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Robert J. Smith
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Robert J. Smith, ADR Attorney in Bel Air, California

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Appellate, and Business · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

PartneratCostello Cooney & Fearon, PLLC

Bel Air, CA

Practicing adr in Bel Air since 1983.

43+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
3 client reviews
3
Bar admissions

Practices in

ADRAppellateBusinessCommercial REConstructionEstate Litigation+8 more →

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Quick answer

Robert J. Smith is a partner based in Bel Air, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Robert has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Costello Cooney & Fearon, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in
Bel Air, CA
Experience
over 43 years
Known for
ADR · Appellate · Business
  • Handles ADR, Appellate, and Business matters from Bel Air, CA.
  • Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Robert J. Smith: Robert J. Smith is a partner based in Bel Air, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Robert has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Costello Cooney & Fearon, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Robert J. Smith

Robert concentrates on adr, appellate, business, commercial re, and construction. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Bel Air, California

Robert takes adr matters in Bel Air, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Appellate cases in Bel Air, California

Robert takes appellate matters in Bel Air, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Business cases in Bel Air, California

Robert takes business matters in Bel Air, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Commercial RE cases in Bel Air, California

Robert takes commercial re matters in Bel Air, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Construction cases in Bel Air, California

Robert takes construction matters in Bel Air, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Robert J. Smith — Over 43 years of California adr experience

Robert J. Smith is a partner based in Bel Air, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Appellate, and Business. Robert has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Costello Cooney & Fearon, PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Robert J. Smith joined Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC, in 1983 and has been a partner with the Firm since 1988.

Bob concentrates in the area of civil trial law with an emphasis on product liability, complex commercial litigation, insurance law, construction law and professional liability, particularly architects, engineers and owners within the construction setting.

Bob has successfully tried over 75 cases to jury verdict in both State and Federal courts, involving multiple catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims. In the commercial context, he has successfully tried multi-million dollar claims ranging from construction delay claims to tenant tax allocation disputes, and is increasingly called upon to represent clients or act as an arbitrator or mediator in arbitration or mediation proceedings. He also represents parties in disputes surrounding the management, ownership and control of closely-held business entities, including the litigation and settlement of dissolution and accounting actions between owners, shareholders and members. Additionally, he has developed an expertise in the negotiation of leases, financing transactions and municipal agreements for several New York-based real estate developers.

Bob was the chairperson of the Firm’s Litigation practice group from 1991 to 2007. He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Firm from 2007 to 2022. He has been retained by the New York State Office of Court Administration to teach trial evidence to newly elected local judges. Prior to joining the Firm, he was a full-time professor of law at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas, where he is also licensed to practice.

Robert's approach to adr cases

Robert J. Smith joined Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC, in 1983 and has been a partner with the Firm since 1988. Bob concentrates in the area of civil trial law with an emphasis on product liability, complex commercial litigation, insurance law, construction law and professional liability, particularly architects, engineers and owners within the construction setting. Bob has successfully tried…

The kind of cases Robert takes

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, appellate, and business matters in Bel Air and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Robert J. Smith's legal education and bar admissions

  • South Texas College of Law

    J.D. · 1982

  • State University of New York at Brockport

    B.A. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

  • New Jersey United St

    1994 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    1984 · ACTIVE

  • Texas

    1983 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at J.D. in South Texas College of Law and B.A. in State University of New York at Brockport.

Law school and academic background

Robert completed J.D. in South Texas College of Law and B.A. in State University of New York at Brockport. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Robert J. Smith

Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Robert's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Onondaga County Bar Association New York Bar Association Texas Bar Association American Bar Association

    membership

  • American College of Trial Lawyers. Assistant Professor, South Texas College of Law, 1982-1983. President, Board of Directors, Cooperative Extension Association of Onondaga County, 1985-1990. Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

    bar_fellowship

  • American Board of Trial Advocates

    bar_fellowship

  • International Association of Defense Counsel

    bar_fellowship

Locations

Robert J. Smith's office in Bel Air

Robert's primary office is at 651 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Unit 2010, Bel Air, CA, 90049. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Costello Cooney & Fearon, PLLC

651 North Sepulveda Boulevard, Unit 2010

Bel Air, CA 90049

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert J. Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Robert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Bel Air.

5.0

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert J. Smith claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Robert J. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in Bel Air, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Robert

Robert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Robert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Robert J. Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire Robert for a adr case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Robert offer a free consultation?

    Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adr cases in California typically take?

    Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Bel Air?

    Robert is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Robert will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Robert?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Robert accepting new adr clients right now?

    Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Bel Air, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Robert handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

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