Jennifer Smith Tressler LLP

Smith, Jennifer L. Partner

Smith, Jennifer L. Partner

Practice Focus

Jennifer L. Smith is a partner and Chair of the Professional Liability Practice Group. In her two decades of representing clients in state and federal courtrooms, she has been engaged to litigate a wide range of disputes including complex business litigation, the defense of professionals and executives, wrongful death actions and aviation accidents. Her representation has included the defense of class actions and parties in multidistrict (MDL) toxic tort litigation. Jenny is a member of the Trial Bar for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

She is valued by her clients for her exhaustive preparation, her personable presentation and the results that she achieves in the courtroom. With her focus on courtroom advocacy, she handles all facets of litigation, from inception through trial. She has achieved success for her clients in numerous cases through the successful presentation of dispositive and limiting motions.  Her jury trial experience includes complex claims involving alleged nine-figure damages. She is also skilled and experienced in alternative dispute resolution including court convened conferences, mediation and arbitration.

Professional Background

Jenny was recognized as a “Rising Star” by Illinois Super Lawyers from 2009-2010 and 2012-2018 and as an “Emerging Lawyer” by Leading Lawyers in 2015 , 2016 and 2019. 

Memberships & Affiliations

  • Illinois State Bar Association, Member
  • State Bar of Michigan, Member
  • American Bar Association Business Law Section, Member and Co-Chair of the Judges Initiative Committee
  • Judges Initiative Committee for the American Bar Association Business Law Section, Co-Chair 

Publications

Recent Articles and Blogs

"It’s Not False Imprisonment if Plaintiff Refuses to Leave," Specialty Lines Advisory, October 3, 2017

News

Representative Experience

Hundley v. WPD Management, LLC, 2023 IL App (1st) 230075 (November 3, 2023).

Frankenmuth Mut. Ins. Co. v. Sentry Cas. Co., No. 361259, 2023 WL 4139549 (Mich. Ct. App. June 22, 2023). 

Glickman v. Teglia, 388 Ill.App.3d 141 (1st Dist., 2009).

Behrooz Moradi v. National Wrecking Co., et. al., 389 Ill. App.3d 1144 (1st Dist., 2009). 

North River Ins. Co. v. Marietta Drapery & Window Coverings Co., Inc., 2008 WL 2959930 (S.D.Ill. 2008).    

 

Presentations

  • Panelist - “Successor Liability: Legal & Ethical Pitfalls in M&A Transactions,” American Bar Association Business Law Section Spring Meeting, 2022

Community Involvement

Jenny is involved in Chicago Volunteer Legal Services and has served on the Board of Directors for the Crisis Center for South Suburbia.  

Personal Life

Jenny resides in Will County with her husband and two daughters. In her spare time, she enjoys her Peloton and yoga. 

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