graduating summa cum laude in the major of Political Science (2004). She obtained her Juris Doctor degree, summa cum laude, from Widener Law (now, Delaware Law School) in 2008. After doing her time in a large firm, Gabriela and her husband moved to Texas, where she founded GNS Law in 2014, when her oldest child was 3 years old and her youngest could barely walk.

Gabriela also loves spending her time in the boardroom, having served on the boards of various for-profit and non-profit boards, locally and nationally, and lending her wisdom to organizations that are the movers and shakers in their respective industries. Gabriela sits on the Board of Directors of International Leadership of Texas, a charter school system with over 30 schools, where she sits on the construction committee, and collaborates closely with the expansion team and oversees construction of various multimillion school building projects year over year.

Past Board involvement includes leadership roles within the Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania, and she is a former Chair of the International Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, an organization where she led over 700 international practitioners in Texas. She has also served on numerous boards, including in in the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce (Dallas), Pulse (Minneapolis), and currently serves on the Board of International Leadership of Texas, a charter school system with over 23,000 students.

Gabriela is also a dynamic speaker and a respected voice within the legal profession in the topics of business law and cross-border practice. From New York to Buenos Aires, she’s captivated her audiences in presentations and panels on cutting edge topics, in both English and Spanish.

Beyond her professional arena, Gabriela is a life enthusiast—an avid tennis player, committed half-marathoner, dedicated mother of two and a wife of a busy doctor.

For a closer look at her professional canvas, do visit LinkedIn.

Bar Admissions

Texas
Pennsylvania

Languages

English
Spanish
Portuguese

Court Admissions

Supreme Court of Texas
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Education

Juris Doctor, summa cum laude,
Widener University School of Law, Delaware, 2008

B.A. Political Science, summa cum laude, California State University-Bakersfield, California, 2004

Representative Experience

Represented client in multi-million dollar M&A technology deal involving multiple parties from multiple jurisdictions.

Represented Latin American software company in its expansion to the United States market, counseling the client in connection with formation of legal entity, regulatory matters, and general business law and contractual issues.

Served as General Counsel to middle-market professional services company with affiliates and subsidiaries in every continent of the world.

Acted as U.S. general counsel to an international software company, assisting the company with all of its contractual needs, including drafting, revising, and editing the company’s contracts.

Counseled a U.S.-based outsourcing company in connection with regulatory aspects of international data transfers.

Counseled U.S. company in connection with acquisition of majority stake in Mexican telecom company.

Counseled U.S. company in connection with negotiation of contractor agreements in Mexico.

Represented U.S. company in critical negotiations involving Latin American affiliate employee matters, working closely with local counsel.

Negotiated commercial leases on behalf of clients leasing space from major U.S. real estate companies.

Drafted Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Corporate Ethics policies for companies involved in international business transactions.

Assisted multiple international companies in connection with commercial disputes involving U.S. parties and foreign parties.

Additional Experience

Gabriela started her career as an associate at Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, LLP, where she represented clients, among other cases, in high profile federal court litigation (including multi-district litigation), taking and defending depositions, and arguing motions in court. She also counseled clients in connection with cross-border agreements and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. At Stradley Ronon, Gabriela was a founding member of the firm’s Spain and Latin America Practice Group, dedicated to serving clients involved in the U.S. and Latin America.

Gabriela also worked as Project Counsel to several Dallas area companies, assisting them in projects involving analysis of international company data, negotiation of international contracts, and regulatory aspects of doing business abroad.

Professional Recognition

Chair, International Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (2019-2020)

Chair’s Award, International Law Section of the State Bar of Texas – Houston, Texas (2016 and 2018).

Immigrant Professional Excellence Award in Professional Services Category – Dallas, Texas (2017).

Pacesetter Quality and Excellence Award 2016, awarded by the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Dallas, TX.

La Cima Award, Entrepreneur Leader 2016, awarded by the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Dallas, TX.

Chair’s Award, 2016, awarded by the State Bar of Texas International Law Section.

Nominee for the Telemundo 2015 Hispanic Business Salute Award, Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce – Dallas, TX.

Nominee for the Irving Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

First Judicial District of Pennsylvania “Roll of Honor” (2008-2010) – Philadelphia, PA.

