J.D. Smith - a Mercer Island, United States Car Accidents Lawyer

Mercer Island Car Accidents Lawyer

Updated: 05/07/2026

Areas of Practice

Car Accidents
Truck Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents
Rideshare Accidents
Construction Accidents
Wrongful Death

Attorney Information

Overview

Personal Injury Attorney J.D. Smith has dedicated more than a decade of his professional career to representing victims of catastrophic injuries in the state of Washington. Sharing his legal prowess with some of the most prestigious law firms in the state, it wasn't until recently that Mr. Smith opened his own firm, alongside fellow Attorney Ronald R. Ward, where he now focuses primarily on plaintiff's personal injury and wrongful death cases. Nationally recognized for the commitment he has shown to suffering families and injured victims in areas throughout the state of Washington, J.D. now also provides risk management and consulting services to small businesses in the area.

Along with his trial practice, Mr. Smith holds memberships in a number of different organizations, including the Northwest African American Museum. He has also served on many professional boards, such as the Loren Miller Bar Association, the Washington State Association of Justice, the King County Bar Foundation, the Minority and Justice Commission, as well as the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association. The attorney's memberships and notable positions follow an equally impressive stint in law school, where he served as Vice President of the Student Bar Association, the Chairman of the Moot Court Honors Society, and the Chancellor of the Order of Barristers at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth.

Awards and Honors

Awards

Super Lawyers® Selectees

J.D. Smith included in a Super Lawyers® list

Honors

Recognized by Super Lawyers® (multiple years)
Avvo (10.0 Superb rating)
Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Professional Education Award, January 26, 2021
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ), Professionalism Award, July 24, 2015
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Associate Membership, June 2011, elevated to Advocate Membership, October 2017
Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award, Texas A&M School of Law, May 15, 2010
Washington Law & Politics: Super Lawyers 2004, 2007-2022, Rising Star 2001-2003
King County Bar Association, Nominated for Outstanding Young Lawyer, 2004
American Bar Foundation: Fellow, 2009-Present, Life Fellow, 2017-Present
2019 Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers

Other Sources of Feedback About J.D. Smith

Included on the 2026 Washington Super Lawyers list

Past Lists

2025 Washington Super Lawyers list
2024 Washington Super Lawyers list
2023 Washington Super Lawyers list
2022 Washington Super Lawyers list
2021 Washington Super Lawyers list
2020 Washington Super Lawyers list
2019 Washington Super Lawyers list
2018 Washington Super Lawyers list
2017 Washington Super Lawyers list
2016 Washington Super Lawyers list
2015 Washington Super Lawyers list
2014 Washington Super Lawyers list
2013 Washington Super Lawyers list
2012 Washington Super Lawyers list
2011 Washington Super Lawyers list
2010 Washington Super Lawyers list
2009 Washington Super Lawyers list
2008 Washington Super Lawyers list
2007 Washington Super Lawyers list
2004 Washington Super Lawyers list
2002 Washington Super Lawyers list

Education

Legal Education
- Texas A&M University School of Law (formerly Texas Wesleyan University School of Law), Fort Worth, Texas, 1997
  J.D.
  Honors: Moot Court Honors Program, Chairman, 1996-1997
  Honors: Student Bar Association, Vice President, 1996-1997
  Honors: National Order of Barristers, Chancellor, 1996-1997
  Honors: Regional BLSA Communications Director, 1996-1997
  Honors: ABA Representative, Law Student Division, 1995-1996
  Honors: Black Law Students Association, Vice President, 1995-1996
  Honors: ATLA Mock Trial Competition, 1997
  Honors: Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition, 1997
  Honors: John Marshall Intellectual Property Moot Court Competition, 1996
  Honors: Inter-School Moot Court Competition, 1995
  Honors: Texas Supreme Court, Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee, 1996
Non Legal Education
- Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, Texas, 1993
  Bachelor of Science
  Honors: Men of Service and Success, 1991-1993
  Honors: Presidents’ Commission on Diversity, 1993
  Honors: Student Ambassadors, 1991-1993
  Major: Mass Communication

Current Employment Position(s)

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Founder
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Past Positions

