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Brian John Smith
also known as Brian J. Smith
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About Brian
Biography
Mr. Smith is a highly experienced attorney with a longstanding reputation for delivering exceptional results. With an extensive background in trial advocacy and negotiation, he offers a full spectrum of legal services tailored to meet the needs of diverse clients.
Mr. Smith’s practice areas include criminal defense, unemployment appeals, and DUI/OVI defense, where he is deeply committed to safeguarding the rights of individuals navigating complex legal situations.
Beyond his individual client work, Mr. Smith serves as a trusted advocate for labor unions, providing representation in matters such as contract negotiations, arbitration, and litigation in both federal and state courts. He frequently represents clients before the National Labor Relations Board, the Ohio State Employment Relations Board, and the Department of Labor, working diligently to help unions advance their objectives and protect their members’ rights.
Criminal and OVI/DUI defense, employment law, and union labor law - Call For a Free Consultation
Experienced and highly rated Criminal Defense a call away with free consultations and payment plans
Experienced and highly rated DUI / OVI Defense a call away with free consultations and payment plans NHTSA SFST certified.
Experienced and highly rated legal representation for employees and unions.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Employment and Labor
50%
20 years
DUI and DWI
35%
20 years
Criminal Defense
15%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
25%-33%
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2023 2022 2021
...
+
2
2016 2015
Licenses
Licensed in Ohio for 20 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd.
(855) 241-0700
Fax
20545 Center Ridge Rd, Ste. 215, Rocky River, OH, 44116
briansmithlaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Brian online.
Brian John Smith's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 48 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Jerome | October 27, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
He will always answer or return your phone calls and will definitely get a good deal for you .
He was very knowledgeable and approachable, and he made the process considerably alot less stressful . I was able to get my CDL back within 27 days after blowing over the legal limit . I would definitely recommend him to handle your case . .Mr Smith was always available to talk to me about my cas...
Posted by Chris | December 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Elated
Brian Smith and John Sivinski , are amazing! This team represented me in an unemployment case against a national chain/corporation, and we won! They were forthright, determined, and professional, yet kind and understanding. I am grateful for their representation!
Posted by Andrea | September 8, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
It was great!
First off, I want to thank Brian Smith and John Sivinski. You two honestly saved my life. I no longer knew what else to do in my unemployment case and I was worried about my situation. So I contacted Mr. Smith. He guided me step by step with great patience and extensive knowledge. Always willing to h...
Posted by Elisabeth | May 23, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly recommend for unemployment related issues
Highly recommend Brian Smith and John Sivinski. John Sivinski did a great job of representing me in an unemployment hearing appeal. They walked me through the whole process, prepared me for the hearing, and helped me get a decision in my favor.
Posted by George | April 1, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding Representation
Brian Smith did an outstanding job representing me with a challenging case. I had been trying to resolve my case with ODJFS for months, and Brian was able to clear things up, entirely in my favor, in a few weeks. Brian was very professional and prompt in responding to me and any filling needs. So p...
Brian Smith
Replied last April 2, 2023Thank you George!
Brian John Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Smith takes the time to analyze and understand his clients’ issues, and he's the sort of lawyer you want in your corner. With his legal skill, and his work ethic, Mr. Smith offers a best-in-class representation."
"I've had the opportunity to see Mr. Smith on the site answering questions, mostly in the field of family law because it's what I do. There is no question he understands the law and doesn't give the standard, "Go talk to an attorney" so many do here. Brian actually answers direct questions in a way the person asking can understand the direction that needs to be taken. For this, you have to applaud the time and effort he makes here, which translates to how much he'll do for you personally. Without question, as an attorney, I fully endorse Brian as an attorney that can meet your needs, not only in family law, but other areas, like employment law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Well respected in the legal community"
"I endorse this lawyer. His contributions to this community show that he is a very knowledgeable and effective attorney"
"Mr. Smith has, clearly, mastered his craft in providing representation to those wrongfully (or rightfully) accused. He knows his stuff. The fact that he has chosen to maintain a practice in Huron County should tell you a great deal about his tenacity. I have a couple of felony cases a year out there. It is not an easy jurisdiction to practice in. I strongly recommend retaining Mr. Smith to assist you in your criminal matters."