Academic Credentials

Gabriela graduated summa cum laude from Widener University School of Law, ranking in the Top 2% of her class (4/273). While in law school, Gabriela was Senior Editor of the Delaware Journal of Corporate Law and obtained a number of achievements, including being Vice President of the Latin American Law Student Association and achieving Honors in various courses. At Widener Law, Gabriela was the recipient of the “Dean’s Award,” which is awarded to the graduating student who demonstrated “outstanding legal aptitude, exemplary service, significant leadership skills, and the potential to become an outstanding member of the legal community.”

While in law school, Gabriela was the recipient of numerous awards and recognition and achieved excellence certificates in numerous courses.

Prior to law school, Gabriela obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, graduating summa cum laude from California State University—Bakersfield. At Cal-State, Gabriela was a recipient of the Hispanic Excellence Scholarship and was elected “Outstanding Graduating Senior” in Political Science. Gabriela also completed one year of law school coursework at Universidad Catolica Boliviana in Cochabamba, Bolivia, completing numerous civil law foundational courses.

Memberships and Activities

Secretary, International Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (2018-2019)

Advisory Board Member, 4word Women (Non-Profit 2018-2019)

Council Member, International Law Section of the State Bar of Texas (2016-2018)

Board of Directors, Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2017)

Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee, Secretary, Dallas/Fort Worth Minority Supplier Development Council (2016-2018)

International Concierge Committee, Richardson Chamber of Commerce (past)

Corporate Advisory Council, Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (past)

Board Member, Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania (past)

Board Member, Hispanic Bar Association of Pennsylvania – Legal Education Fund (past)

Recent Presentations

Intellectual Property Rights in Mexico, Moderator, Annual Trip of State Bar of Texas International Law Section, Mexico City, Mexico (2019)

Entrepreneurship, Panelist, Latina Style Magazine Business Series Dallas, Texas (2019)

FCPA Compliance, Presenter, Annual Institute, State Bar of Texas International Law Section, Houston, Texas (2018)

International Business in Europe and Latin America, Panel Moderator, Nuts and Bolts of International Law – Dallas, State Bar of Texas International Law Section, Dallas, Texas (November 2017).

FCPA: Compliance and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers, Nuts and Bolts of International Law – Dallas, State Bar of Texas International Law Section, Dallas, Texas (November 2017).

Money Making Licensing, Dallas Start-Up Week, Dallas, Texas (April 2017).

Story of a Latina Lawyer in the U.S., Newcomer Academy, Irving, Texas (January 2017)

The Pillars of a Successful International Deal (Panelist), Fourth Annual Nuts and Bolts of International Law-Dallas, State Bar of Texas International Law Section, Dallas, Texas (November 2016).

TX LEAD: Multi generational-Multicultural Panel (Millennial Panelist), Yum Brands Plano HQ, Plano, Texas (August 2016).

What Type of License do You Need for Your Next Software Deal? Why One–Size-Fits-All is Not for You, Dallas Startup Week, Dallas TX (April 12, 2016).

Money, Business, and Globalization: FCPA Basics for Small Business, UT Arlington (February 2016).

Legal Tips for Successful Contract Negotiations with U.S. Customers in 2016 (Webinar), Dallas, Texas (January 26, 2016).

International Lawyer Panelist, Baylor Law School, Waco, Texas (January 2016)

Conducting Business in Foreign Markets: An Overview of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Richland College, Dallas, Texas (November 2015)

Regulatory Aspects of International Data Transfers, SMU Dedman School of Law, Dallas, Texas (October 2015)

Exporting Software to the United States (Spanish) Fundacion ExportAr & Ministerio de Industria de la Republica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina (August 2015)

Legal Aspects of Doing Business in the U.S. (Spanish), La Plata HUB & Distrito Informatico del Gran La Plata, La Plata, Argentina (July 2015)

Legal Aspects of Doing Business in the U.S. (Spanish), Camara de Empresas de Software & Servicios Informaticos de la Republica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina (July 2015)

Legal Aspects of Doing Business in Texas, Accion Texas, Dallas, Texas (July 2014)

Legal Aspects of Doing Business in Texas, Accion Texas (Spanish) Dallas, Texas (November 2014)

Professional Publications

Gordon, Benjamin and Arce de Smith, Gabriela, The Good, the Bad, and the Northern Andes: Current International Arbitration Trends in Latin America, Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation, Vol. 30, No. 5, May 2012, at 106.

Arce de Smith, Gabriela, The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: What Your Business Needs to Know, Metro. Corp. Counsel, Nov. 2010, at 10.

