Edward J Smith

Ted joined Smith, Sovik, Kendrick & Sugnet, P.C., as a partner in January 2008.  Prior to joining Smith Sovik, he was a litigation partner at the Syracuse law firm of Hancock & Estabrook, LLP.  He brings to Smith Sovik over 25 years of trial experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in civil lawsuits involving personal injuries caused by defective products, fire and propane explosions, motor vehicle accidents, negligent roadway design and maintenance, construction and work place accidents and liability claims involving municipalities. He has won numerous trials in state and federal courts throughout New York State.

As a strong advocate for his clients, Ted adopts a proactive winning strategy from the first meeting with any potential client.  As a seasoned litigator, he has learned the art of listening and counseling clients, many of whom are consulting with an attorney for the first time.  The true hallmark of excellence as a litigation attorney is to find the difficult balance in giving frank, honest advice to clients and then devising a winning trial strategy.  Ted strongly believes the key to excellent advocacy and representation is good, clear and consistent communication with clients; who are a true and indispensable partner in developing an overall winning strategy.

At Smith Sovik, his practice includes all aspects of civil litigation, more particularly the defense of personal injury lawsuits involving medical malpractice, legal malpractice, civil rights, product liability, motor vehicle accidents, construction and labor law, toxic tort and premises liability. He also has extensive experience in handling complex commercial cases involving shareholder disputes, debt instruments, contract disputes, insurance claims, labor and employment matters. 

Ted has been named consistently to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers  list for Personal Injury Defense and been honored by his peers with an AV Preeminent rating through Martindale-Hubbell.