Before starting Zachary D. Smith, LLC, I practiced as a public defender in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and later with an established small firm in downtown Cincinnati.  I became a public defender because I craved action.  I wanted to gain experience counseling clients and develop my courtroom skills.  When I transitioned into private practice I added civil litigation to my repertoire, gravitating toward and eventually focusing my practice on Family Law in Ohio and Kentucky.

I am a trained Family Law Mediator, currently serve on the Executive Committee of the Cincinnati Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and litigate my fair share of cases.  I enjoy Family Law because it allows me to use all the tools in my toolbox.  I believe a client is best served when you engage in complex problem solving, generate creative outcomes, and are ready to lean on the nuances and technical aspects of the law to prevail in Court.  I understand every family is different, and every family requires different tools be deployed.

Practicing Family Law fulfills me because it allows me to wear all “hats”.  I get to problem solve, generate “outside the box” solutions, and, when required, pursue my clients’ goals in Court.  All while helping people through a difficult process.