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Meet Our Team: Q&A with Assistant General Counsel Chris Smith

June 13, 2025

With a strong foundation in municipal law and a passion for public service, League of Minnesota Cities Assistant General Counsel Chris Smith has built a career focused on protecting city assets and helping communities thrive. In this Q&A, he shares what sparked an interest in law, how his path led back to the League, and the important—but often behind-the-scenes—role he plays in keeping Minnesota’s cities safe and supported.

What led you to pursue a career in law?

During my last year of college, I wanted to continue my education and law school seemed like a good path. I’ve always enjoyed analyzing issues and crafting arguments and studying law provides many different types of job opportunities.

How did you come to join the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT)?

I was the first attorney ever in the League’s research department. I worked at the League for about four years and learned a lot about municipal law during that time. I then had the opportunity to go into private practice and did bond counsel work for about seven years. When I saw an opportunity in the LMCIT Loss Control Department, I applied for the position and was grateful to be able to rejoin the League.

I love the idea of keeping people safe whether its city employees or members of the public. It can be tough to measure the importance of loss control and the value claims that do not occur, but I am confident we are making cities safer and protecting municipal assets. I believe strongly in the mission of the League and the work that we all do for our members. I take pride in knowing that the League makes communities all across Minnesota better.

What does a typical day look like for you as Assistant General Counsel at LMCIT?

In January of this year, I officially joined the General Counsel’s office. The day-to-day work I do has not changed too much. I continue to review many contracts for the League and our members (over 1,700 last year) and work closely with our underwriting and loss control departments. New duties include working more closely with General Counsel staff to provide legal guidance across League departments, with a focus on LMCIT issues.

As part of the Contract Review Service, the focus is on insurance and liability issues. Sometimes one party has superior bargaining and can force unfair provisions on the other party.  When I review a contract, I generally want it to be fair. If a party is negligent, that party ought to be responsible for the loss. I try to make sure the insurance provisions are adequate to protect a city’s interests and that risk is transferred when appropriate. As part of a risk sharing pool, every member has an obligation to protect pool assets.

Are there particular areas of municipal law that you find yourself advising on most often?

Over the past year, I have probably reviewed more law enforcement service contracts than any other type of contract, as LMCIT requires review of such contracts. Under new underwriting guidelines, LMCIT will charge a city an additional law enforcement premium if risk is not transferred to the service provider.

What’s one thing you wish more members knew about your work?

I wish more people knew about the work the League does. I think in today’s environment many people have a negative view of government and government spending. I have no doubt the League saves cities money with all the services we provide as well as making our cities safer. I am proud of the work we do, and I wish more people knew about the League and the value we provide to our members.