Brian Smith

As general counsel and risk manager at Plante Moran Realpoint (PMR), Brian plays a strategic leadership role in the firm’s internal operations. His work spans legal advisory, operational strategy, and enterprise risk management — directly supporting both top-line growth and bottom-line performance. Brian’s first three and a half years at PMR were spent embedded with Olympia Development of Michigan, where he contributed to the landmark District Detroit project. This immersive client-side experience gave him a deep understanding of service delivery, which now informs his firmwide leadership.

In his current role, Brian serves as a trusted advisor to engagement teams, helping them navigate regulatory compliance, mitigate risk, and deliver high-quality client outcomes. He also champions internal process improvement, staff development, and the creation of tools and infrastructure that enhance operational efficiency.

Brian’s approach is grounded in service and problem-solving, shaped by his earlier career in the U.S. Army. He led infrastructure development efforts in Iraq and Alaska in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, overseeing more than 70 construction and infrastructure projects. His leadership earned recognition from the U.S. Department of State for advancing local economic development.

He holds both a Bachelor and a Master of Architecture (with a focus on structural engineering) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.