Overview
Jeffrey Smith is a partner and litigation attorney with more than 30 years of experience representing national and international manufacturing clients, including marine, commercial equipment, automotive, furniture, and consumer products manufacturers. His practice also includes work with corporate and healthcare clients on governance and risk management issues.
- Counsels clients on risk prevention programs involving the integration of design, manufacturing, and documentation processes
- Focuses practice on defending product liability, warranty issues, admiralty claims, business risk management, and complex litigation matters
- Assists clients with product regulatory and safety compliance matters, including product investigation and recall matters with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and other regulatory agencies
Services
Practice Areas
Industries
Experience
Prior Experience
- Varnum LLP, Partner, 1988-2014
- Huff, Kreis, Enderle, Callander & Hudgins, P.C., Partner, 1983-1988
- O'Connor & Tushla, Associate, 1980-1983
Credentials
Education
The John Marshall Law School, J.D.
- with high distinction
Michigan State University, B.S.
- Physiology
Lansing Community College, A.A.
- Business/Law Enforcement
Admissions
- Florida
- Indiana
- Michigan
Court Admissions
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
- U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- U.S. Supreme Court
Recognition
Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2010-2025
- Recognized in practice area of Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
- Law Bulletin Media
- Leading Lawyer, Products Liability Defense Law, 2017, 2023-2024
- Leading Lawyer, Transportation Defense Law: Including Aviation/FELA/Maritime, 2017, 2023-2024
- Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated
- Michigan Water Ski Association Hall of Fame, inducted in 2010
Professional & Community Involvement
- State Bar of Michigan
- The Florida Bar
- Indiana State Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute
- American Boat and Yacht Council
- National Marine Manufacturers Association
- Business and Industry Risk Management Council, Past Vice Chair
- International Water Ski and Wakeboard Federation
- International Official
- International Anti-Doping Hearing Panel, Chair
- USA Water Ski
- Risk Management Committee, Chair
- Judicial Committee, Chair