Christopher J. Smith was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, and attended St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami. He joined Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz, P.A. after passing the bar in 2007 and was named a partner with the firm in 2011.

“I work as a trial attorney for personal injury cases,” he says. “I’ve also been admitted to practice in front of all of the state courts of Florida, as well as the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.”

In addition to his trial work, Smith is the firm’s team leader for the Southwest Florida Mothers Against Drunk Driving annual 5K walk and run, which helps to support MADD’s goal of ending drunk driving.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

My dad instilled in me that hard work will always get you where you need to be.