"I recommend Brian Smith as an attorney that can and will meet your needs. Although his practice is not confined to criminal law, he displays a remarkable ability to understand issues and address the needs of people."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Smith is a valuable asset to this community. His continuing dedication to the law and his clients is admirable."
"I endorse this lawyer. Lawyers who donate time on sites like this have a passion for the law and a compassion for the people they serve. Kudos."
"I endorse attorney Smith. He excels at providing competent and aggressive representation, while actively ensuring his clients receive his full personal attention as can be seen by his client reviews."
John Ready
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Glinski
Unknown lawyer
Betty Burley
Divorce and separation lawyer
Allison Groth
Criminal defense lawyer
Lee Thompson
Divorce and separation lawyer
Sheldon Starke
Employment and labor lawyer
Eliot Wolf
Medical malpractice lawyer
Alan Brinkmeier
Litigation lawyer
John Sivinski
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2023
NHTSA ARIDE Certified, NHTSA
2022
Best Employment Lawyers in Rocky River, Expertise.com
2022
NHTSA SFST Certified, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2017
Clients' Choice Award, AVVO
2015
Top Contributor, AVVO
2015
Top Attorneys in Cleveland & Columbus, Cleveland Magazine
2015
Distinguished Lawyer Designation, Expert Network
2015
Clients Choice, AVVO
2003
Constitutional Law Award, Federal Bar Association
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Owner/Attorney, The Law Offices of Brian J. Smith, ltd
2009 - 2015
Partner, Sivinski & Smith, LLC
2005 - 2008
Adjunct Law Instructor - Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy, University of Akron School of Law
2005 - 2009
Attorney, Masters & Sivinski, LLC
2003 - 2005
Law Clerk, Masters & Associates
Associations
2025 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2021 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2018 - Present
National Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
2018 - Present
Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationSustaining Member
2018 - Present
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
2018 - Present
Southwest Area Bar AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Parma Bar AssociationMember
2017 - Present
American Association of Premier DUI AttorneysExecutive Member
2017 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2017 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseMember
2017 - Present
Lorain County Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
West Shore Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Ohio State Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law SectionCommittee Member
2015 - Present
Ohio State Bar Association, Criminal Justice CommitteeCommittee Member
2015 - Present
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionCommittee Member
2015 - Present
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law SectionCommitee Member
2013 - Present
Cleveland Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Ohio Employment Lawyers AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Ohio Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Ohio Southern District Court
2006 - Present
US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
2005 - Present
Ohio Northern District Court
2005 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
In re TW, 2018-Ohio-3275 (8th Dist.)
Conviction Vacated
Daniel Morales v. Homan Transport, et al.
Employee Prevailed, Entitled to New Hearing
Royal Ice Cream Company, et al v. Teamsters Local No. 336
Prevailed - Arbitration Upheld
ATU Local 268 v. Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Employer Found in Contempt
Royal Ice Cream Co. v. Teamsters Local 336
Prevailed and upheld arbitration decision
Carl Steadman v. Building Material Drivers Local 436 Pension Fund Plan, et al.,
Prevailed on Summary Judgement
Charles Burneson v. Thistledown et al.
Previaled - Claim Against Union Dismissed
Education
2005
University of Akron School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
Kent State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
ATU 268 Membership Meeting
How to Obtain a Union Contract in the Public Sector
Publications
2023
BrianSmithLaw.com
Overview of the Criminal Process
2023
BrianSmithLaw.com
Overview of the Ohio Unemployment Appeal Process
2015
BrianSmithLaw.com
The Stages of an Ohio DUI Charge
2015
Brian J. Smith, Esq.
Ohio Law Blog
2005
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Brian earned significant contribution points in 2016.
Legal Answers
Q&A
What should someone plea if their probation has been revoked and new charges are present for dui?
10 Jan 2022
Q&A
I was not at the scene when the officers arrived, did they have probable cause for a DUI arrest?
06 Dec 2021
Q&A
How do I get an officer to admit to changing a signed statement without taking the stand?
19 Nov 2021