James is a graduate of the University of Iowa with a Bachelors in English, Letters and European Literature and a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego in 1980.  James has practiced in Nevada 30 years in all courts and is a member of the Nevada and California Bars.  He’s admitted to the federal districts in California and Nevada and the 9th Circuit.

James has practiced in criminal, civil, bankruptcy, family law, probate and business court.  He has been involved in mass tort cases like the MGM fire, Mafia trials and white-collar ones, bad faith litigation and all insurance defense and coverage matters in addition to high damages Plaintiff’s cases. He is an arbitrator and mediator who practiced in administrative matters.

Mr. Smith has arbitrated and mediated, medical malpractice, products liability, premises, vehicular and discrimination matters.  James also managed a consumer law practice with 4 paralegals for basic estate planning, bankruptcy, minor crimes, traffic, divorce and social security clients.  In his spare time, he reads, writes, walks, travels, enjoys the Las Vegas lifestyle, volunteer’s pro bono, entertains and spends time escaping adulthood with his grandkids.