Katharine B. Smith
Katharine B. Smith
Summary
As part of the Professional Liability Practice Group, Katharine focuses her practice on the defense of professionals in the legal, medical/dental, insurance, accounting, architectural, engineering, and real estate fields. Katharine’s practice also includes handling of employment practices liability matters.
Prior to law school, Katharine worked for a number of years in higher education. During law school, Katharine served as the Executive Articles Editor for the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review and as the Chairperson for the Lansing Moot Court Board. She also participated in the Duberstein Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition.
Practice Areas
Credentials
Education
- Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Juris Doctor)
- South Dakota State University (M.S., B.S.)
Admissions
- State Bar of Michigan
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
Professional Activities
- Michigan Commission on Well-Being in the Law
- Commissioner
- Detroit Economic Club
- Young Leader Board of Directors
- Oakland County Bar Association
- Lawyer Well-Being Committee (Vice Chair)
- Inns of Court (Associate)
- Oakland County Bar Foundations (Fellow)
Community Involvement
Katharine is passionate about connecting kids and young adults to developmental opportunities. She recently served as a mentor in the Detroit Economic Club’s Career Readiness Academy, where she worked with a group of high school students over the course of a semester to explore career opportunities and prepare for their future careers.
Accomplishments
- Best Lawyers of America® Ones to Watch
- Professional Malpractice Law (2025)
- Graduated magna cum laude from WMU-Cooley Law School.
- Received the Distinguished Student Award from the WMU-Cooley Alumni Association.
- Received certificates of merit in Advocacy, Business Organizations, Evidence, Legal Ethics in the Digital Space, Personal and Professional Responsibility, Property II, Michigan Bar Exam Skills, and Wills, Estates, and Trusts
News & Insights
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