Zachary D. Smith

Zachary D. Smith built his career as a trial advocate, first with the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy and later with a respected small firm in downtown Cincinnati before opening Zachary D. Smith, LLC. He started as a public defender because he wanted real courtroom experience and the chance to counsel people under pressure. When he moved into private practice, he added civil litigation and ultimately focused his work on family law matters in Ohio and Kentucky. Zach’s approach is shaped by how he grew up: two manager parents who talked through problems every night—one analytical, one a natural communicator—and a household where “no” usually led to a thoughtful, spirited debate. That early exposure to problem-solving and advocacy still shows up in how he practices today. He’s a trained family law mediator, serves as co-president of the Cincinnati Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and litigates when a case requires it. He believes clients are best served when their lawyer can negotiate creatively, use collaboration when appropriate, and still be ready to lean into the technical details and win in court when needed. Zach is an Ohio State Bar Association Certified Family Relations Law Specialist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Outside of work, he and his wife are usually on the move in Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, getting their children David, Scott, and Wynn to and from activities.