Karen D. Smith

Successfully defended medical practice group and physician in arbitration proceeding for breach of contract. Plaintiff sought $1.0 million in damages plus attorney's fees. Award in favor of defendants.

Awarded summary judgment while defending a real estate developer in a multimillion dollar action for fraud and fraudulent inducement related to the purchase of land for residential development.

Successfully obtained a verdict for the defendants in an action for malicious prosecution, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Won a jury trial on behalf of a health care services company in a lawsuit brought by independent contractors alleging they were not properly compensated. Secured a directed verdict on plaintiffs' claims of fraud and fraudulent inducement and obtained a jury verdict denying the remaining claims.

Successfully pursued a claim on behalf of co-trustees and co-guardians of the person and estate of a minor child against co-executors of the estate in an action for Application for Probate of Will and Issuance of Letters Testamentary and Declaratory Judgment and Application for Injunctive Relief on the basis of undue influence and/or lack of testamentary capacity in the procurement of a codicil.

Successfully defended an action amongst beneficiaries alleging undue influence and lack of testamentary. Judgment entered in favor of estate.

Represented estate and co-executors of an estate in an action for recovery of a commercial debt owing to the estate. Favorable settlement reached without a trial.

In federal court, received summary judgment without trial in successful defense of railroad against allegations of discrimination on the basis of age and disability.

Defeated preliminary injunction action sought against a lighting manufacturing company following the client's hire of a high-level R&D scientist from a competitor. The plaintiff sought a seven-figure damages award, which it ultimately abandoned as well.

Successfully resolved multi-billion dollar litigation involving claims of fraud and tortious interference with a merger agreement in favor of a global manufacturer of chemical products.

Represented a major independent oil and gas company in a multi-million dollar action against a pipeline transportation company for tortious interference with a natural gas supply contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duties and conspiracy.