James A. Smith, Jr.
Smith & Hennessey PLLC
316 Occidental Avenue S, Suite 500
Seattle, Washington 98104
Telephone: 206-292-1770
Fax: 206-292-1790
eMail: jas@smithhennessey.com
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Education
- B.A., University of Notre Dame (1970); J.D., Cornell University (1973).
Court Admissions
- I am authorized to practice in Washington State and before the U.S. District Court for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. I have appeared and argued before all of these courts.
Legal Experience And Work History
- I was a partner in the Seattle law firm of Bogle & Gates before launching the firm of Perey & Smith in 1982. Smith & Leary was formed in June, 1986 and Smith & Hennessey was formed in April, 2000. Throughout my entire legal career I have been involved in a litigation practice consisting of trial, appellate and dispute resolution work. I have represented plaintiffs and defendants, and individuals as well as various business entities.
- I have appeared in a variety of state and federal courts and personally argued cases at all levels of the Washington State and federal court systems, including various state trial courts, the Washington State Court of Appeals, the Washington Supreme Court, various U.S. District Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Focus Of Law Practice
- My practice emphasizes complex litigation, including litigation of business, commercial, insurance, environmental (particularly forestry issues), securities, employment, contract, and tort claims. A significant amount of my practice involves work as a mediator and arbitrator, as well as representing clients through alternative dispute resolution techniques.
Professional Associations
- Lawyer Representative for the Western District of Washington to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference (1995-98); Co chair and Chair, Federal Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee (1995-2001); Panel of Arbitrators, American Arbitration Association (1986-); Panel of Mediators, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington CR 39.1 Program (1981-); Chairperson, Federal Bar Association ADR Task Force (1995); Vice President, Federal Bar Association (2001-02); President, Federal Bar Association (2002-) Member, Civil Justice Reform Act Advisory Committee, United States District Court Western District of Washington (1999-); Member, American Bar Association (Litigation Section and Dispute Resolution Section); Member, Washington State Bar Association (Trustee Trial Practice Section (1983-86), Member, ADR Section); Member, King County Bar Association (ADR Section); Member, Kitsap County Bar Association; Member, International Society of Barristers; Member, ADR Roundtable.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Training
- I have been a frequent lecturer in CLE programs involving mediation, arbitration and other forms of ADR. I have been involved in presenting CLE programs to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, ABA Dispute Resolution Section, Washington State Bar Association, King County Bar Association, Washington State Attorney General's office, and other professional organizations. I have taken the American Arbitration Association Commercial Arbitration and Securities Arbitrator Training Courses. I am a member of the American Arbitration Association Large Complex Case Panel.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Experience
- I have been involved as an arbitrator on numerous occasions, including cases on behalf of the American Arbitration Association. A significant amount of my practice involves acting as a mediator under the CR 39.1 ADR program in cases pending in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, as well as providing mediation and arbitration services in cases pending in the Washington State court system and other forums. Areas in which I successfully have served as an arbitrator or neutral include: breach of contract, antitrust, construction, securities, shareholder rights, partnership, professional dissolutions, insurance coverage, intellectual property, business tort, personal injury, professional negligence, and other substantive areas. I have successfully mediated many complex, multi-party disputes. I have mediated cases of all sizes, including many multi-million dollar disputes.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Areas
- I am an experienced civil litigator and ADR provider. Areas of focus include the broad spectrum of civil litigation ranging from contract and business disputes through tort and personal injury matters.
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