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GARRETT M.
SMITH concentrates his practice in the area of consumer
protection law, representing individuals and classes of consumers
financially harmed by fraudulent or illegal schemes, defective products
or breached warranties, or similar economic wrongs. Since 2004, he has
focussed on protecting consumers defrauded by false nonprofits in the
credit counseling industry. He also represents unions and businesses
in litigation, particularly involving business torts. Previously,
he gained broad experience in commercial litigation, handling
disputes over debts and lending relationships; construction projects;
and employment disputes. In representing injured unions and businesses,
he has handled cases involving fraud and misrepresentation; professional
errors and omissions; breaches of fiduciary duty; conspiracies to injure
businesses; breaches of, and interference with contracts; and business breakups.
Other Professional Activities: After law school, Mr. Smith completed
a judicial clerkship with United States District Judge James H. Michael, Jr., where
he was exposed to a broad range of federal litigation at the district court level,
and also in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In addition
to his litigation practice, Mr. Smith has administered both large and small estates,
and represented businesses and individuals in a variety of transactions and negotiations
involving financing, sales of businesses and real estate, and employment contracts.
Civic Activities: Mr. Smith is a former Chairman
and board member of the School Board of the Charlotesville
Catholic School and President of the Minor-Preston Educational
Fund, Inc., a local scholarship fund granting need-based scholarships
to minority and financially disadvantaged students. He has
also served as President of the Albemarle County Historical
Society and the Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville.
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Education:
· University of Virginia
(B.A., 1984)
· George Washington
University (M.A., 1989)
· University of Maryland
(J.D., 1991) Maryland Law Review, Executive Editor.
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Professional Activities:
· Virginia Trial
Lawyers Association, Business Litigation Section
member
· American Trial
Lawyers Association, Business Torts Section member, Consumer Fraud and Class Action sub-committees
· Charlottesville-Albemarle Bar Association
· Virginia State Bar, Young Lawyers Section member, Regional Coordinator of Community Law Week (1994-1997)
· Thomas Jefferson American Inn of Court, Secretary-Treasurer
(1995-1996) |
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Articles:
· The New Class Action Law: Coupons, "Fairness," and Notice
· Board of Trustees vs. City of Baltimore: Public Pension Fund Divestment of South African Securities Upheld
· DeShaney v. Winnebago County: The Narrowing Scope of Constitutional Torts
· The Five Questions a Business Should Ask
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Contact:
gsmith@mhlrt.com;
see also our Contact Us page |
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Email
