Atty. Michael J Smith
Michael J Smith is a lawyer practicing construction defect, personal injury, labour and employment and 1 other area of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years.
Construction Defect & More Attorney · Serving Oakland, CA · 38+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael J Smith at a Glance
Michael J Smith is a Member based in Oakland, California, practicing at Sratman Patterson Et Al. They have 38+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1988. Their practice focuses on personal injury, employment, and construction. 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 Santa Clara University (J.D., 1988) and University of California at Los Angeles (B.A., 1985). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California. Serves clients in Oakland, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael J Smith
- Michael J Smith is a lawyer practicing construction defect, personal injury, labour and employment and 1 other area of law
- Michael received a B.A. degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1985, and has been licensed for 38 years
- Michael practices at Sratman Patterson et al in Oakland, CA
Practice Areas Explained
Michael J Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Oakland.
Personal Injury in Oakland
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 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in California →
Employment Law in Oakland
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
Michael J Smith is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in California →
Construction Law in Oakland
Michael J Smith is one of 40,302 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Oakland
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 Oakland 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.
Oakland Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Oakland-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 Oakland or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Oakland Choose Michael J 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 J Smith's practice in the field of personal injury, employment, and construction.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael J 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, Michael J Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering personal injury, employment, and construction, Michael J Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Oakland
A Oakland-based practice means Michael J 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 J Smith Handles in Oakland
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael J Smith has experience with under California 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 J Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Michael J Smith Online
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Michael J Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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