
Thomas F. Smida
Shareholder
(717) 232-5000 | Fax: (717) 236-1816
tfsmida@mette.com
Practice Areas
Professional
- National Association of Bond Lawyers
- Pennsylvania Association of Bond Lawyers
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
Biography
Attorney Thomas Smida has extensive legal experience in municipal finance, taxation and commercial transactions. His work is inspired by the beauty of constructing sophisticated transactions that benefit his clients.
Skilled in all aspects of Pennsylvania public finance transactions and municipal representation, Tom has substantial experience in the refunding and restructuring of outstanding debt. His understanding of complex state and federal tax issues are an integral part of the insight he brings to municipal bond transactions.
He is experienced in a wide-range of tax-exempt and taxable municipal bond financings, including general obligation and revenue bond financings, tax and revenue anticipation notes, Build America Bonds, derivative products, forward purchase delivery agreements, pooled financings programs and variable rate instruments.
Tom also works closely with banks across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, representing national and state chartered banks and financial institutions in their role as lenders and letter of credit providers to tax-exempt issuers and private borrowers.
In addition, he has served as counsel to Pennsylvania counties, townships, boroughs, school districts and water and sewer authorities. His work serving as bond counsel for water and sewer authorities dealt with wide-ranging matters including traditional tax-exempt financings, government sponsored loan and grant programs, including USDA Rural Utilities and the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.
Tom has also represented government units in IRS examination of municipal bond audit and examinations. He has served as bond counsel for industrial and economic development finance projects, including qualified small issue industrial development bond.
Tom is a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Colonial Park. Rotary is an international organization of business leaders whose “Service Above Self” includes providing humanitarian aid, promoting peace and supporting education.
Education
- Duquesne University School of Law, J.D.
- Temple University, LL.M., Taxation
- University of Pittsburgh, B.A.
Court Admissions
- Pennsylvania Supreme Court
- U.S. District Court:
- Middle District of PA
- Eastern District of PA
- U.S. Tax Court
Articles & Media
Transfers of Clean and Green Property – Proceed with Caution
For nearly five decades, Pennsylvania landowners, particularly the State’s farmers, have benefitted from the preferential tax assessment program known as Clean and Green.
Have You Properly Planned for Your Digital Assets?
The social distancing, telework, and like effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have only increased our use and reliance on electronic communications and assets.
The Advantages of Business Entity Conversions
Since July 1, 2015, Pennsylvania businesses have been able to convert from one form to another, with a few simple steps. Before 2015, a business entity that wanted to change its form (such as a general partnership to a limited liability company (LLC)) would have either needed to undergo a complicated merger process or would have had to transfer assets.
Attorney Aaron Martin Secures Dismissal of Charges Against Two Political Protestors in Chester County Prosecution
Attorney Aaron Martin, a shareholder in the law firm of Mette, Evans & Woodside based in Harrisburg, PA, successfully defended two political protestors in a Chester County summary trial held on March 2, 2021.
Mette, Evans & Woodside Welcomes Four Attorneys
The law firm of Mette, Evans & Woodside recently announced that four attorneys from the law firm of Sullivan, Rogers & Feichtel have joined their Harrisburg office.
Mette, Evans & Woodside Introduces Associate Attorney Stephen Edwards
The law firm of Mette, Evans & Woodside welcomes Stephen Edwards to the firm as an associate attorney.