John L. B. Smith
Attorney

Mr. Smith has practiced law with the firm since 1975. His practice emphasizes eminent domain; public agency law; business, real estate, and environmental litigation; and personal injury litigation. He has served as lead litigation counsel in over 20 complex cases before both courts and juries in a broad range of matters, including real estate disputes, environmental disputes, condemnations, contract litigation, business litigation claims and defense, and personal injury claims and defense. He has also frequently appeared before administrative bodies and in arbitration and mediation.

Mr. Smith was lead trial counsel for the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District/Corps of Engineers Redbank-Fancher Creeks Flood Control Project, acquiring 5,000 acres from over 160 owners at a total cost in excess of $16,000,000. These acquisitions were accomplished through six trials before both juries and judges; two Petitions for Writs of Mandate; three appeals; and numerous settlements. Mr. Smith also represented the District in acquiring over $27,000,000 in land through the California Revolving Loan Fund, and numerous railroad crossings in the Districts $20,000,000 infrastructure project.

Mr. Smith is a member of the International Right of Way Association; Consumer Attorneys of California; the Optimist Club of Fresno; and the Fresno County, California, and American Bar Associations.

Mr. Smith is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and, as a Captain, commanded an Armored Calvary Troop in Viet Nam.

Education:

• Hastings College of the Law, University of California (J.D., 1975)
  
• United States Military Academy (B.S., 1967)
  

Bar and Court Admissions:
State Bar of California (1975)