Michael Ray Smith

Michael Ray Smith offers comprehensive legal services to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and tax-exempt organizations across Indiana. His practice areas include business and nonprofit formation, acquisitions and sales, contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and rights protection for businesses and nonprofits. Michael has significant experience in forming and advising LLCs and working with tax-exempt entities, particularly 501(c)(3) organizations. Additionally, he represents clients in both civil and criminal appeals.

Originally from Tennessee, Michael has been a resident of Indiana since 1978. He began his career at Eli Lilly and Company in Lafayette and later pursued an M.S. in chemical engineering from Purdue University. Returning to Lilly in Indianapolis, he worked in research and development and led an engineering department, developing leadership skills that now benefit his business clients.

In 1989, while employed full-time, Michael commenced his legal studies and earned his J.D. from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 1993. Post-graduation, he joined Lilly’s Law Division, concentrating on Environmental Law, Securities, and Commercial Transactions, while managing the division’s pro bono program.

In 2008, Michael founded a business law practice in Fishers, and in 2018, he co-founded Harshman Ponist Smith & Rayl, LLC. He also serves as an adjunct professor at IU McKinney and leads continuing education courses for legal and financial professionals. Outside of his legal practice, Michael enjoys backpacking, fishing, kayaking, gardening with native plants, and crafting with vintage hand tools. Since 2009, he has authored the Indiana Business Law Blog, providing practical insights for business owners and nonprofit leaders.