2023 Trusted Advisers: Jason C. Smith

Jason C. Smith considers himself a staunch advocate as well as a tested and accomplished trial lawyer for his clients in business matters and litigation throughout the U.S.

For Spencer Fane LLP’s managing partner in Springfield, some of that work simply requires Smith making himself available to field questions and provide legal counsel in a timely manner.

“As litigators, we often focus on trials, mediations, arbitrations, etc., but in reality, my greatest successes involve proactively minimizing risks and seeing my clients’ businesses thrive and grow because they aren’t unnecessarily tying up resources in legal matters,” he says. “I don’t want them to waste time or money in situations that could lead to adversity and difficulties.”

At Spencer Fane, Smith’s clients range from individuals to Fortune 500 companies. He has defended banks, retailers and universities in class-action cases, but his broad practice encompasses complex contract and tort claims in industries including banking, construction, health care, higher education, manufacturing and retail.

“We currently have 17 attorneys in Springfield and have shown steady but measured growth in our mission to accommodate increased client need while also allowing us the opportunity to broaden our client base in Springfield and the surrounding region,” he says.

Smith received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Maryville University in 2002 and went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis. He began his legal career in 2005 at Husch Blackwell LLC, where he worked for nine years and became a partner in the firm’s Springfield office, before joining Spencer Fane.

While he keeps up with legal industry trends, Smith says he tends to pay more attention to business activity. In particular, he follows trends he deems most relevant to his clients and their industries.

“If there’s an issue in the business world, it will create many different issues in the legal world,” he says.

Rodney Nichols, also a partner at Spencer Fane, says he’s seen his colleague shine during the transition to his current leadership role. He says Smith displays an undeniable and unique ability to balance leadership duties with growing a dynamic private litigation and dispute resolution practice.

“He consistently provides clients with efficient and responsive legal service that results in notable outcomes supporting business objectives and goals,” Nichols says. “Jason is always well prepared and gives his clients’ matters the attention they deserve.”

Smith stays active with industry organizations and is a member of the American Bar Association, The Missouri Bar and the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.

Smith’s civic involvement has extended outside the legal realm. He’s previously served on the board of directors for Ozark Greenways Inc. and Springfield K-Life, an interdenominational Christian ministry for youth, and is in his seventh year as a board member with Lost & Found Grief Center.