Ward Smith, PLLC Attorneys at Law, Partner, September 1, 2010 - September 1, 2018
J.D. Smith, Attorney at Law PLLC, Owner, July 1, 2008 - August 31, 2010
Stritmatter Kessler Whelan Coluccio, Of Counsel, 2006 - 2008
Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim, Partner, 2002 - 2006
Bullivant House Bailey, Senior Associate, 2002
Cusack Knowles Ferguson, Associate, 1998 - 2000

References

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Thaddeus P. Martin, IV, (253) 468-7927
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Craig Sims, (206) 618-3127
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James F. Williams, (206) 697-9603
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John R. Connelly, Jr., (253) 593-0377
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Classes and Seminars

Frequent speaker at Washington trial lawyer seminars
ABOTA Advanced Trial College, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, August 2025
ABOTA Trial College, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, August 2024
Highline College, Adjunct Faculty, Paralegal Studies, 2025 - Present
University of Washington Continuum College, Civil Procedure I and II Online (Zoom), 2022 - Present
ABA/ABOTA National Trial Academy Reno, NV, National Judicial College, Faculty 2018-2026, Director-elect 2023, Director 2024, 2018 - Present
Bellevue Community College, Business Law 200, 2008 - 2009
University of Washington School of Law, Adjunct Professor, Trial Advocacy, Fall 2007
National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Regular Faculty for Deposition and Trial, 2010 - Present
NITA (National Institute for Trial Advocacy), Lecturer/Instructor, 2005-present
NITA (National Institute for Trial Advocacy), “Teach the Teacher Instructor Training”, San Francisco, CA, 2007
Seattle Claims Adjusters Association, Monthly Speaker and legal case review author, 2001-2003
Faculty, ABA Tort and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)/American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Trial Academy, National Judicial College, Reno, NV, March 20-25, 2026
Faculty, ABOTA Advanced National Trial College, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Chicago, IL, August 5-9, 2025
Faculty, ABOTA National Trial College, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Chicago, IL, August 3-9, 2024
Chair, ABA Tort and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)/American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Trial Academy, National Judicial College, Reno, NV, (Confirm date), 2024
Chair-elect, ABA Tort and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)/American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Trial Academy, National Judicial College, Reno, NV, Sept. 2022
Jury Selection Tip for 2022 Jurors, ABOTA Foundation Webinar Series, May 23, 2022
How to Reduce Liens on Personal Injury Settlements in 7 Steps Webinar, National Business Institute, May 16, 2022
NBI, Washington Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Law - Made Simple, Is the Motorist Underinsured? Easy Ways to Calculate Limits and Damages Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Case Mechanics - Real Life Case Scenarios November 30, 2021
Faculty, ABA Tort and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)/American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Trial Academy, National Judicial College, Reno, NV, September 2021
Plaintiff's Guide: Washington Personal Injury From Start to Finish Washington Live Online Seminar, 12/16/2021
Chair, “Conducting Expedited Jury Trials”, Webinar hosted by ABOTA Foundation, December 8, 2020
Panelist, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), “Dismissed with Prejudice: A Discussion on Race and the Trial of Civil Cases” Webinar, October 2, 2020
Faculty, ABA Tort and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)/American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Trial Academy, National Judicial College, Reno, NV, March, 14-18 2020 (Cancelled due to COVID-19)
"Taking the Mystery out of Depositions: Preparing Witnesses, Taking and Defending", January 29, 2020, Webinar, Lorman Education Services
Masters in Trial; Co-Chair, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), The Columbia Tower Club, Seattle, WA, November 7, 2019
Personal Injury Boot Camp, “Trying a Personal Injury Case”: Jury Selection, Creating Powerful Opening and Closing Statement, Presentation of Evidence, Arguing Damages, Direct and Cross Examination, National Business Institute, Seattle, Washington, September 18, 2019
Personal Injury Boot Camp, “Liens in a Personal Injury Case", National Business Institute, Seattle, Washington, September 18, 2019
