Atty. James David Smith
James David Smith is a lawyer. James David received a A.B. degree from Harvard College in 1979, and has been licensed for 38 years.
Attorney · Serving Berkeley, CA · 38+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James David Smith at a Glance
James David Smith is a Member based in Berkeley, California, practicing at James D. Smith. They have 38+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1988. Admitted to practice in California (1988), U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1988), and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (1988). Educated at University of California, Boalt Hall School of Law (J.D., 1987) and Harvard College (A.B. University, 1979). Serves clients in Berkeley, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James David Smith
- James David Smith is a lawyer
- James David received a A.B. degree from Harvard College in 1979, and has been licensed for 38 years
- James David practices at James D. Smith in Berkeley, CA
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Berkeley
Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Berkeley are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Berkeley Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Berkeley-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Berkeley or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Berkeley Choose James David Smith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James David Smith's practice.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James David Smith brings 38+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in California, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, James David Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Local Presence in Berkeley
A Berkeley-based practice means James David Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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Education & Law School Background
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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