Smith Currie Oles Names Tom Krider as Managing Partner

SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Smith Currie Oles LLP announced today that Thomas R. Krider has been appointed managing partner. Krider succeeded Eric L. Nelson in the managing partner role, effective January 1, 2026. Nelson, who had held the position since 2021, will remain a partner and continue his active law practice with the firm.

“I am honored and humbled to step into the role of managing partner and to build on the strong foundation Eric and others have established,” Krider said. “My role is not to transform the firm, but to be a steward of its clear, strategic vision to be the premier provider of legal services to all parts of the construction industry. I look forward to working with our partners and professionals to serve our clients, strengthen the firm, and position Smith Currie Oles for continued long-term success.”

A longtime firm partner and a natural leader, Krider has earned national recognition over his more than two decades of work as a construction and federal government contracts attorney on major infrastructure, energy, and commercial projects across the United States. He advises clients on project risk, contract negotiation, claims avoidance, and prosecution, and the litigation and arbitration of high-stakes disputes involving large tunnels, bridges, water treatment, rail, and renewable energy projects.

Smith Currie Oles is ranked nationally by Chambers USA for its work in construction and government contracts law. It represents clients ranging from ENR Top 400 contractors to family-owned subcontractors, architects, and engineers on projects across six continents. Reflecting the diversity of Smith Currie Oles’ work, Krider’s previous matters involve the world’s largest tunneling project of its kind, a Naval base in Israel, and a sewer treatment facility in Hawaii.

Nelson’s tenure as managing partner was marked by significant growth and transformation for the firm. He oversaw the 2023 combination of Smith, Currie & Hancock and Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker, bringing together two nationally respected construction law firms to create Smith Currie Oles and expand the firm’s geographic reach, depth of talent, and service offerings. “Tom had previously been Oles Morrison’s managing partner. He is a thoughtful, strategic leader who is exceptionally well suited to guide Smith Currie Oles forward with the full confidence of the partnership,” Nelson said. “It has been a privilege to serve as managing partner. I am proud of what we accomplished together, including the combination that created Smith Currie Oles, and I know that I am leaving the role in capable hands.”

Krider earned both his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of Washington.

About Smith Currie Oles

Smith Currie Oles LLP is a prominent law firm focused on construction and government contract law across the United States and internationally. From its offices in Atlanta, Charlotte, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Nashville, the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and the Washington, D.C. area, Smith Currie Oles serves all segments of the construction industry, complemented by significant depth in federal, state, and local contracting, environmental law, and commercial litigation. For additional information, please visit our website at www.smithcurrie.com.

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