Patrick J. Smith

Pat is an experienced trial lawyer and strategist with a practice focused on white collar criminal defense, securities enforcement matters, and financial services sector civil disputes.

He has a strong reputation as an innovative problem solver, a skilled negotiator, and an excellent courtroom advocate. After years running the white collar practice at a large international firm, Pat recently co-founded Smith Villazor LLP because he believes that a smaller, independent law firm with a clear and targeted mission will permit him to better serve his clients.

During the past decade’s intense regulatory environment, Pat has worked tirelessly to defend clients in high profile investigations, many of which arose out of the credit crisis. From investment banks and hedge funds, to individual bankers, traders, lawyers, and corporate officers, clients have looked to Pat to solve their most important legal problems. As a result of defending federal and state investigations across the country, Pat has substantial experience with matters involving allegations of securities fraud, insider trading, market manipulation, accounting fraud, money laundering, sanctions violations, and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He has a solid track record of shutting down investigations before charges are ever filed.

In addition to defending clients in government investigations, Pat has led numerous internal investigations at public companies and financial services firms, often arising from whistleblower complaints, as well as independent investigations for audit committees. Pat brings a practical approach that combines the need to responsibly investigate the issue for the entity, and mitigate the risk of any government investigation, with an understanding of the impact such investigations have on the organization and its constituents. His familiarity with sophisticated financial products, securities market practices, and accounting principles enable efficient, effective investigations.

Clients also look to Pat to handle important civil disputes. He has handled securities cases, investment fund disputes, and commercial litigation. The combination of top-drawer advocacy skills, subject-matter expertise, and sound judgment has produced strong results for his clients.


Good to know

Job Types Partner
Areas of Practice 1) white collar criminal defense, 2) securities enforcement matters and 3) and financial services sector civil disputes
Law School Columbia University School of Law (J.D.,1989)
Education University of Pennsylvania (B.A.,1983)
Bar Member / Association New York State Bar Association
Most recent firm Smith Villazor LLP
LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickjsmithnyc
Relevant Jobs
Associate Attorney - Defense Litigation Experience
USA-TX-Dallas

Galloway's Dallas office is seeking an Associate Attorneys with 2 - 5 years of experience to handle civil defense litigation in a variety of practice areas. Qualified candidates will be self-starters ...

Apply now

Senior Staff Counsel – Labor & Employment
USA-MA-Charlestown

Senior Staff Counsel – Labor & Employment Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Charlestown Navy Yard   The MWRA is seeking a Senior Staff Counsel – Labor & Employment to handle leg...

Apply now

+ View more jobs
A. Harrison Barnes
A. Harrison Barnes

Due to his extensive activities in the legal market, A. Harrison Barnes is a well-known attorney throughout the United States. As a member of the Malibu community, Harrison is committed to serving the needs of Malibu residents and businesses in legal

Benjamin P. Smith
Benjamin P. Smith

Benjamin P. Smith is a partner in Morgan Lewis's Litigation Practice. He is a trial lawyer with a particular focus on high-stakes disputes in the biotechnology, medical device, and internet industries.

Brian M. Jazaeri
Brian M. Jazaeri

Brian M. Jazaeri is a partner in Morgan Lewis's Litigation Practice. Mr. Jazaeri represents clients in complex commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on class action matters and financial services, healthcare and technology litigation.