“Ethical Considerations for Personal Injury Attorney’s, Traumatic Brain Injury Cases: Doctor and Attorney Perspectives, National Business Institute, Seattle, WA, June 26, 2019
“Case Selection; defining your career by the cases you don’t take.”, Western Trial Lawyers Association, Summer Seminar, June 3-6, 2019, Wailea, Hawaii.
Faculty, ABA Tort and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)/American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Trial Academy, National Judicial College, Reno, NV, April 13-17, 2019
Masters in Trial; Co-Chair, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), The Rainier Club, Seattle, WA, November 8, 2018
Faculty, Deposition Skills: Bay Area, Berkeley, CA, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, University of California Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall, October 19-21, 2018
Faculty, Littler Mendelson Deposition Skills Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, San Diego, CA, August 27-30, 2018
"Taking the Mystery out of Depositions: Preparing Witnesses, Taking and Defending", July 26, 2018, Webinar, Lorman Education Services
Faculty, Building Trial Skills: Western Program, Hotel Kabuki, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, San Francisco, CA, June 24-30, 2018
“Hearsay, Email, Business Record and Social Media – in the Trenches”, Hearsay and Expert Witnesses, National Business Institute, Seattle, WA, June 22, 2018
“Litigating Slip, Trip and Fall Cases in Washington”, Damages, Settlement and Trial Tactics Specific to Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries, National Business Institute, Seattle, WA, May 24, 2018
“Litigating Slip, Trip and Fall Cases in Washington”, Handling Medicare, Medicaid and Third Party Liens, National Business Institute, Seattle, WA, May 24, 2018
Masters in Trial, Cross Examination of Accident Reconstructionist, ABOTA, Minnesota Chapter, Minneapolis, MN, May 17, 2018
Faculty, ABA Tort and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS)/American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Trial Academy, The National Judicial College, Reno, NV, April 13-18, 2018
Presentation of Evidence/Recent Developments in Evidence, Volunteer Attorney Services, Yakima, WA, November, 10, 2017
Masters in Trial; A Trial Demonstration from Opening Statement through Closing Argument, “Opening Statement”, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Washington Athletic Club, Seattle, WA, November 9, 2017
Faculty, Deposition Skills: Bay Area, Berkeley, CA, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, University of California Berkeley School of Law, Boalt Hall, October 27-29, 2017
“Personal Injury from A to Z”, Liens and Subrogation Made Simple, National Business Institute, Seattle, WA, September 28, 2017
“Personal Injury from A to Z”, Presentation of Evidence, National Business Institute, Seattle, WA, September 28, 2017
“Taking the Mystery out of Depositions”, May 18, 2017, Live Webinar, Lorman Education Services
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Law, Advanced Practice, “Negotiating Claims When the Third Party Liability Carrier is the UM/UIM Carrier”, Multiple Claimants and Multiple Tortfeasors Scenarios: Oddities and Challenges”, “Trial of the UM/UIM Claim: Focus on Voir Dire and Evidence”, National Business Institute, Seattle, November 1-2, 2016
Faculty, Deposition Skills: Berkeley, CA, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, University of California, Berkeley Law, October 14-16, 2016
Faculty, Building Trial Skills: Western Program, Hotel Kabuki, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, San Francisco, CA, June 13-18, 2016
“Starting the Engine in Communicating with Adjusters”, WSAJ Annual Auto CLE, May 4, 2016
“ERISA Lien Resolution and Paralegal Ethics”, Paralegal’s Ultimate Guide to Lien Resolution in Personal Injury Cases, National Business Institute, Video Webcast, February 25, 2016
"Successfully Litigating Automobile Wrongful Death Cases" Live Webinar, Lorman Education Services, December 11, 2015
“Ethics of Client Data Storage”, What You Didn’t Learn in Law School, (About the Business of Practicing Law) Washington State Association of Justice, Washington, November 18, 2015
What You Didn’t Learn in Law School, (About the Business of Practicing Law) Co-Chair, Washington State Association of Justice, Seattle, Washington, November 18, 2015
Masters in Trial; A Trial Demonstration from Opening Statement through Closing Argument, “Closing Argument”, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Washington Athletic Club, Seattle, WA, November 12, 2015
Faculty, Deposition Skills: Bay Area, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, UC Berkeley School of Law, Berkeley, CA, November 6-8, 2015
