Pettit Kohn Trial Attorney Matthew C. Smith Selected to ABOTA

Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC is proud to announce that Shareholder Matthew C. Smith has been accepted into the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).

Membership in ABOTA is by invitation-only to trial attorneys who have successfully demonstrated excellent trial skills while maintaining the highest levels of integrity, professionalism, honor, and courtesy. ABOTA is a nationwide organization that is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Seventh Amendment, which guarantees the right to civil jury trials.

“Matt’s trial skills, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to his clients have earned him the respect of his peers and the legal community,” said Doug Pettit, founding Shareholder of Pettit Kohn and fellow ABOTA member. “His extensive courtroom experience and exceptional advocacy make him an outstanding addition to ABOTA.”

Matt joined Pettit Kohn in 2013 and was promoted to Shareholder in 2023. As a leader in the firm’s Professional Liability and Business Litigation teams, he focuses on representing business clients as well as a wide range of professionals against claims of malpractice. He has extensive experience in all aspects of civil litigation, including trials, arbitrations, and mediations. He has served as lead counsel or co-counsel in more than 20 trials and arbitrations. Matt also successfully handled several appeals and has argued before the California Court of Appeal.

Matt has achieved an AV-Preeminent rating by Martindale (the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards). He has been recognized by Best Lawyers for his work in Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants and Commercial Litigation since 2021. Additionally, he has been recognized by San Diego Super Lawyers.

Matt joins fellow Pettit Kohn Shareholder Damian Dolin and Senior Counsel Colette Asel as members of the ABOTA organization. Shareholders Doug Pettit and Andrew Kohn, alongside Senior Counsel Michael Madigan, are associates of the ABOTA organization.

PKILD trial expertise begins with our focus on trial-readiness by identifying the best result, collaborating with clients to identify the risks involved with the litigation, the potential outcomes at trial, and navigating the best course of action to resolve the case given our client’s goals.