Atty. Michael J. Smith
Michael Smith is the managing partner of the Tavares and Ocala office locations in Lake and Marion County, Florida. He is also a member of the firm's statewide risk management committee, and oversees personal injury litigation nationwide.
Profile Summary
About Michael J. Smith at a glance
Michael J. Smith is a Partner based in Ocala, Florida, practicing at Morgan & Morgan. Their practice focuses on car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, product liability, and insurance. Educated at Stetson University (J.D., 1996) and University of Florida (B.S., 1993). Recognitions include CV Notable. Active member of Memberships •The Florida Bar •The Colorado Bar •Florida Justice Association •American Trial Lawyers Association •Former Assistant State Attorney, 6th Judicial Circuit •Former Corporate Counsel for State Farm Insurance Company. Serands clients in Ocala, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Michael Smith is the managing partner of the Tavares and Ocala office locations in Lake and Marion County, Florida
- He is also a member of the firm's statewide risk management committee, and oversees personal injury litigation nationwide
- Mr. Smith has been practicing law since 1996 and is admitted to the Florida Bar and the Colorado Bar
- In 2009, he achieved board certification in civil trial law, which recognizes highly specialized achievement and expertise that very few lawyers in Florida acquire
- He currently maintains this recognition with the Florida Bar
- He was raised in Ocala, Florida and graduated with high honors from Forest High School
- He attended the University of Florida, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in Zoology with honors
- Mr. Smith then attended Stetson University College of Law where he also graduated with honors
- Mr. Smith began his legal career as an assistant state attorney for the State of Florida
- He prosecuted such crimes as drug trafficking, sex crimes, and was specially appointed as a felony domestic violence prosecutor
- During the 3 years he served as a prosecutor, he conducted over 150 jury trials
- Following his government service, Mr. Smith was an in-house attorney for State Farm Insurance Company as a claims litigation attorney
- He worked for 2 years for State Farm specializing in personal injury and insurance dispute cases
- Since joining Morgan and Morgan in 2001, Mr. Smith has represented thousands of clients and their families injured by the negligence of others
- He has obtained awards from juries in far excess of the offers made by insurance companies and has even successfully obtained settlements from major corporations
- Recent Wins Thomas, Brian v
- Rivera, Thomas & Lake County $2,486,717 Car Accident 2022 Love, Thomas v
- Johnson, Cecil & Ellen $921,172 Car Accident 2022 Harmon v
- Butler $878,662 Car Accident 2018 Persley v
- Schaare $459,000 Car Accident 2012 Albertus Van Hagen v
- Allstate $332,000 Car Accident 2017 Hamby v
- Colon $250,000 Car Accident 2007 Pray v
- Publix $202,688 Slip and Fall 2012 Schneider, Walter vs
- Webster, Kyla & Owners Insurance $197,000 Car Accident 2022 Kathylee Johnson v. 21st Century $159,427 Car Accident 2017 Kolodzaike v
- Estate of Lewis $100,000 Personal Injury 2019 Joyce Byrd v
- Franklin Brickey $75,000 Car Accident 2018 Hipsher v
- McDade $62,000 Car Accident 2009 Lloyd v
- Alqwasarey $50,000 Car Accident 2009 Elser v
- Rodriguez $47,500 Car Accident 2007 Baker v
- Chandler $28,000 Car Accident 2011 Endicott v
- Kiburz $25,000 Car Accident 2006 Wright v
- Fiedler $25,000 Car Accident 2012 Vincenty v
- Gettel $25,000 Car Accident 2014 Bolduc v
- Progressive $22,000 Car Accident 2007 Williams v
- Nicholson $15,000 Car Accident 2012 Fraeunshuh v
- Pruitt $9,000 Car Accident 2014 Thomas v
- Ortiz $8,500 Car Accident 2009 Turner v
- Thornton $5,500 Car Accident 2011
Practice Areas Explained
Michael J. Smith's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J. Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Hurt in a car crash? Car accident lawyers fight insurance companies for fair compensation — free consult, no fee unless you win.
Michael J. Smith is one of 36,807 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in Florida →
Michael J. Smith is one of 31,253 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in Florida →
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
Michael J. Smith is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Florida →
Michael J. Smith is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in Florida →
Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.
Michael J. Smith is one of 121,912 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in Florida →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Florida
Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Ocala are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Ocala or all attorneys in Florida.
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