Josh Smith - Greenville, SC

Josh Smith focuses his practice on business litigation and appeals, representing companies of all sizes—from startups to large enterprises—across industries including technology, manufacturing, and product supply. He also serves as outside general counsel for businesses without inhouse counsel, providing strategic legal advice tailored to each client’s operations, goals, and long-term vision.

Josh handles complex litigation in both state and federal courts, managing cases from trial through any appeal. His practice includes litigating business disputes, trade secret and unfair competition claims, employment law matters, and appellate advocacy. Clients rely on him for practical, cost-effective legal solutions—whether in the courtroom or the boardroom.

Litigation makes up the majority of Josh's practice, making him acutely aware of the financial and noneconomic toll litigants endure. To help clients avoid the burdens and risk of litigation, Josh works proactively with them to prevent disputes before they arise and effectively resolve resolve those that do. He advises businesses and individuals on employment issues, contracts, and other business matters, and frequently negotiates pre-litigation resolutions that avoid the costs and risks of court.

Josh has earned consistent recognition for his work. Super Lawyers has named him a Rising Star® in business litigation every year since 2014. Greenville Business Magazine has included him among the Upstate’s Legal Elite in multiple categories: Environmental Law (2012–present), Business Litigation (2014–present), Labor and Employment (2014–present), and Government Law (2017–2020). He has been listed among America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators since 2018 and America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators since 2020.

A Greenville native, Josh earned his undergraduate degree from Clemson University and his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he served on the editorial board of the Southeastern Environmental Law Journal and clerked for the EPA and SCDHEC. After beginning his career at a boutique litigation firm in Greenville, Josh co-founded Smith Hudson Law with partner Josh Hudson in January 2020.

Outside the office, Josh enjoys whitewater kayaking and spending time with his family. He is active in the community, serving on the Boards of Directors for the Metropolitan Arts Council and the Julie Valentine Center, and is a member of the Haynsworth/Perry Inn of Court, which promotes civility and professionalism in the legal profession.