Faculty, Klarquist Sparkman, LLP, Advanced Expert Deposition, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Portland, OR, October 15-17, 2015
Faculty, Direct and Cross Examination: Sacramento, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, October 13, 2015
Faculty, Deposition Skills: Seattle, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Seattle University School of Law, August, 11-12, 2015
Faculty, Building Trial Skills: Western Program, UC Berkeley School of Law, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Berkeley, CA, June 18-20, 2015
Economics of Practicing Law, Panelists, Washington Leadership Institute, March 27, 2015
Faculty, Deposition Skills: Bay Area, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Berkeley, CA, October, 24-26, 2014
Faculty, Littler Mendelson Deposition Skills Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, San Diego, CA, September 9-11, 2014
“Revving Up Your Auto Case”, Washington State Association of Justice, Auto Cases 2014, Tacoma, Washington, April 10, 2014
Economics of Practicing Law, Panelists, Washington Leadership Institute, March 28, 2014
“Military Liens” VA, TRICARE), Complex Liens in Personal Injury Settlements, National Business Institute, Seattle, WA, December 6, 2013
“Tips From the Darkside” Washington State Association of Justice, New Member Committee, Seattle, Washington, October 15, 2013
Faculty, Building Trial Skills: Western Program, UC Berkeley School of Law, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Berkeley, CA, June 16-22, 2013
“Motions, Mistrial, New Trial, Additur and Remittitur”, Bringing Home a Winning Verdict CLE, Washington State Association of Justice, Seattle, Washington, May 10, 2013
Co-Chair “Auto Cases Annual CLE”, Washington State Association of Justice, Seattle, Washington, April 12, 2013
“Juror Questions – Procedure; Objections; Cross/Redirect”, Washington State Association of Justice, Trial Skills Series, Seattle, Washington, February 15, 2013
Economics of Practicing Law, Panelists, Washington Leadership Institute, February 15, 2013
“Ethics from a Litigators Perspective”. Yakima County Bar Association, Yakima, Washington, November 30, 2012
“Marketing Basics: Help Potential Clients Find You”, Washington State Association of Justice, New Member Committee, Seattle, Washington, November 13, 2012
Faculty, Deposition Skills: Western Program, UC Berkeley School of Law, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Berkeley, CA, October 25-28, 2012
Guest Lecture, “Drafting Complaints”; Seattle University School of Law, Trial Advocacy Class, October 2, 2012
Medicare’s New “Super Claim” and Government Liens Simplified, “Ethics; Protecting Subrogation, Lawyer’s Obligation to Escrow Disputed Funds, Avoiding Conflicts of Interests, Medical Records Treatment under HIPAA”, National Business Institute, September 25, 2012
“How to Win in Red States and Counties”, Washington State Association of Justice, Snohomish County Roundtable; Edmonds, Washington, September 20, 2012
Faculty, Deposition Skills Program: Northwest, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Seattle, Washington, August 7-8, 2012
“Balancing the Load: Tips for reducing stress in your law practice”, Washington State Association of Justice, Annual Convention; The Luvera Seminar, Suncadia, Cle Elum, Washington, August 11, 2012
Faculty, Building Trial Skills: Western Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, San Francisco, CA, June 28-30, 2012
Reptile Masters, “Case Selection”, Atlanta, GA, May 5-6, 2012
Personal Injury Boot Camp, “Case Selection”, Washington State Bar Association, May 16, 2012
Economics of Practicing Law, Panelists, Washington Leadership Institute, February 17, 2012
“Communicating with Adjusters: How to talk the talk, cooperate and zealously represent at the same time”, Washington State Association of Justice, Seattle, Washington, October 7, 2011
Faculty, Deposition Skills: Western Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, San Francisco, CA, October 7-9, 2011
Faculty, Building Trial Skills: Northwest Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Seattle, WA, August 13-14, 2011
Faculty, Deposition Skills Program: Northwest, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, Seattle, Washington, August 9-10, 2011
Faculty, Building Trial Skills, Western Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, San Francisco, CA, June 16-19, 2011
Keynote Speaker, Seattle University School of Law, BLSA graduation, May 12, 2011
Economics of Practicing Law, Panelists, Washington Leadership Institute, February 11, 2011
Faculty, Deposition Skills, Western, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, San Francisco, CA, October 15-17, 2010
