John C. Smarrella

John C. Smarrella


Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Recognized since 2013

South Bend, Indiana

Practice Areas

Corporate Law

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

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With more than two decades of experience as a corporate and M&A transactional attorney, John Smarrella serves as outside counsel for a wide variety of closely held and family-owned businesses. John’s goal is to serve as a strategic partner and trusted business adviser in assisting his clients to achieve their objectives in a practical and efficient manner.

John concentrates his practice on corporate and other business law matters. He has considerable experience in acquisitions and dispositions of business entities, joint ventures, minority investments and other business collaborations.

Notably, John’s practice includes advising closely held companies on succession planning; long-term supply, manufacturing, licensing and other agreements; tax issues; corporate governance; and executive compensation and incentive arrangements. In addition, John regularly represents clients in the solar energy industry on engineering, procurement and construction projects and other corporate matters.

John’s counsel is tailored to protect each client’s interests within the context of their overall business strategy and industry. He is appreciated for providing quality and practical legal and business advice, as well as for working productively with business owners and executive leadership to create actionable business solutions that achieve the right result.

A team player at the core, John takes a personal interest in the clients he serves and is proud to serve on their professional teams. As a result, John has maintained some client relationships for decades, a testament to his dedication and the value he consistently provides.

A member of the firm’s Management Committee, John remains focused on and is skilled in setting and achieving institutional goals.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 201 South Main Street, Suite 400
    South Bend, IN 46601-2130
Education
  • University of Notre Dame, J.D., graduated 1996
  • Greenville College, B.A., graduated 1991
Bar Admissions
  • Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Tax Court

Barnes & Thornburg LLP
South Bend, Indiana

294 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

109 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

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Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Corporate Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2020 - Corporate Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Corporate Law, South Bend (2022)
  • Corporate Law, South Bend (2020)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Corporate Law
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Awards:
  • South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce Michiana Forty Under 40, 2007
  • The Best Lawyers in America, 2013-2019
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
  • Corporate Compliance Law
  • Corporate Governance Law

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Publications

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