Daniel (Dan) S. Smith

Daniel S. Smith is an associate in the San Diego, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His focuses his practice on representing employers in workplace law matters, including pre-litigation claims and litigation. Dan handles a wide variety of matters in state and federal court, represents employers before state and federal administrative agencies. His practice involves single-plaintiff claims, class and PAGA actions, non-competition issues, tort claims involving allegations of sexual abuse against both public and private entities, including through trial.

In his time at Jackson Lewis, Dan has become a go-to attorney for clients seeking independent analysis of sexual abuse claims and outside-the-box thinking. 

A native of Sacramento, California, Dan attended the UC, Berkeley, where he was a member of the men’s national title winning swimming and diving team. His experience as a college athlete instilled in him time management skills, dedication, a team-first work ethic, and the overarching desire to achieve the best possible outcome, all of which have been immense assets in his legal practice. While attending law school, Dan externed with the Honorable Mitchell D. Dembin, a former Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, and interned with a plaintiff-side general practice firm where he helped present evidence at a bench trial as a certified law clerk. Academically, Dan attended the University of San Diego School of Law where he earned a CALI Award in International Civil Litigation, Pro Bono Service Award and was a member of the Journal of Climate and Energy Law.

Prior to joining Jackson Lewis, Daniel worked at a California mid-size defense firm handling labor and employment law, consumer lending and premises liability matters.

Outside the office, Dan enjoys spending time at the beach with his wife and dog, Crossfit, Premier League soccer, fantasy football, a good book, and traveling. 

Honors and Recognitions

• San Diego Super Lawyers®, "Rising Stars" (2024)