Prescott W. Smith

Member


Prescott Smith defends high-visibility catastrophic product liability claims involving motor vehicles, tractors, tires, oil and gas equipment, electrical transmission systems and heavy machinery. Drawing on his engineering and mathematics background, he solves the technical question of what happened, then makes it defensible.

Recognized for his hands-on, roll-up-his sleeves approach, Prescott is known for immersing himself in documents for days at a time and getting in, on, or under the vehicle or machinery to test it. As he’s shown through his work in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill litigation, General Motors’ ignition switch mass tort action, and many other complex cases, it’s Prescott’s preferred method to determine the causes and effects to prepare a proper defense.

A modern-day litigator, Prescott appears in state and federal courts across the U.S. He has extensive trial experience in class, collective, and multidistrict litigation, as well as arbitrations, mediations, and other dispute resolution forums.

Prescott speaks the many languages that product liability actions require. He can talk science with experts, engineers, and product designers at a high technical level. Clients appreciate his explanations of risk, exposure, and litigation strategy, and they value his ability to confront experts on the other side and find flaws in the opposition’s arguments.

In the courtroom, Prescott distills the law, facts, and sophisticated mechanical processes to educate and persuade judges and juries. He is the lawyer clients want in the room, whatever room that is, at any stage of the case.

Outside the office, Prescott is an avid motorcyclist, traveling more than 30,000 miles in most years on cross-country trips. As clients and colleagues will confirm, it’s not unusual for him to roll up on his bike for a vehicle or site inspection.  

My job is to find the nugget—the one critical technical element around which we can apply the law and facts to defend the client.
    • University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 1999, Texas Law Review, Order of the Coif
    • Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Doctoral Candidate, 1987-1991
    • University of Arkansas, B.A., 1987
  • Bar Admissions

    • Texas
  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas
    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas
    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, 2024

    • Recognized in Texas Super Lawyers® by Thompson Reuters, 2015-2019
    • Recognized among Super Lawyers® Texas Rising Stars by Thompson Reuters, 2006-2009
    • Dallas Bar Association
    • DAYL Foundation, Life Fellow
    • The International Trademark Association Committee: The Trademark Reporter, 2009-2011
    • Attorney Coach: Berkner High School Mock Trial Team, 2008-2009

Select News and Insights

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