Atty. Matthew C. Smith
Matthew C. Smith has extensive experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including trials, arbitrations, and mediations.
Profile Summary
About Matthew C. Smith at a glance
Matthew C. Smith is an attorney based in San Diego, California, practforg at Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC. They haand 26+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2000. Admitted to practice in California (2000). Educated at Washington and Lee University (J.D., 2000). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants (2026). Serands clients in San Diego, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Matthew C. Smith has extensive experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including trials, arbitrations, and mediations
- Matt represents individuals and business clients on a wide variety of professional and business litigation matters
- He has served as lead counsel or co-counsel in more than a dozen trials and arbitrations
- Matt also handled several successful appeals and has argued before the Fourth District Court of Appeal
- Matt earned his Juris Doctor from Washington & Lee University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA
- While attending law school, Matt was awarded the American Bankruptcy Institiute Medal of Excellence and won both the John W. Davis Moot Court Competition and the American Bar Association Negotiation Competition
- Matt’s primary focus is professional liability and business litigation matters
- He is admitted to practice before all California State Courts and the U.S
- District Court for the Southern & Central Districts of California
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in California
Practforg law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand law. Cases originating in San Diego 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 andnue, and the substantiand 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.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Diego or all attorneys in California.
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