Atty. Steven D. Smelser
Steven D. Smelser is an accomplished civil litigator and trial attorney who skillfully leverages his 26 years of legal expertise to successfully defend the interests of Fortune 500 companies in product liability, complex business litigation, aircraft and automotive litigation, and toxic tort matters.
Profile Summary
About Steven D. Smelser at a glance
Steven D. Smelser is a Partner based in Los Angeles, California, practicing at Yukevich Cavanaugh. They have 31+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1995. Their practice focuses on personal injury, business, product liability, litigation, and aviation. Admitted to practice in California (1995) and Hawaii United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit United States District Court for the Cen (1996). Educated at Loyola Law School (J.D., 1995) and University of California at Los Angeles (B.A., 1992). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serands clients in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Steven D. Smelser is an accomplished civil litigator and trial attorney who skillfully leverages his 26 years of legal expertise to successfully defend the interests of Fortune 500 companies in product liability, complex business litigation, aircraft and automotive litigation, and toxic tort matters
- Licensed to practice in California and Hawaii, Mr. Smelser has a proven track record in all aspects of business litigation, including mass tort claims filed in both federal and state courts, and represents clients on trademark disputes, unfair competition cases, and breach of contract matters
- Particularly adept in product liability litigation, Mr. Smelser has defended the design, manufacture, and performance of a wide range of consumer and commercial products, including: • Motor Vehicles • Heavy Trucks • Trailers • Tires • Aircraft Components • Recreational Vehicles • Law Enforcement & Military Equipment • Construction Equipment • Industrial Machinery • Power Generators • Recreational Equipment Having handled multiple mass automotive industry recalls, Mr. Smelser has experience defending, negotiating, and settling of hundreds of pending suits and claims that were filed throughout the United States for major manufacturers of automobiles, and automotive parts
- Known for his keen knowledge of defense strategy, Mr. Smelser has lectured nationwide on topics that include: • Jury Selection • Automotive Recall Defense and Mediation • Trial Techniques for Effective Litigators • Defending a Product’s Liability Case from Start to Finish • Apportioning Liability in Jurisdictions with Fault Allocation As a native of California, Mr. Smelser has deep roots in the legal and professional community, having graduating from the University of California at Los Angeles with undergraduate degrees in Political Science and History before earning his Juris Doctor at Loyola Law School
- Mr. Smelser resides in Southern California with his wife and children
- Representative Matters • Capps et. al. v
- Safariland, LLC – Read Details Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – March 12, 2018 • Michel v
- Safariland LLC, et al. – Read Details United States District Court, San Diego, CA – October 31, 2017 • Currie v
- Ford Motor Company – Read Details Pasadena Superior Court, Pasadena, CA – March 22, 2017 • Garcia v
- Ford Motor Company – Read Details Torrance Superior Court, Torrance, CA – September 26, 2013 • Petitpas v
- Ford Motor Company – Read Details Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – August, 2012 • Morrison v
- Ford Motor Company – Read Details Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – May 20, 2011 • Goebel v
- Ford Motor Company – Read Details Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – November 23, 2009 • Clarendon National Ins
- Co. v
- Ford Motor Company – Read Details Imperial County Superior Court, El Centro, CA – August 1, 2009 Associations • State Bar of California • State Bar of Hawaii • American Bar Association • Defense Research Institute • Santa Clarita Bar Association • International Association of Defense Counsel • Association of Southern California Defense Counsel • Southern California Super Lawyers 2012-2018
Practice Areas Explained
Steven D. Smelser's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Steven D. Smelser handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
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.
Steven D. Smelser 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.
Steven D. Smelser is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →
Steven D. Smelser is one of 66,193 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in California →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Steven D. Smelser is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →
Aviation attorneys for aircraft accidents, FAA regulation, pilot defense, and aviation industry matters.
Steven D. Smelser is one of 9,225 aviation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse aviation 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles or all attorneys in California.
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