Michael S. Smith, II, joined Copeland, Cook, Taylor & Bush, P.A., in 2010 after graduating cum laude from the University of Mississippi School of Law. He is an associate at the Ridgeland office and practices in the firm's general litigation section with a primary focus on governmental and regulatory law, including healthcare fraud. He is admitted to practice law before all state and federal courts in Mississippi.
While in law school, Mr. Smith participated in a wide array of activities, including being inducted into the prestigious Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity, serving as a Law School Student Body Senator, and as a member of the Moot Court Board. He was involved in numerous moot court activities, focusing on both trial and appellate practice, including competing in advocacy competitions on both the state and national level. During his final year of law school he served as an intern for the Honorable Michael P. Mills, Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi.
Prior to law school, Mr. Smith obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance and Risk Management at the University of Mississippi in 2006 and graduated from Lawrence County High School with highest honors in 2001, where he played on the undefeated Class 4A state champion football team.
Following his high school graduation, Mr. Smith enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in July 2001. As an infantryman in the Marine Corps, Mr. Smith completed two tours of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was honorably discharged after obtaining the rank of Sergeant in July 2009.
Mr. Smith currently resides in Madison with his wife Maggie, daughter Evelyn, and dog Zoe.
Law School Honors:
Cum Laude
Moot Court Board
Phi Delta Phi
Intern for Chief Judge Michael P. Mills of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi
Professional Memberships & Activities:
Mississippi Bar Association
American Bar Association
Jackson Young Lawyers
Madison County Bar Association
Capital Area Bar Association
Representative Matters
Representation, as co-counsel, of the State of Mississippi in connection with complex civil litigation brought by 23 state Attorneys General alleging false claims act and unfair trade practices act violations, as well as common law fraud arising out of the pricing for pharmaceutical products. This litigation is ongoing.