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Michael Stephen Smith
also known as Mickey Smith
About Michael
Biography
Mickey Smith has practiced trial law in Florida for over three decades. He was born in Williamson, West Virginia, in 1960. Mickey excelled in high school and received a merit scholarship to attend Virginia Tech. He was thrilled since neither of his parents had been able to attend college. Mr. Smith majored in Engineering at Virginia Tech and received his degree, magna cum laude, in 1982, graduating with a 3.70 grade point average (3.96 in his major). His hard work in college was rewarded with a merit scholarship to the Duke University School of Law. While in law school, he was elected to the prestigious Order of the Coif, based on his outstanding academic achievements at Duke. Mickey received his degree in 1985, with high honors, having graduated in the top 6% of his law school class.
For many years, Mickey represented insurance companies and other large corporations. He ultimately became a senior shareholder at Kubicki Draper, a prestigious, statewide defense firm. Mr. Smith defended claims involving serious personal injury, wrongful death, and insurance bad faith. After trying over 100 cases for insurance companies, he became increasingly frustrated because his talents were merely being used to minimize or defeat victims’ claims. Mickey wanted to use his talents to help ordinary people who had valid claims.
On May 1, 2002, Mickey refused to represent insurance companies any longer and strictly limited his practice to representing victims with significant claims. His dream of practicing law with his best friends, Gary Lesser and Joe Landy, was fulfilled in August 2004, when Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith was formed. Mickey’s practice continues to be limited to representing individuals and families who have suffered serious personal injury, wrongful death, or have been victimized because of the bad faith practices of an insurance company. Without question, Mickey’s vast experience in litigating and trying some of the insurance industry’s worst cases is a major asset in representing victims with significant claims. His peers have named him one of The Best Lawyers in America.
BOARD CERTIFICATION:
• Board Certified and Re-Certified by both The Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy
HONORS:
• MENSA (Membership is limited to those whose IQ is in the top 2% of the population).
• The Best Lawyers in America; listed in the specialties of insurance law and personal injury litigation. (This publication “is widely regarded as the preeminent referral guide to the legal profession in the United States.” An exhaustive, confidential survey of the top lawyers in the U.S. determines who is included).
• The Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiffs Lawyers in America. (Compiled by asking the nation’s best lawyers and their clients whom they would trust with their own legal matters).
• American Board of Trial Advocates; past president of the Palm Beach Chapter (ABOTA is an invitation only group of experienced trial lawyers “who display skill, civility and integrity”).
• Florida Super Lawyers; personal injury law. (Ballots are sent to experienced lawyers, who are asked “to nominate the best lawyers they’ve personally observed in action.” Only 5% of Florida attorneys are selected).
• Florida Legal Elite. (Compiled by Florida Trend magazine by asking members of The Florida Bar to provide “the names of Florida lawyers they hold in the highest regard - lawyers they have worked with personally or would recommend to others”).
• “AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell (This independent rating, determined by other lawyers and judges, is the highest possible for both legal ability and general ethical standards. The Martindale directory was first published in 1868).
CIVIC & PERSONAL:
Mickey proudly serves on the following Boards: The Boys & Girls Club (Wellington, FL), Wellington Community Foundation, Central Palm Beach Community Foundation, Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the American Board of Trial Advocates (Palm Beach Chapter). He is also a proud member of the Rotary Club of Wellington and the Palms West Planning Commission, and is otherwise involved in several other charitable causes. Mickey has been married for over 34 years to Elizabeth Smith, a retired public school teacher in Wellington – where they have lived for many years. His hobbies include travel (all continents visited except Antarctica), golf, Miami Dolphins football, Duke basketball, and Virginia Tech football. During his career as a skydiver, Mickey accumulated over 2,800 jumps and over 48 hours of freefall time. Nevertheless, he finds nothing more thrilling than presenting a case to a jury.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 40 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1985
No misconduct found
Location
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC
420 Columbia Drive, Suite 110, West Palm Beach, FL, 33409
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC
4800 N Federal Highway, Suite 205B, Boca Raton, FL, 33431
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC
The Geary Law Building, 27 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL, 34994
Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC
3361 Fairlane Farms Road, Wellington, FL, 33414
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Michael Stephen Smith's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
14 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes
Posted by Jeff | October 28, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
First Class Personal Injury Attorney
Michael (Mickey) Smith gets our vote and highest recommendation. He is a remarkable attorney who exemplified high quality service with mastered communication skills. His responsiveness was first class! His attentiveness to our case added a comfort to what was a horrifically challenging time in our f...
Posted by Barbara | November 06, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
'The Great Man That He Is!'
When I met with Mr.Smith, I knew I had found the right representation for me. He is compassionate! During the months he represented me his work seemed effortless,as it seemed to flow right on schedule.He attentively worked on my case keeping me notified several times a week in regards to the 'case...
