Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A.

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Christopher J. Smith

CHRISTOPHER J. SMITH

Co-Managing Partner

“He goes above and beyond”

Attorney Chris Smith took on my case with enthusiasm. He and his staff are very professional, honest and timely. Atty. Smith is an effective communicator, negotiator and thinks outside the box. He is detailed in his analyses and has keen ability to use legal strategies to outmaneuver his challenger. He gave me vital information to prepare my case so that I succeeded in winning more than anticipated. He goes above and beyond to help veterans and supports MADD.

– Therese

Contact Chris Today

EDUCATION

education

Archbishop Hoban High School

John Carroll University, with honors, 2004

Played for the John Carroll University Football team, 2003 NCAA Division III East Regional Champions

St. Thomas University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2007

CREDENTIALS

credentials

Admitted to the Florida Bar, 2007

Licensed to practice law in front of all state courts of Florida, and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida

DISTINCTIONS

distinctions

Attorney of the Year, American Board of Trial Advocates, 2025

AV Preeminent Rating through Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Reviews

Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney

2023 President, American Board of Trial Advocates

Eagle Member, Florida Justice Association

40 Under 40, Gulfshore Business, 2020

Named one of Florida’s “Super Lawyers”

BIOGRAPHY

Christopher J. Smith joined the firm in 2007, became a partner in 2011 and a managing partner in 2018.

Christopher played football while attending college at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. When he was a junior, the team was ranked No. 2 in the country and made it to the NCAA tournament final four. He has carried that competitive fire from college football over into his practice of law. Mr. Smith graduated from John Carroll with honors and then went on to attend St. Thomas University School of Law where he graduated cum laude.

Christopher joined Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith directly out of law school and quickly became one of their lead trial attorneys. He now, along with his wife and law partner Andrea Smith, tries the Firm's serious injury and large value cases. Mr. Smith has been Board Certified in Civil Trial since 2019, an accolade that only 7% of attorneys achieve in Florida. This means Mr. Smith is an expert at trying personal injury cases. Mr. Smith has tried many cases in his career and has obtained multiple verdicts in excess of $1M.

Christopher takes immense pride in working for the oldest personal injury firm in Southwest Florida with an extraordinary dedication to justice for clients and customer service.

Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A.

Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A., is a personal injury firm representing those injured by the wrongdoing of others in Southwest Florida since 1962. The firm’s experienced attorneys are board certified by the Florida Bar, and their areas of practice include personal injury and accidents, trip, slip and fall, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle, boat and truck accidents, wills, and estate planning and administration. Attorneys can be reached by calling 239-500-HURT.

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