DANIEL SMITH

Dan Smith, a seasoned attorney specializing in construction litigation, has dedicated over two decades to defending developers, subcontractors, and manufacturers of construction materials against various legal challenges. These challenges range from defect and delay claims to indemnity disputes and collective legal actions. Beyond the construction arena, Dan's legal acumen extends to handling cases within the realms of business, commercial, and financial disputes, showcasing his versatility as a trial lawyer.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dan has skillfully navigated more than 200 construction-related legal battles, bringing over two dozen of these to jury trials with commendable outcomes. His expertise is also sought after in class action defense, where he notably settled a case that initially posed demands exceeding $80 million. Dan's insights into the intricacies of construction defect class actions were shared in a well-received article titled "Construction Defect Class Actions, Where Do the Potential Risks Lie?" featured in the Construction Accounting and Taxation journal in early 2007.

Before embarking on his civilian legal career, Dan honed his litigation skills in the U.S. Army's Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1987 to 1991. His military service was distinguished by roles as both a prosecutor and public defender, alongside advising the VII Corps Commander on international humanitarian law during Operation Desert Storm, which encompassed the laws of warfare and the treatment of refugees and prisoners of war.

Dan's legal foundation was laid with an LL.M. in International Law from New York University School of Law in 1987, preceded by a J.D., with honors, from the University of San Francisco School of Law a year earlier. His academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Arts from the University of San Francisco in 1983, where he graduated cum laude. Licensed to practice in Arizona and California since the mid-1980s, Dan is also an active member of the Associated Builders and Contractors, reflecting his deep engagement with the construction industry.