James E. Smith, Esq.

Jim is a Founding Partner of Smith, Costello & Crawford, where he has played a leading role in shaping energy, infrastructure, and regulatory policy in Massachusetts. He was instrumental in helping establish the Commonwealth’s multi-billion-dollar offshore wind industry and has been
a primary advocate for Massachusetts’ nation-leading medical use of marijuana regulations.
He was also a key proponent of landmark energy legislation defining small hydroelectric power
as a renewable resource, preserving an important Massachusetts industry.

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As an attorney for more than 30 years, Jim has represented clients across a wide range of sectors, including energy, offshore wind, biotechnology, broadcasting, marijuana policy, and gaming.
His practice has included advocacy before the U.S. Congress, the Massachusetts General Court,
and numerous Massachusetts executive branch agencies. He successfully represented Seaport Landing in Lynn, Massachusetts—at the time the largest waterfront development project in the state.

Jim has also held senior leadership roles in state transportation and public policy. As a Board Member of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), he provided oversight during the largest expansion in the agency’s history, including the Orange Line Extension and the Red Line reconstruction. He previously served as Executive Director of the MBTA Advisory Board.

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Earlier in his career, Jim served four terms representing Lynn, Massachusetts, in the Legislature. During his tenure, he was a leader of the Democratic Study Group and Vice Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on State Administration. He was the primary author of the Commonwealth’s open meeting and public records laws and led regional opposition to the construction of a
major interstate highway through urban neighborhoods, advocating instead for expanded
public rapid transit.