Atty. Philip E. Smith

Atty. Philip E. Smith

Philip E. Smith is a lawyer practicing complex litigation, insurance coverage, environmental litigation and 4 other areas of law.

Irvine Irvine 45 yrs experience 45 year
Call (657) 279-7662 Book Appointment

Complex Litigation & More Attorney · Serving Irvine, CA · 45+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Philip E. Smith at a Glance

Philip E. Smith is a Shareholder based in Irvine, California, practicing at Smith Ellison A Professional Corporation. They have 45+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1981. Their practice focuses on real estate, estate litigation, litigation, insurance, and international. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia (1981), California (1985), and Tennessee (1988). Educated at University of Virginia School of Law (J.D., 1981) and University of Virginia (B.A. Economics, 1978). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Orange County Bar Association. Serves clients in Irvine, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Philip E. Smith

  • Philip E. Smith is a lawyer practicing complex litigation, insurance coverage, environmental litigation and 4 other areas of law
  • Philip received a B.A. degree from University of Virginia in 1978, and has been licensed for 45 years
  • Philip practices at Smith Ellison A Professional Corporation in Irvine, CA

Practice Areas Explained

Philip E. Smith's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Philip E. Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Irvine.

Real Estate Law in Irvine

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

Philip E. Smith is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →

Estate & Trust Litigation in Irvine

Philip E. Smith is one of 19,876 estate litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate litigation attorneys in California →

Civil Litigation in Irvine

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Philip E. Smith is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Insurance Law in Irvine

Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.

Philip E. Smith is one of 120,903 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in California →

International Law in Irvine

International law attorneys for cross-border transactions, trade, foreign investment, and treaties.

Philip E. Smith is one of 39,787 international attorneys indexed nationally. Browse international attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Irvine

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 Irvine 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.

Irvine Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Irvine-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 Irvine or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Philip E. Smith

Where is Philip E. Smith's law office located?
Philip E. Smith's law practice is located in Irvine, California. The firm is Smith Ellison A Professional Corporation. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Philip E. Smith handle?
Philip E. Smith focuses on real estate, estate litigation, litigation, insurance, international. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Philip E. Smith practiced law?
Philip E. Smith has 45+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1981.
Where did Philip E. Smith go to law school?
Philip E. Smith earned their education at (J.D., 1981); (B.A. Economics, 1978).
How can I contact Philip E. Smith for a consultation?
You can contact Philip E. Smith directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Philip E. Smith received?
Philip E. Smith's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Irvine Choose Philip E. 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 Philip E. Smith's practice in the field of real estate, estate litigation, litigation, insurance, and international.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Philip E. Smith brings 45+ 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 District of Columbia, California, and Tennessee, Philip E. Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering real estate, estate litigation, and litigation, Philip E. Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Irvine

A Irvine-based practice means Philip E. 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 Philip E. Smith Handles in Irvine

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Philip E. 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.

Residential property transactions
Real Estate
Commercial lease disputes
Real Estate
Title and deed issues
Real Estate
Landlord-tenant conflicts
Real Estate

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Philip E. Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Philip E. Smith Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Irvine 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 Philip E. Smith.

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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 Philip E. Smith directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of Virginia School of Law
- 1981
B.A. Economics
University of Virginia
- 1978

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

District of Columbia
Admitted: 1981
California
Admitted: 1985
Tennessee
Admitted: 1988

Client Reviews & Ratings — Philip E. Smith

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