James U. Smith III
About James U. Smith III
James U. Smith III is a lawyer based in Louisville, KY and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 1987. James U. Smith III is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Employment Law - Management
- Labor Law - Management
Current Firm: Smith & Smith
Education: University of Louisville, J.D., graduated 1973
Location: Louisville, KY
Nearby Lawyers
Terry Wright is a Registered Patent Attorney whose practice focuses on designing and implementing intellectual property protection strategies. Terry has extensive experience advising clients ranging from small, privately held companies to multi-national, publicly traded companies. He regularly prepares protection plans for intellectual property associated with consumer goods, medical and other mechanical devices, and life sciences-associated technologies. As part of his practice, Terry routin...
Recently recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for his high-caliber work in the practice of Commercial Litigation, Ian is also listed by Kentucky Super Lawyers® in the areas of Product Liability and Business Litigation. He was also recognized in "20 People to Know in Technology" by Louisville Business First and as a Top Attorney for Privacy and Information Security by Louisville Magazine. Ian is a Certified Information Privacy Professional and Co-Chair of the Firm’s Privacy &am...
Chad McTighe is a Member in the Louisville office and Chair of the Business Litigation Service Group. Chad regularly advises and represents clients in a wide range of business and commercial litigation matters, including extensive practice in class action litigation, shareholder and membership disputes, real estate litigation, data breaches, and fiduciary duty litigation. He represents clients in various industries, including oil and gas, tax liens, telecommunications, insurance, financial in...
David Crittenden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. David, who practices law in Louisville, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Phillip L. Monhollen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Phillip L., who practices law in Louisville, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Phillip L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Scott C. Justice is an attorney who has been recognized in the practice area of Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants. Practicing law in Louisville, Kentucky, Scott C. has been acknowledged since 2021. This recognition is based on a comprehensive peer-review survey, showcasing the regard in which Scott C. is held by peers in his geographic and legal practice area. Committed to securing strong outcomes for his clients, Scott C. Justice is a lawyer that individuals affected by injuries in Kentu...
Zachary VanVactor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants. Zachary, who practices law in Louisville, Kentucky, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Zachary is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
David Nagle is a Registered Patent Attorney who has been with the Intellectual Property & Technology Service Group since its inception. He holds an advanced engineering degree, and his technical knowledge consistently allows him to better understand his clients' business needs and processes. David has extensive experience prosecuting domestic and foreign patent applications covering a wide range of subject matter, including consumer goods, mechanical devices, software and business methods...
David Owsley is a Member in the firm’s Business Litigation Service Group in Louisville. He practices complex and bet-the-company litigation in courts across the country, with subjects including intellectual property, commercial disputes, government investigations, product liability, international disputes, trusts and estates, antitrust, fiduciary duty, corporate governance, executive employment, legal ethics, professional liability, and constitutional law. During the summer of 2002, Dav...
A senior member of the firm's Torts & Insurance Practice Group, John's national and regional litigation practice focuses on defending complex product liability lawsuits and managing serial litigation. His extensive trial experience includes medical devices, pharmaceuticals, intellectual property, and a variety of personal injury matters. John has tried product liability cases to jury verdicts in eight states. John also maintains an active appellate practice representing appellees, appella...
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.