Washington Association of Technical Accident Investigators, Spring Conference, Panelists, “Preparing for a Deposition”, Redmond, Washington, May 14, 2010
“Thoughts after Reading Reptile; Closing Argument, Washington State Association of Justice, Seattle, Washington, March 31, 2010
Economics of Practicing Law, Panelists, Washington Leadership Institute, February 19, 2010
"50 Random Tips for Your Personal Injury Practice; At Least One Will Be Helpful” LITIGATION STRATEGIES in the Post-BUSH Era, Buenos Aires, Argentina, October 12, 2009
“Handling the Auto Injury Claim: KNOW HOW TO WALK THE ETHICAL LINE; Common Threats to the Attorney-Client Relationship; Dealing Fairly With Conflicts Involving Multiple Defendants; the Ethics of Disclosing Information Which Defeats Coverage; How Issues of Legal Liability and Ethics, National Business Institute CLE, August 25, 2009
“Going Solo: A Personal Injury Attorney’s Perspective” Early Years of Litigation Practice, Washington State Association of Justice, Seattle, Washington, June 25, 2009
Panelist, “Tips On Keeping Your Legal Practice Profitable In This Economic Downturn”, Statewide Diversity Conference, Seattle University, Seattle, WA, June 12, 2009
“Identity and the Law: The Fight for Rights”, Bellevue College, Bellevue, WA, May 5, 2009
“Litigating to Win Through Advanced Trial Advocacy: Ethical Considerations (Conflicts of Interest, Handling Prejudicial Evidence, Talking to Witnesses Before they Testify and The Rules of Professional Conduct”, National Business Institute CLE, April 22, 2009
“Automobile Litigation: Strategic Issues and Answers: Auto Insurance Policies: Interpretation, Issues and Hidden Treasures”, National Business Institute CLE, April 21, 2009
“Automobile Litigation: Strategic Issues and Answers: Experts: Finding the Right Ones, Affordability, and Strategies”, National Business Institute CLE, April 21, 2009
Economics of Practicing Law, Panelists, Washington Leadership Institute, February 21, 2009
Panelist, “Building Client Confidence” Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, hosted by Seattle University School of Law, November 6, 2008
Master of Ceremony, Wiley A. Branton Twentieth Annual Awards Luncheon, National Bar Association, Seattle, Washington, October 17, 2008
“Family Services; the Most Under-Utilized Damages”, Damages: Everything but the Kitchen Sink Seminar, WSTLA, Seattle, Washington, October 10, 2008
“Railroad Injuries; from injured employees to grade crossing crashes”, Planes, Trains and Automobiles Seminar, WSTLA, Tacoma, Washington, September 19, 2008
Faculty, “Building Trial Skills”, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, September 10-12, 2008
Faculty, “Northwest Deposition Series”, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, July 29-30, 2008
“A Panel Discussion About Diversity and the Practice of Law” WSBA YLD, July 17, 2008
“Guaranteed Ways to Improve Presentation Skills” Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, Sun Valley, Idaho, June 21, 2008
Panelist, “Writing for your Audience”, University of Washington School of Law, May 16, 2008
“Friends can sometimes be your best Mentors; A Special Thank you to my friends Ron Ward and James Williams”, ABA Goal 9 Newsletter, May 2008
Minority Bar Associations: Roundtable, WSBA Leadership Institute, February 22, 2008
Young Lawyer Division: An Overview, WSBA Leadership Institute, February 23, 2008
Faculty, “Western Deposition Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, San Francisco, California, October 12-14, 2007
“Ten Ways to Improve Presentation Skills” WSTLA Annual "Paris - Not Paris, but Prague", September 24-26, 2007, City of Prague
“Bring in the Album; Finding the Story”, WSTLA, Seattle, Washington, May 24, 2007
Career Panelist, “Being a Champion for the Underdog and Still Paying the Bills: Plaintiff Success Stories”, WSTLA, UW Law School, Seattle, Washington, April 4, 2007
Panelist, “Developing a Network”, WSBA Bridging the Gap Conference, March 4, 2007
“How the Bar Works: The ABA – Washington’s Delegation”. WSBA Leadership Institute February 23, 2007
“Motivating and Recruiting Volunteers” ABA YLD Bar Leaders Academy, Miami, Florida, February 9, 2007
Future of the Law Institute, Mock Trial Demonstration, University of Washington School of Law, November 18, 2006
“Recent Developments on taxability of personal injury settlements”, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and Paris-American Academy, Lisbon, Portugal, September 19, 2006
“Juror Perceptions and Responses to the Use of Technology and How to Deal with Them”, ATLA Annual Convention, Seattle, July 18, 2006
"Rebuilding Our Communities; Hurricane Katrina catastrophe and its impact on the minority community", ABA Mid-Summer Professional Development Seminar, Detroit, June 10, 2006
