Atty. Michael Earl Smith
Michael Earl Smith is a lawyer practicing litigation, commercial law, construction and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years.
Commercial Law & More Attorney · Serving Cleveland, OH · 37+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael Earl Smith at a Glance
Michael Earl Smith is a Partner based in Cleveland, Ohio, practicing at Frantz Ward LLP. They have 37+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1989. Their practice focuses on employment, business, product liability, litigation, and health care. Admitted to practice in Ohio (1989). Educated at Case Western Reserve University (J.D., 1989) and University of Notre Dame (B.A., 1986). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serves clients in Cleveland, OH and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael Earl Smith
- Michael Earl Smith is a lawyer practicing litigation, commercial law, construction and 5 other areas of law
- Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1986, and has been licensed for 37 years
- Michael practices at Frantz Ward LLP in Cleveland, OH
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Earl Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Earl Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Cleveland.
Employment Law in Cleveland
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
Michael Earl Smith is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Ohio →
Business & Corporate Law in Cleveland
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael Earl Smith is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Ohio →
Product Liability in Cleveland
Michael Earl Smith is one of 65,610 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Ohio →
Civil Litigation in Cleveland
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael Earl Smith is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Ohio →
Health Care Law in Cleveland
Health care attorneys for HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, regulatory compliance, and medical licensing matters.
Michael Earl Smith is one of 66,157 health care attorneys indexed nationally. Browse health care attorneys in Ohio →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Cleveland
Practicing law in Ohio. Legal matters in Ohio are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Cleveland are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Ohio state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Ohio 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 Ohio courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Cleveland Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Cleveland-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 Ohio attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Cleveland or all attorneys in Ohio.
Frequently Asked
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Cleveland Choose Michael Earl 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 Michael Earl Smith's practice in the field of employment, business, product liability, litigation, and health care.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael Earl Smith brings 37+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering employment, business, and product liability, Michael Earl Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Cleveland
A Cleveland-based practice means Michael Earl Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael Earl Smith Handles in Cleveland
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Earl Smith has experience with under Ohio law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael Earl Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Michael Earl Smith Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Cleveland commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Michael Earl Smith.
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Michael Earl Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
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