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Orange County

T(949) 851-5439

Education

  • J.D., magna cum laude, University of San Diego School of Law

  • B.A., University of California, Los Angeles

Bar Admissions

  • California

  • Colorado

Industries

Kelly Smith

Partner

Kelly Smith is a commercial litigator and construction lawyer. She represents developers, owners, and lenders in complex construction disputes involving design and construction defects, project delays, and mechanics liens claims. Kelly also provides strategic counseling to help clients structure construction contracts to minimize risk and navigate project close-out. She has represented clients in construction disputes of all types, including infrastructure, commercial, hospitality, mixed-use, and residential projects. In addition to construction matters, Kelly maintains an active commercial litigation practice, representing clients in high-stakes real estate, business, and employment disputes.

Kelly began her legal career clerking for two federal judges in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. A former prosecutor, she has extensive courtroom experience and has tried multiple cases through jury trial, giving her a practical and persuasive edge in litigation strategy and advocacy.

Professional Involvement and Service

Kelly is an Associate Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America, an invitation-only honorary society for distinguished construction attorneys, and a member of the National Association of Women in Construction. Since 2022, Kelly has also been honored in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for her outstanding work in commercial litigation, construction law, and construction litigation. Kelly is also the Chair of the Dana Point Traffic Improvement Subcommittee.

Accolades

  • Named to The Best Lawyers in America® "Ones to Watch" list (2022-2025)

Kelly began her legal career clerking for two federal judges in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. A former prosecutor, she has extensive courtroom experience and has tried multiple cases through jury trial, giving her a practical and persuasive edge in litigation strategy and advocacy.

Professional Involvement and Service

Kelly is an Associate Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America, an invitation-only honorary society for distinguished construction attorneys, and a member of the National Association of Women in Construction. Since 2022, Kelly has also been honored in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for her outstanding work in commercial litigation, construction law, and construction litigation. Kelly is also the Chair of the Dana Point Traffic Improvement Subcommittee.

Accolades

  • Named to The Best Lawyers in America® "Ones to Watch" list (2022-2025)

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