Keynote Address, “Everyone will stumble and fall but only Winners Get Up”, WSBA Pre Law Leadership Conference, Yakima, Washington, May 13, 2006
Panelist, “Developing a Network”, WSBA Bridging the Gap Conference, March 4, 2006
Keynote Speaker, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Founders Day Banquet, November 17, 2005
“Jury [De]Selection Today”, Winning Your Product Liability Case; Handling Death Cases, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, October 21, 2005
“Gastric Bypass Litigation”, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and Paris-American Academy, Quebec City, Canada, September 26, 2005
Future of the Law Institute, Mock Trial Demonstration, University of Washington School of Law, summer 2005
“Closing Arguments I & II”, Program Chair and Moderator, ABA National Conference for the Minority Lawyer, Seattle, WA, June 23, 2005
“Plaintiff’s Testimony”, Damages Essentials, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, May 19, 2005
“Damages in Washington Civil Trial Practice”, National Business Institute 6.0 hour CLE, November 17, 2004
Chair, Winning Your Case in Discovery and Depositions, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, November 2004
“Litigating Against the Government; the Nuances of the Government as a Defendant”, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and Paris-American Academy, Paris, France, September 27, 2004
“Summation in the Modern World”, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and Paris-American Academy, Paris, France, September 28, 2004
“The Art of Cross-Examination”, Part I: Panelist and Part II: Demonstration, ABA National Conference for the Minority Lawyer, San Francisco, California June 17, 2004
“Celebration of the 1954 decision of Brown v. Board of Education, WSBA De Novo, June, 2004
“Introducing the WYLD Bridge Builders”, WSBA Bar News, May, 2004
Inaugural Lecturer, “How the Bar works”, Washington Leadership Institute, May, 2004
“Civil Liability: What you should Know”, Youth and Law Forum, April 24, 2004
“Superior Deposition Strategies”, National Business Institute 6.5 CLE, April 8, 2004
“My Privilege to Serve You”, WSBA De Novo, December 2003
“A Tribute to a Legend; Joe Gordon, Sr., De Novo, October 2003
“The American Legal System”, Gordon College, October 2003
“Medical Device Litigation in the 21st Century”, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and Paris-American Academy, Florence, Italy, September 23, 2003
Faculty, Northwest Deposition Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy, September 9-11, 2003
“Trying your First Premises Liability Case in Washington”, National Business Institute 6.5 hour CLE, August 27, 2003
“Switching Sides; Helpful Defense Techniques for the Plaintiff Lawyer “, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention; Paul Luvera Seminar, July 25, 2003
“The Art of cross examination”, ABA National Conference for the Minority Lawyer, Philadelphia, PA, June 5, 2003
Panelist against Tort Reform, Washington State Orthopedic Association, Socioeconomic Symposium, Chelan, Washington, June 21, 2003
Demonstration: Voir Dire, Trial Skills in the Courtroom, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, May 29, 2003
“The New General Rules of Evidence”, Strategies for the Information Age, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, April 11, 2003
“Rules of the Game” Guidance and Support Panel, Seattle University School of Law, February 27, 2003
“So, you think you want to be a Plaintiff’s Attorney?” Seattle University School of Law, February 5, 2003
"Arguing the Motion for Directed Verdict", Nuts & Bolts of Trial, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, October 31, 2002
Moderator, Auto Cases Replay, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association September 17, 2002
"Liability for elevator injuries: A case to consider", Seattle Claims Adjusters, September 2002
"Caution when buying property on a slope", Seattle Claims Adjusters, April 2002
"Claims Handling Developments”, Seattle Claims Adjusters Spr. Conference, 2002
"Motion Practice - Winning before the Hearing is Held", Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association Convention, July 2001
"Jury Selection in a Catastrophic Injury Case", The Jury, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, May 16, 2001
"New Approaches to Professional Development", WSBA Bar Leaders Conference, June 2001
"Pre Trial Motions/Trial Preparation," WYLD Trial Advocacy Program 2000
"Jury Selection", WSBA CLE Lunch and Learn Series 2000
"Opening Statements", WSBA CLE Lunch and Learn Series 2000
"Jury Selection/Cross Examination", WSBA Annual Mid-Year Meeting 2000
"Strategies for Lawyer Development", Law School Dean’s Forum, 1999