About Gabriela

Gabriela’s passion for international legal work stems from her personal background and experiences in several countries. She was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she lived until her early teen years. During most of her teenage years, she lived in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where she graduated from Tiquipaya High School and completed three semesters at the law program of Universidad Catolica Boliviana in Cochabamba. In 2001, Gabriela moved to the U.S. and completed her higher education.

Gabriela is fluent in Spanish and is conversant in Portuguese. She is an active member of the community and enjoys volunteering at Gateway Church in Frisco, Texas.

Dallas 2019

Mexico 2019

Pacesetter Award GDHCC

2016 State Bar of Texas Award

2015, Argentina

2015, Texas, USA

2015, Dallas Texas, USA

2015, State Bar of Texas

“Working with Gabriela on a complex M&A transaction was a game-changer. Her ability to navigate intricate negotiations and unlock the deal was nothing short of extraordinary. Gabriela’s unparalleled negotiation style, strategic insights, and tireless dedication turned a seemingly stalled situation into a seamless and successful outcome. She not only ensured every detail was addressed but also created an environment where all parties felt confident moving forward. Gabriela was the key to getting the deal done, and I couldn’t recommend her expertise more highly.”

Bob Boulanger, Co-Founder & CFO

Alliance of Independent CFO Consultants

“Parting ways with a business partner is never easy, but having the right legal team by your side makes all the difference. GNS Law was with me every step of the way when I divested my ownership in a private company due to ongoing disagreements with my partners. Navigating such a challenging separation could have easily turned into a major issue, but Gabriela and her team handled the situation with incredible professionalism and care. They were skilled in managing difficult conversations, maintaining our position, and ensuring a successful outcome. I’m especially grateful for their attention to efficiency and cost management, making the entire process both timely and effective. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Shareholder of Outsourcing Company with Operations

US and LATAM

“Working with GNS Law to set up our nearshore staffing company across the US and Argentina was an incredibly smooth experience. Gabriela and her team were always available, quick to respond, and truly understood the unique challenges of cross-border operations. They made the entire process so easy and efficient, guiding us through every detail and setting up our entity in record time. Their expertise allowed us to hit the ground running with the right legal structure and compliance in place, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. GNS Law was the perfect partner to help us launch and grow our business.”

Diego Oropeza, Founder of Recruxo

Operations in the US and Argentina

“For nearly a decade, GNS Law has been our trusted legal partner, helping us navigate complex business and corporate matters across multiple industries. As Chairman of several companies, including a telecom firm with transactions in Latin America, I’ve relied on their unmatched cultural acumen and legal expertise to close critical deals. Their efficiency and deep understanding of cross-border transactions have been instrumental to our success. GNS Law is our go-to firm, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with their counsel.”

Abid Abedi, Founder and Chairman of Scarlett Wireless,

Managed Staffing, iCode Franchise, and Ascendare.

“For many years, GNS Law has been our go-to law firm for a wide range of business legal matters. As an international services company working with U.S. Fortune 500 companies and other major organizations across various industries, we’ve relied on their expertise to navigate complex corporate and business issues in dynamic local and international environments. Gabriela’s tenacity and bicultural background have been invaluable in supporting our business efforts, particularly in relation to our ventures in Latin America. Her deep understanding of both the legal and cultural nuances has made a real difference in the success of our endeavors.”

Azam Mirza, Co-Founder and former President at Akorbi,

former President at RunMy Process.

“As a minority-owned company, we’ve greatly appreciated GNS Law’s exceptional legal support. Their responsiveness and the sense of security they provide are exactly what I need as a CEO running a fast-growth company. We’ve relied on their expertise for a range of projects, including some complex corporate matters, and their guidance has always been clear and reliable. I highly recommend GNS Law to any business looking for a dependable legal partner—they’ve been an invaluable asset to our company.”

Female CEO of DFW-based national advisory and learning services company

“GNS Law has been with us from the moment we entered the U.S. market. While we are a large operation in our home country, navigating the U.S. was entirely new for us. Gabriela and her team helped us establish our legal entity, set up contracts, and build the right legal structures for hiring and expansion. Their legal strategies have been crucial to our growth, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the partnership. Their bilingual and bicultural approach has made a significant difference for our primarily Spanish-speaking team, and we highly recommend GNS Law to any company seeking trusted legal counsel.”

Kibernum

Operations in LATAM and the U.S.

