Dalton J. Smith
Lima,Ohio
Summary
Accomplished Litigation Attorney and Partner at Cory, Meredith, Witter & Smith, L.P.A., with a proven track record in trial and litigation strategy. Expert in navigating complex legal issues, achieving favorable outcomes through effective negotiation and strong courtroom presence. Skilled in legal research and client counseling, with extensive experience in appellate advocacy.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Litigation Attorney - Partner
Cory, Meredith, Witter & Smith, L.P.A.
Lima, USA
05.2019 - Current
- Company Overview: Practice in an insurance defense firm that has been serving West Central Ohio since 1896, handling large caseloads involving both third-party and first-party insurance claims.
- Represent clients in legal proceedings before both state and federal courts in areas such as insurance litigation, personal injury defense, contract disputes, business torts, discrimination/employment litigation, probate litigation, and class action suits.
- Represent clients before administrative bodies and judges, such as the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Advised clients throughout the litigation process, including evaluating legal options, conducting discovery, preparing for depositions, and preparing for trial.
- Involved in an extensive and successful trial practice in both state and federal court, including the litigation of complex medical issues requiring Daubert briefing and cross-examination of highly specialized medical/toxicology experts.
- Involved in regular and extensive appellate court practice, including briefing and oral argument before the Ohio Supreme Court in 2022. Video of the argument may be found online at https://www.ohiochannel.org/video/supreme-court-of-ohio/case-no-2022-0573-hanneman-family-funeral-home-crematorium-v-orians.
- Regularly draft and argue dispositive motions, discovery requests, and motions in limine.
- Regularly conduct discovery and trial depositions.
- Negotiated settlements between parties in civil disputes.
- Provided advice on compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Education
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Ohio Northern Petit College Of Law
Ada, Ohio01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Philosophy
Ohio State University
Columbus, OH01.2016
Skills
- Legal Research
- Trial Preparation
- Litigation Strategy
- Case Management
- Oral Argument
- Negotiation Skills
- Client Counseling
- Document Drafting
- Courtroom Presence
- Regulatory compliance
Licensed Jurisdictions
- Ohio State Bar, 11/12/19
- Ohio Federal Northern District, 10/20/22
- Ohio Federal Southern District, 12/12/23
Notable Opinions
- Hanneman Fam. Funeral Home & Crematorium v. Orians, 2023-Ohio-3687, 174 Ohio St. 3d 130, 235 N.E.3d 361
- Schulte v. Steinke, 2024-Ohio-1538, appeal not allowed, 2024-Ohio-4501, 175 Ohio St. 3d 1459, 241 N.E.3d 1272
- Warner v. Allen Metro. Hous. Auth., 2024-Ohio-5363
- Dilgard v. McKinniss, 2024-Ohio-1106
- Holland v. Jones, 2024-Ohio-2398
- Sterling v. City of Lima, No. 3:23 CV 2469, 2024 WL 3925968 (N.D. Ohio Aug. 23, 2024), appeal dismissed sub nom. Sterling v. City of Lima, OH, No. 24-3826, 2024 WL 5278536 (6th Cir. Nov. 5, 2024)
- Purcell v. Stemen, 2023-Ohio-4086, 228 N.E.3d 740
- Lima Ref. Co. v. Linde Gas N. Am., LLC, 2022-Ohio-2185
- Davidson v. Hatcher, 2022-Ohio-4452, 204 N.E.3d 26
- Durfor v. W. Mansfield Conservation Club, 2022-Ohio-416
- Johnson v. Stone, 2021-Ohio-894
- Sizemore v. Deemer, 2021-Ohio-1934
Timeline
Litigation Attorney - Partner
Cory, Meredith, Witter & Smith, L.P.A.
05.2019 - Current
Juris Doctor (J.D.) -
Ohio Northern Petit College Of Law
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Philosophy
Ohio State University
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