Hardy Smith

I've represented clients in state and federal courts throughout Arizona for more than 3 decades. Having recently completed mediation training at Pepperdine University, I now offer my services as a mediator to assist parties and their counsel in resolving cases outside of the courtroom.  My personal experience evaluating litigation strategies, case values and probable outcomes of cases can be a valuable resource to parties seeking to resolve their legal disputes short of trial. 

As a trial lawyer and litigator, I've handled prosecution and defense of personal injury claims, including medical malpractice and product liability; insurance law and litigation, including coverage and bad faith claims; contracts and contract litigation; employment law; civil rights; and general civil litigation. 

I've also practiced administrative law, representing scores of healthcare providers and other licensed professionals before Arizona state licensing boards (including medical, dental, nursing, osteopathic, psychologists, physical therapy, naturopathic, chiropractic, behavioral health and veterinary boards).  I assist licensed professionals in responding to complaints filed with regulatory boards and handling of matters requiring mandatory reporting.  I provide representation in disciplinary investigations and administrative hearings, as well as handling prosecution of appeals from administrative decisions. 

I'm a graduate of the University of Arizona College of Law (with distinction). My undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science (with high distinction) in Animal Health Science, is also from the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture.

I firmly believe in the obligation of citizens to give back to their communities, both professionally and personally.  I currently serve as president of the newly formed Pima County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the Pima County Bar Association, of which I am a past president (2014-15).  I am on the Steering Committee of the Legal Community Against Hunger and served as both its Chair and Co-Chair from 2004-2014.  I serve on the board of the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona and from 2006-2012, I was a board member of the Foundation for Creative Broadcasting, which operates KXCI Community Radio (91.3 FM).  As a musician, I often perform for various community fundraising events.

For enjoyment outside of legal practice, I enjoy making and listening to music (primarily in the “roots” and “Americana” categories), hiking, backpacking and camping with family and friends, and travel. I've  traveled fairly extensively in Mexico as well as several other Spanish-speaking countries and I'm comfortable with oral and written communication in Spanish.