Steven D. Smelser is an accomplished civil litigator and trial attorney who skillfully leverages his 26 years of legal expertise to successfully defend the interests of Fortune 500 companies in product liability, complex business litigation, aircraft and automotive litigation, and toxic tort matters.
Licensed to practice in California and Hawaii, Mr. Smelser has a proven track record in all aspects of business litigation, including mass tort claims filed in both federal and state courts, and represents clients on trademark disputes, unfair competition cases, and breach of contract matters.
Particularly adept in product liability litigation, Mr. Smelser has defended the design, manufacture, and performance of a wide range of consumer and commercial products, including:
• Motor Vehicles
• Heavy Trucks
• Trailers
• Tires
• Aircraft Components
• Recreational Vehicles
• Law Enforcement & Military Equipment
• Construction Equipment
• Industrial Machinery
• Power Generators
• Recreational Equipment
Having handled multiple mass automotive industry recalls, Mr. Smelser has experience defending, negotiating, and settling of hundreds of pending suits and claims that were filed throughout the United States for major manufacturers of automobiles, and automotive parts.
Known for his keen knowledge of defense strategy, Mr. Smelser has lectured nationwide on topics that include:
• Jury Selection
• Automotive Recall Defense and Mediation
• Trial Techniques for Effective Litigators
• Defending a Product’s Liability Case from Start to Finish
• Apportioning Liability in Jurisdictions with Fault Allocation
As a native of California, Mr. Smelser has deep roots in the legal and professional community, having graduating from the University of California at Los Angeles with undergraduate degrees in Political Science and History before earning his Juris Doctor at Loyola Law School.
Mr. Smelser resides in Southern California with his wife and children.
Representative Matters
• Capps et. al. v. Safariland, LLC – Read Details
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – March 12, 2018
• Michel v. Safariland LLC, et al. – Read Details
United States District Court, San Diego, CA – October 31, 2017
• Currie v. Ford Motor Company – Read Details
Pasadena Superior Court, Pasadena, CA – March 22, 2017
• Garcia v. Ford Motor Company – Read Details
Torrance Superior Court, Torrance, CA – September 26, 2013
• Petitpas v. Ford Motor Company – Read Details
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – August, 2012
• Morrison v. Ford Motor Company – Read Details
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – May 20, 2011
• Goebel v. Ford Motor Company – Read Details
Stanley Mosk Superior Court, Los Angeles, CA – November 23, 2009
• Clarendon National Ins. Co. v. Ford Motor Company – Read Details
Imperial County Superior Court, El Centro, CA – August 1, 2009
Associations
• State Bar of California
• State Bar of Hawaii
• American Bar Association
• Defense Research Institute
• Santa Clarita Bar Association
• International Association of Defense Counsel
• Association of Southern California Defense Counsel
• Southern California Super Lawyers 2012-2018