Posted by Karen | October 30, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
The Right Lawyer
This man debunks all those stereotypes of lawyers. He is a true gentlemen, intelligent and honest. He always returned calls and/or emails, always kept me appraised of the status of our case and always had my best interest in mind. If the need ever arises again...I would absolutely return to Michae...
Posted by Kenneth | October 26, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes
MIchael Smith is an excellent attorney and I recommend him and his firm to the highest degree.
Mickey Smith knew every detail of my case like it was his own. He would email, call or do whatever he needed to do with any questions and concerns immediately. His knowledge of the law and vast experience let me have is complete and absolute confidence. The firm which he is a partner of Lessser Les...
Michael Stephen Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"For more than 30 years, Mickey Smith has been widely recognized as one of the most effective personal injury trial lawyers in Florida. I have referred many clients to Mickey and he treats every client like a family member."
"I have known Mickey for over 15 years and have worked with him on multiple cases. He fights extremely hard for his clients. He is sought out by other attorneys for assistance on legal matters and his legal knowledge is extraordinary. Mickey is Board Certified and he deserves it. I am aware of other Board certified lawyers who don't have half the knowledge that he does. He is an asset to the legal community and to those citizens in need of legal help."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Anyone dealing with a potential bad faith issue would be very wise to consult with Mickey Smith. Mickey's knowledge and wisdom are only equaled by his generosity in lending a helping hand to his fellow attorneys who need bad faith advice. I am grateful to Mickey for all the time he spent counseling me on potential bad faith issues in the cases that I am litigating. I could not endorse anyone stronger."
Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2017
Board Certified in Civil Pretrial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2017
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2017
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2017
Florida Super Lawyers: Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2016
Board Certified in Civil Pretrial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2016
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2016
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2016
Florida Super Lawyers: Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2015
Board Certified in Civil Pretrial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2015
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2015
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2015
Florida Super Lawyers: Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2015
Verdicts Hall of Fame (Wrongful Death), Daily Business Review
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2014
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2014
Florida Super Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2014
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2014
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2014
Board Certified in Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2014
Daily Business Review, Florida Verdicts Hall of Fame
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2013
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2013
Florida Super Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2013
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2013
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2013
Board Certified in Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2012
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2012
Florida Super Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2012
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2012
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2012
Board Certified in Civil Pretrial Practice Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2011
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2011
Florida Super Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2011
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2011
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2010
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2010
Florida Super Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2010
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2010
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2009
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2009
Florida Super Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2009
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2009
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2008
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2008
Florida Super Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2008
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2008
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
2007
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2007
Florida Super Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2007
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2007
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2006
Florida Super Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Super Lawyers
2006
The Best Lawyers in America: Personal Injury and Insurance, The Best Lawyers in America
2006
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2006
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2006
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2005
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2005
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2004
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2004
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2003
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2003
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2003
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2002
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2002
Board Certified Specialist: Civil Trial Law, The Florida Bar
2002
Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2001
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2000
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1999
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1997
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1996
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1995
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
1994
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
The Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiffs Lawyers in America, The Lawdragon
N/A
Florida's Top Lawyers; Personal Injury Law, Florida Monthly Magazine
N/A
MENSA Member, American MENSA
N/A
Million Dollar Advocates Forum: Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Partner, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC
2002 - 2004
Partner, Slawson, Cunningham, Whalen & Smith, PL
1991 - 2002
Partner, Kubicki Draper
1985 - 1991
Attorney, Carlton Fields Ward Emmanual Smith & Cutler
Associations
Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County
Board of Directors - Wellington Chapter
Wellington Community Foundation
Board of Directors
Rotary Club of Wellington, FL
Member
United States Supreme Court Bar
Member in Good Standing
United States Court of Appeals - Eleventh Circuit Bar
Member in Good Standing
United States District Court - Southern District of Florida Bar
Member in Good Standing - Trial Bar
United States District Court - Middle District of Florida Bar
Member in Good Standing
United States District Court - Northern District of Florida Bar
Member in Good Standing
Palms West Planning Committee
Member in Good Standing
American Board of Trial Advocates
Past President - Palm Beach Chapter
Central Palm Beach County Community Foundation
Board of Directors
Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors
Palm Beach County Bar Association
Member in Good Standing
American Board of Trial Advocates
Executive Committee - Palm Beach Chapter
Palm Beach County Justice Association
Board of Directors (2003-2006); Member in Good Standing
Florida Justice Association
Member in Good Standing
American Association for Justice
Member in Good Standing
Sample of Legal Cases
FOR A LISTING OF CASES HANDLED - PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE
Education
1985
Duke University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1982
Virginia Tech
BS - Bachelor of Science
Languages
English