Atty. Robert J. Smith
Robert J. Smith joined Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC, in 1983 and has been a partner with the Firm since 1988.
Profile Summary
About Robert J. Smith at a glance
Robert J. Smith is a Partner based in Bel Air, California, practicing at Costello Cooney & Fearon, PLLC. They have 43+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1983. Their practice focuses on formation, personal injury, business, real estate, and commercial re. Admitted to practice in Texas (1983), New York (1984), and New Jersey United States District Court for the Northern District of New York United States District (1994). Educated at South Texas College of Law (J.D., 1982) and State University of New York at Brockport (B.A., 1979). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Onondaga County Bar Association New York Bar Association Texas Bar Association American Bar Association. Serands clients in Bel Air, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
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
- Robert J. Smith joined Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC, in 1983 and has been a partner with the Firm since 1988
- Bob concentrates in the area of civil trial law with an emphasis on product liability, complex commercial litigation, insurance law, construction law and professional liability, particularly architects, engineers and owners within the construction setting
- Bob has successfully tried over 75 cases to jury verdict in both State and Federal courts, involving multiple catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims
- In the commercial context, he has successfully tried multi-million dollar claims ranging from construction delay claims to tenant tax allocation disputes, and is increasingly called upon to represent clients or act as an arbitrator or mediator in arbitration or mediation proceedings
- He also represents parties in disputes surrounding the management, ownership and control of closely-held business entities, including the litigation and settlement of dissolution and accounting actions between owners, shareholders and members
- Additionally, he has developed an expertise in the negotiation of leases, financing transactions and municipal agreements for several New York-based real estate developers
- Bob was the chairperson of the Firm’s Litigation practice group from 1991 to 2007
- He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Firm from 2007 to 2022
- He has been retained by the New York State Office of Court Administration to teach trial evidence to newly elected local judges
- Prior to joining the Firm, he was a full-time professor of law at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas, where he is also licensed to practice
Practice Areas Explained
Robert J. Smith's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Robert J. Smith handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Robert J. Smith is one of 35,584 formation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse formation attorneys in California →
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.
Robert J. Smith is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in California →
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Robert J. Smith is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Robert J. Smith is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →
Robert J. Smith is one of 16,000 commercial re attorneys indexed nationally. Browse commercial re attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in California
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 Bel Air 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 andnue, 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.
Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Bel Air or all attorneys in California.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about Robert J. Smith
Where is Robert J. Smith's law office located?
What practice areas does Robert J. Smith handle?
How long has Robert J. Smith practiced law?
Where did Robert J. Smith go to law school?
How can I contact Robert J. Smith for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Robert J. Smith received?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Bar Admissions
Reviews
No reviews yet.