Resume

Seasoned attorney with an accomplished legal career spanning 20+ years handling all phases of civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts. Excellent research and writing skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups of people. Experienced and skillful negotiator able to resolve cases favorably through alternative dispute resolution.

Bar Admissions: State of California (1980); State of Nevada (1981); United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit (1982); United States District Court, Southern California and Nevada Districts (1982)

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Civil & Criminal Law ~ Personal Injury ~ Family Law ~ Estate Planning ~ Bankruptcy

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Edward J. Achrem & Associates, Ltd., Las Vegas, NV, 2003B2007 Associate Attorney
Routinely handle all aspects of wide range of high-end plaintiff=s personal injury cases, including wrongful death, negligence, automobile accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, premises defects, product liability, business torts, negligent hiring, defamation, fraud, and bad faith cases. Engage in trials, arbitrations, and mediations of high-value cases. Also work on plaintiffs= bad faith litigation against their insurance companies.
o Litigated, negotiated, and mediated several million-dollar cases, including negotiating settlements in the range of $2 million, as well as several in the six-figure range.

James E. Smith Ltd., Las Vegas, NV, 1985B2003 Sole Practitioner
Represented wide range of clients in civil and criminal litigation, personal injury, divorce, bankruptcy, and estate planning matters.

Civil & Criminal Litigation:
Handled all phases of civil and criminal litigation in state and federal courts from pre-trial practice through trial and post-trial motions. Represented clients at hearings, trial, mediation, and arbitration. Served as court-appointed arbitrator. Conducted extensive legal research; drafted pleadings, motions, discovery, trial briefs; took and defended depositions; prepared witnesses; and conducted voir dire.

Personal Injury:
Handled numerous issues such as negligent security and food poisoning. Prosecuted case against defendant/insurance company for wrongfully denying plaintiff's claim for chronic fatigue syndrome; successfully negotiating six-figure settlement at mediation.

Family:
Represented clients in all aspects of family law, including divorce, paternity, annulment, adoptions, termination of parental rights, name changes, guardianships, custody, support, modifications, and at mediation and informal settlement conferences. Regularly negotiated and drafted prenuptial agreements and property settlement.

Bankruptcy:
Prepared Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy petitions. Represented clients in adversarial proceedings, attended creditor meetings, and negotiated reaffirmation and work-out agreements.

Estate Planning:
Routinely analyzed and drafted wills, living trusts, durable powers of attorney, directives to physicians, irrevocable trusts, family limited partnerships, and other asset protection entities.

Harding & Dawson, Las Vegas, NV, 1981B1985 Associate Attorney
Handled all aspects of litigation from pre-trial practice through trial and managed and conducted all aspects/phases of discovery. Consistently responsible for active caseload of 40+ clients.
o Defended major contractor in two mass tort cases involving clear liability and alleged damages of $100 million; successfully negotiated settlements in both cases to client=s satisfaction.

JAMES E. SMITH, ESQ.
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LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Clark County District Court, Las Vegas, NV, 1980B1981 Law Clerk
Honorable John Mendoza and two referees
Performed judicial administrative duties emphasizing interface with judicial employees and affiliates.

EDUCATION

University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, 1980 J.D.

University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 1974 B.A. in English, Letters, and European Literature
o International Writers= Workshop Attendee (one of only two undergraduates selected to attend)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Certificate: Alternative Dispute Resolution, American Bar Association (1997)
Business Trial Advocacy, Hastings College (1988)
Criminal Trial Advocacy, Hastings College (1987)
Personal Injury Trial Advocacy, Hastings College (1989)

CLE: Regularly attend continuing education courses and professional seminars.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

o Nevada Bar B Family Law Section
o National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
o American Bar Association

COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES

o Recipient, Clark County Bar Association Pro Bono Award
o Community College Instructor, Las Vegas College, Family Law
o Seminar Speaker, Living Trusts