“ Gabriela is very responsive and goes the extra mile in getting work done timely. Gabriela and her associates are thorough and very organized. We have used them on several small projects relating to organizational documents and letters, but we were also very pleased with a recent sale transaction Gabriela advised us on that took a lot of review and updating in a compressed timeframe. We were successful in getting the sale documents in order, and highly recommend this firm for corporate work. ”

Leslie Pelley Emerson, CPA

Corporate Controller Ascendare

“ When we were looking for an international lawyer in the United States, we were told to reach out to Gabriela Smith. Gabriela very quickly and diligently started working on our international negotiation, and she achieved the outcome we wanted. Working with Gabriela turned a very difficult situation into a simpler deal. We recommend Gabriela. / Cuando buscabamos un abogado internacional en Estados Unidos, nos recomendaron a Gabriela Smith. Gabriela inmediata y diligentemente represento a nuestra empresa en una negociacion internacional y logro el resultado que buscabamos en el caso. Trabajar con Gabriela hizo que una situacion dificil se vuelva en un problema menos para nosotros. We recommend Gabriela. ”

Luis A. Natella, Manager

VMC Refrigeracion S.A., (Argentina)

“ We have been working with Gabriela for the last year and she has been really helpful in
helping us coordinate and organize the global structure of our companies and with international compliance matters by being proactive, responsive and fully dedicated. ”

CEO of International Technology Company

with offices in North America, South America and Europe

“ I own a minority certified small business and was looking for an attorney who was not only an expert in their field, but also someone who genuinely cared about my small business. I found Gabriela and was thrilled that they represent big and small companies and give them all the attention they deserve. Gabriela helped my business with the first agreements that we signed for some big projects. We are thankful for their commitment to us and recommend their services. ”

CEO and Founder

Dallas Logistics and Fuel Family Owned Company

“ Gabriela no es un estudio jurídico más. Es un grupo de abogados dinámicos y que realmente entiende sobre negocios y las prioridades de los ejecutivos de empresas. Se hacen parte de la empresa y le ponen sumo interés a los asuntos y al éxito de sus clientes. Gabriela es de confianza y es nuestro abogado de referencia desde hace muchos años.

Gabriela is not just another law firm. It is a group of dynamic lawyers who have a profound understanding of business and of the priorities of seasoned executives. They become a part of the team and pay close attention to the matters they handle and care about client success. We trust Gabriela and they have been our law firm for several years ”

CEO of International Software Company

with offices in North and South America

“ Gabriela le suma a su know-how y comprensión de los negocios en Estados Unidos y América Latina, una clara vocación de servicio demostrada en su alta disponibilidad y profesionalismo. Por lo cual interactuar con ella se hace muy sencillo. Recomiendo a Gabriela Smith para asuntos cross-border de alta complejidad.

In addition to her know-how and the added value of understanding business in the United States and Latin America, Gabriela loves to serve her clients, which is something she has demonstrated in her ability to respond quickly and in her professionalism. Thus, it is very easy to interact with her. I recommend Gabriela Smith for complex cross-border matters. ”

Carlos Anino, CEO

Synthesis Retail Solutions

“ Gabriela was recommended to us by EHR industry leaders. Gabriela is our go-to attorney for complex software licensing deals and has successfully drafted and negotiated these deals. She is extremely responsive and diligent with our requests and has profound knowledge and understanding of our industry. She takes the time to understand what we need and really cares about our work, products, and services. ”

Preston James

CEO, Strateq Health

“ Gabriela es uno de mis proveedores preferidos. La confianza de poder delegar tareas o consultas especificas en un outside counsel sabiendo que todo se va a ejecutar y resolver de manera eficiente, rápida y con un nivel de calidad first class, es fundamental para un área de legales interno. El nivel de personalización en la atención por parte de sus profesionales, y la agilidad para trabajar ajustado a los procesos internos de nuestra compañía ha sido un agregado de valor enorme para las operaciones del área que dirijo. Definitivamente un asset valioso

Gabriela is one of my favorite providers. The trust generated in being able to delegate tasks or specific consultations to an outside counsel knowing that everything will get done and resolved in an efficient and timely manner, and with “first class,” is fundamental for an in-house attorney. The level of personalization in the performance of work by these attorneys, and the agility to work while also adjusting to our company’s internal process has been an added-value to the work I perform. Gabriela is definitely a valuable asset. ”

Fernando Valdemoros

Legal Director, Belatrix

“ CMP has worked with Gabriela for five years on a variety of corporate legal issues – from acquisition and contract to Human Resource issues. We have always found them to be responsive, professional and provide pragmatic and insightful legal advice. Their legal services are the best I have experienced. I highly recommend Gabriela. ”