Pro Bono Activities

Northwest African American Museum, Board of Directors, 2006-2009
Northwest African American Museum, Chair, Program Committee, 2007-2008
Youth and Law Forum: Steering Committee 1999-2002, Co-Chair 2000, Chair 2001
First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Member since 1998
American Board of Trial Advocates Foundation, Treasurer (2024-2025)
American Board of Trial Advocates Foundation, Secretary (2023-2024)
American Board of Trial Advocates Foundation, Trustee (2021-Present)
King County Bar Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2003-2005
King County Bar Foundation, Future of the Law Institute Governing Council 2004
King County Bar Foundation, Corporate Sponsors Committee 2003
King County Bar Foundation, Endowment Campaign Task Force 2003-2004
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity: Alpha Omicron Boule, Member since 2009, Seattle, WA
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity: Sire Archon, 2020-2022 and 2024
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity: Sire Archon elect 2018-2020
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity: Grammateus (Secretary), 2011-2018
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity: Public Policy Committee Member, 2012-2014
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity: Grand Constitution and Bylaws, 2022-2024
Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity: Regional Social Action Committee, 2021-2023
First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Richard Allen Brotherhood
First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Young Adult Lay Organization
First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Forum Chair “Understanding Diversity in a Christian Society,” June 2000
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Member since May 6, 1995, Initiated through Epsilon Alpha Chapter, Fort Worth, Texas
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Current Chapter since 1999, Zeta Upsilon, Seattle, Washington
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Friendship Fund Foundation, Inc., Board of Directors, 1999-2001
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Keeper of Records and Seals, 2003-2005
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Reporter to the Oracle, 1995-1997
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Assistant Keeper of Records and Seals, 1996-1997

Bar Admissions

Washington, 1998
U.S. District Court Western District of Washington, 1999
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Washington, 2001
U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, 2004
United States Supreme Court, 2004
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2006
U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 2010

