Judge Smith has more than four decades of experience resolving disputes, both as a trial court judge and an independent mediator, arbitrator, special master, and discovery referee in both federal and state court litigation. As a trial judge for more than 26 years, he presided over thousands of cases, many of which were complex litigation matters involving business/commercial issues.
Judge Smith takes pride in his efforts to prepare himself for any proceeding, it being his belief that a neutral who understands the evidence and the issues at the commencement of any mediation or arbitration will be more effective and efficient in achieving a resolution of the dispute.
Representative Matters
- Disputes related to money or interest owed under loan agreements
- Numerous panel arbitrations regarding failure to perform and breach of contract
- Disputes regarding collecting large amounts in attorney fees
- Special master for accounting issues related to crafts industry arbitration
- Matters regarding breach of contract, quantum merit, and monetary damages
- Issues regarding non-compete claims related to sale of company
- Numerous disputes involving Homeowners Associations
- Claims related to non-disclosure of pertinent information regarding purchase and sale of real property
- Accounting referee for large arbitration case regarding award of major city contract for waste collection and disposal
- E-Discovery master for major commercial dispute regarding copyright and trade secret violations of popular toy
- Hearing officer for large city for disputes related to medicinal marijuana
- Discovery referee for complex fraud cases
- Discovery referee for disputes related to mortgage fraud
- Court reference for numerous employment disputes
- Special Master for auditing and writ of possession related to matching up invoices and serial numbers with hospital equipment
- Breach of guaranty claims against guarantors regarding construction loan documents
