Hillary Smith

Hillary B. Smith is a highly experienced legal professional who has served as a general counsel for public and private technology companies, including Square. With a background in law and history, Hillary has a strong educational foundation, having graduated Magna Cum Laude with a JD from Cornell Law School and earning a BA in History from Montana State University-Bozeman.

Throughout her career, Hillary has demonstrated expertise in a wide range of areas such as fundraising, M&A, data protection, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, securities, litigation, and employment matters. Her diverse skill set has enabled her to navigate through various complex legal scenarios and business challenges.

Currently, Hillary works as an Operating Partner at Craft Ventures, where she provides strategic guidance to startup companies. She also extends her consultancy services to a diverse range of startup ventures, leveraging her extensive knowledge and experience in the tech industry.

In addition to her role at Craft Ventures, Hillary is actively involved in board memberships, having served on the boards of QuinStreet, Yext, Vouch Insurance, Elevate Services, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). Her contributions to both for-profit and non-profit organizations highlight her commitment to making a positive impact on different sectors of society.

Prior to her current positions, Hillary has held significant leadership roles, including being the General Counsel at Square, Zenefits, SuccessFactors, Inc., and Right Media. She has also served as the Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at DoubleClick, showcasing her progressive career growth and vast experience in legal affairs within the technology and corporate landscape.

Hillary's early career includes valuable experiences as a Litigation Associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and a Law Clerk for The Honorable Frederic Block at the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. These roles provided her with a solid foundation in legal practice and a deep understanding of the intricate workings of the legal system.

With a proven track record of success and a wealth of experience in legal matters, corporate governance, and strategic advisory, Hillary Smith continues to be a respected figure in the legal and technology sectors, making significant contributions to the industry through her roles as an operating partner, consultant, and board member.