Howard J. Smith

Specialties, Experience:

Mr. Smith specialized in first- and third-party coverage disputes and all aspects of complex litigation. These include defense of bad faith suits, contribution and declaratory relief actions, professional liability, and civil appeals. Mr. Smith's published decisions include Mosier v. Southern Cal. Physicians' Ins. Exchange (1998) 63 Cal.App.4th 1022; also Cedars Sinai v. Superior Court (1998)) 18 Cal.4th 1 and Farmers Insurance Exchange v. Superior Court (2000) 79 Cal. App. 4th 1400, both of which helped abolish the tort of spoliation of evidence in California.

One Highlight:

In September 2004, Mr. Smith was named a “Rising Star” in the area of insurance coverage in Southern California Super Lawyers® magazine.

Most Memorable Legal Moment:

“In my first year of practice, I was involved in the litigation of a major insurance fraud case that resulted in the fifth largest jury verdict in California for 1994. If I practice law for another 50 years, I will never see another case like it.”

Away from the Law:

Mr. Smith enjoys running and is an avid fan of old movies and Hollywood history. He is also a dedicated comedy writer and stand-up comedian who produced and performed in his own one-man show, “Honor Thy Mother and Father,” at the Santa Monica Playhouse.