Other Affiliations

Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association (Member)
Washington State Bar Association (Member)
Dallas County District Court, Pro Hac Vice (Shabazz v. ATI, Inc.), 2011
National Center for State Courts (NCSC), Board of Directors, 2023-Present
National Center for State Courts (NCSC), Programs Committee, 2023 - ABA/ABOTA 2024
National Center for State Courts (NCSC), Advancement Committee, 2024
National Center for State Courts (NCSC), Governance and Nominations Committee, 2024-2025
National Center for State Courts (NCSC), Audit Committee, 2025-2026
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Co-Chair, Professional Health and Wellness Committee, 2025
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Executive Committee, 2024
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Executive Committee, 2023
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Awards Committee
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Presidential Task Force Committee
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Co-Chair Public Education, 2020-2022
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Immediate Past President, 2024-2025
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Chapter President, 2023-2024
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Chapter President-elect, 2022-2023
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), National Board Representative, 2018-2020
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Chapter Secretary, 2019-2020
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Co-Chair, Professional Education Committee, 2019-2021
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Chapter, Vice President, 2020-2021
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Member, Diversity of Membership Committee, 2021-2022
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), ABA/ABOTA, Trial Academy Faculty, Reno, Nevada, 2016-present
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Director-elect, 2022
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Director, 2023 (Program canceled)
American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Awards Committee, 2022-present
American Bar Association (ABA), Commission on Youth at Risk, 2006-2007
American Bar Association (ABA), House of Delegates, 2003-2007
American Bar Association (ABA), Select Committee of the House of Delegates, 2004-2007
American Bar Association (ABA), Presidents’ Advisory Council on Diversity 2004-2007
American Bar Association (ABA), Bar Leadership Institute, February 2003
American Bar Association (ABA), Minority Caucus, 2003 to 2007
American Bar Association (ABA), Young Lawyers Division, 1998-2004
American Bar Association (ABA), Law Student Division, 1994-1997
American Bar Association (ABA), Chair, Litigation Committee, 2005-2006
American Bar Association (ABA), Corporate Sponsors Committee, 2004-2005
American Bar Association (ABA), Public Service and Professional Service Committee, 2003-2004
Board of Judicial Administration, Justice in Jeopardy Implementation Committee, 2010-2012
Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), Judicial Recommendation Committee, 2004-2007
Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), Legislative Committee, 2005-2006
Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), Resolutions Committee, 2004
Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), Annual Awards Committee, 2003
Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), Chapter Editor, Civil Desk Handbook, 2002
Washington Young Lawyers Division (YLD), President, 2003-2004
Washington Young Lawyers Division (YLD), President-elect, 2002-2003
Washington Young Lawyers Division (YLD), Secretary, 2001-2002
Washington Young Lawyers Division (YLD), Board of Trustees, 1999-2002
Washington Young Lawyers Division (YLD), Initiative for Diversity Governing Council, 2003-2004
Washington Young Lawyers Division (YLD), Long Range Planning Committee Chair, 2002-2003
Washington Young Lawyers Division (YLD), Public Service Committee, 1999-2001
Washington Young Lawyers Division (YLD), Trial Advocacy Program Committee, 1999-2000
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Diversity Task Force, 2008-2009
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Board of Governors, 2006-2008
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Annual Convention Co-Chair, 2006-2007
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Strategic Planning Task Force, 2006-2008
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Mission Statement/Name Change subcommittee
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Holly Ball Planning Committee, 2006-2007
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Annual Awards Committee, 2006-2008
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Diversity Committee, 2005-2007
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Seattle downtown Roundtable, Vice Chair, 2007-2008
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Development Committee, 2004-2005
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Holly Ball Co-Chair, 2003-2004 (50th Anniversary) and 2004-2005
Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) formerly (WSTLA), Associate member since 1999 and Eagle Member since 2002
American Association of Justice (formerly ATLA), AAJ State Delegate, 2006-2008
American Association of Justice (formerly ATLA), Minority Caucus, 2nd Vice Chair, 2007-2008
American Association of Justice (formerly ATLA), Member, 2000-present
Minority and Justice Commission, Appointed by Washington Supreme Court 2003-2005
Public Justice (Formerly Trial Lawyers for Public Justice), Member, 2006-2011
Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Trustees, 2001-2002
Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association, New Lawyers Committee Chair, 2000-2001
Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association, Insurance Committee, 2000-2001
Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association, Defense Research Institute, 1999-2001
Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association: Chair, Sunbreak Seminar, March 21-24, 2002, Indian Wells, California
National Bar Association, Member, 1999 to 2001, 2019 to present
Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA), President-elect, 2007-2008
Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA), Budget, Building Search and Membership Committees
Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA), Vice President, 2000-2004, 2008-2009
Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA), Judicial Recommendation Committee, 2001-2003
Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA), United Negro College Fund Walkathon Chair, 1999, 2000
Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA), Community Service Committee Co-Chair, 1999-2000
Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA), Annual Dinner Committee, 2000
Washington State Equal Justice Coalition, Advisory Council, 2006-2008
Professional Liability Underwriting Society, Steering Committee, 2001-2002

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Mercer Island, WA

8015 Southeast 28th Street
STE 212
Mercer Island, WA 98040

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Phone: 253-765-9937

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J.D. Smith - Mercer Island, WA