Atty. Milton “Skip” Smith
An Air Force Academy graduate with a doctorate in Space Law, Milton “Skip” Smith, Chair of the Space and Satellite Industry Group, has more than 40 years of experience advising clients on risk management and other issues related to the aerospace industry. Skip handles complex transactional matters and disputes, nationally and internationally.
Defense, Aviation & Space & More Attorney · Serving Denver, CO · 50+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Milton “Skip” Smith at a Glance
Milton “Skip” Smith is a Shareholder based in Denver, Colorado, practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. They have 50+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1976. Their practice focuses on securities, litigation, government, entertainment, and aviation. Admitted to practice in Iowa (1976), District of Columbia (1980), and Colorado (1993). Educated at McGill University, Institute of Air and Space Law D.C.L. McGill University, Institute of Air and Space Law LL.M. The George Washington University Law School J.D. (—). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Serves clients in Denver, CO and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Get Legal Help from Milton “Skip” Smith in Denver
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About Milton “Skip” Smith
- An Air Force Academy graduate with a doctorate in Space Law, Milton “Skip” Smith, Chair of the Space and Satellite Industry Group, has more than 40 years of experience advising clients on risk management and other issues related to the aerospace industry
- Skip handles complex transactional matters and disputes, nationally and internationally
- His combination of skills and experience, coupled with an in-depth understanding of legal and regulatory systems, makes him a sought-after advisor in the aerospace industry
- He serves a broad spectrum of clients, including large corporations, startups, manufacturers, and launch service providers
- During his Air Force tenure, he held significant roles such as Director of Space Law at Space Command and Chief of Space Law for the Air Force
- Skip assists both national and international clients in navigating legal issues from the planning and operation of space assets to launch and on-orbit services, space insurance, and government contract and regulatory matters
- He has negotiated and litigated disputes amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars
- He negotiates and drafts satellite design, manufacture, sale and launch agreements as well as on-orbit servicing agreements including: hosted payload, life extension, refueling and debris removal
- He also supports deal teams in evaluation of contracts and other key documents
- Known for his involvement in pioneering legal projects, Skip represented a private astronaut on the April 2022 Axiom AX-1 mission, the first entirely private mission to the International Space Station
- His work included negotiating the contract with Axiom, coordinating with NASA and SpaceX, and negotiating a deal for the first NFT to be minted on the space station
- Additionally, he represented a major aerospace firm in an insurance recovery lawsuit against 28 insurers related to a launch failure, involving unique aspects of the Commercial Space Launch Act
- His deep experience in alternative dispute resolution led to his selection as one of 26 members of the American Arbitration Association's Aerospace, Aviation, and National Security Panel
- Early in his space law career, Skip was the legal advisor for the 50-member U.S
- Delegation at the ITU Conference on the Geostationary Satellite Orbit in Geneva
- He was involved in establishing and has formerly chaired the Colorado Space Business Roundtable
- He served on the board of the International Institute of Space Law for many years and has taught space law as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School, the George Washington University Law School, and the University of Denver Law School
- Recognized as an industry leader, Skip has received multiple accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Institute of Space Law
- In 2022, he was elected an Honorary Director of the Institute for life
- He also wrote the U.S. chapter for the first edition of the “Space Law Review” published by The Law Reviews
- From 2021 tothe present, Skip has been chosen by his peers as one of the top lawyers in the U.S. in the Space & Satellite Law section of Who’s Who Legal, now Lexology
- He has authored numerous space-related articles and a book on international satellite communication, and he frequently speaks at national and international events on commercial space law topics
- Recognition & Leadership Awards & Accolades •Recognized in Lexology as one of eight Thought Leaders in Space and Satellites in the United States •Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Government> Government Contracts, 2025 •Selected, Who’s Who Legal, “Space & Satellite Law,” 2021-2025 •Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Space, 2025 •Team Member, Chambers USA Guide, Space, 2025 •International Institute of Space Law •Recipient, “Lifetime Achievement Award,” 2016, the Institute’s highest honor •Named, “Honorary Director for Life,” 2023 •National Finalist, White House Fellowships Program, 1989 •Selected, United States Air Force, “Outstanding Career Armed Services Attorney,” 1990 •Selected, United States Air Force Academy “The Outstanding Cadet in Law,” 1973
Practice Areas Explained
Milton “Skip” Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Milton “Skip” Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Denver.
Securities Law in Denver
Milton “Skip” Smith is one of 64,075 securities attorneys indexed nationally. Browse securities attorneys in Colorado →
Civil Litigation in Denver
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Milton “Skip” Smith is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Colorado →
Government & Administrative Law in Denver
Attorneys for administrative law, agency hearings, government contracts, licensing, and public benefits.
Milton “Skip” Smith is one of 131,162 government attorneys indexed nationally. Browse government attorneys in Colorado →
Entertainment & Sports Law in Denver
Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.
Milton “Skip” Smith is one of 45,619 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys in Colorado →
Aviation Law in Denver
Aviation attorneys for aircraft accidents, FAA regulation, pilot defense, and aviation industry matters.
Milton “Skip” Smith is one of 9,145 aviation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse aviation attorneys in Colorado →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Denver
Practicing law in Colorado. Legal matters in Colorado are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Denver are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Colorado state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Colorado 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 Colorado courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Denver Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Denver-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 Colorado attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Denver or all attorneys in Colorado.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About Milton “Skip” Smith
Where is Milton “Skip” Smith's law office located?
What practice areas does Milton “Skip” Smith handle?
How long has Milton “Skip” Smith practiced law?
Where did Milton “Skip” Smith go to law school?
How can I contact Milton “Skip” Smith for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Milton “Skip” Smith received?
Professional Profile
Why Clients in Denver Choose Milton “Skip” 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 Milton “Skip” Smith's practice in the field of securities, litigation, government, entertainment, and aviation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Milton “Skip” Smith brings 50+ 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 Iowa, District of Columbia, and Colorado, Milton “Skip” Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering securities, litigation, and government, Milton “Skip” Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Denver
A Denver-based practice means Milton “Skip” Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Search Reference
How People Find Milton “Skip” Smith Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Denver 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 Milton “Skip” Smith.
If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Milton “Skip” Smith directly.
Milton “Skip” Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
Client Reviews & Ratings — Milton “Skip” Smith
No reviews yet.