ClickCease

Clifton N. Smoot

Associate Attorney

Clifton’s practice focuses on catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases based on defective products, medical malpractice, sexual abuse, and dangerous conditions (residential, commercial, and municipal property). He also has deep experience litigating collisions involving cars, trucks, pedestrians, and bicyclists. He has been named as one of “Top 40 Under 40” by The National Trial Lawyers, and as one of the “Top Attorneys in Northern California.” His advocacy on behalf of clients who have sustained loss from a variety of causes has led to many successful trial verdicts and settlements for deserving clients.

Clifton earned his undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University, and attended law school at UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), where he also graduated cum laude in 2015. He competed at the national level with his law school’s trial team, and also served as a judicial extern to judge A. James Robertson II of California Superior Court, County of San Francisco.

Recent successes include a $7 million resolution on behalf of a young boy who suffered a fall at a children’s museum; a confidential policy-limits settlement for a client who was bitten and knocked down by a German Shepherd; and a $2.45 million resolution for a welder who was crushed by a construction hoist.

In his free time, Clifton enjoys bike rides with his family, tackling home improvement projects, and playing guitar. Clifton is also fluent in Spanish.

Client Testimonials

Client Testimonials

Exemplar Case Results

    • Minor “Johnny Doe” v. Children’s Museum – fall from heights causing head injury – $7,000,000 settlement;
    • Parents v. Trucking Group – wrongful death following big-rig collision – policy limits $3,000,000 plus safety improvements to trucking company;
    • Surviving Spouse and Children v. Physician Specialty Group – wrongful death from doctor’s delayed treatment – policy limit $4,000,000 settlement;
    • Probation Officer v. Dog Owner – dog knocks down and bites officer – confidential policy-limits settlement;
    • Welder v. Construction Crane Co. – hoist operator crushes construction worker – $2,450,000 settlement;
    • Bicyclist v. Driver – road cyclist breaks neck in downhill collision – policy-limits settlement;
    • Guest v. Tennis Club – guest trips on upturned brick walkway – $900,000 settlement;
    • Senior Citizen v. Big Box Retailer – defective electric door closes and injures patron – confidential settlement;
    • Mechanic v. Crane Owner – tower crane crushes mechanic’s foot – $2,300,000 settlement;

Honors and Awards

  • Northern California Rising Stars List, Super Lawyers, 2017-2024
  • The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40, 2018
  • Avvo “Top Attorney” Rating
  • Outstanding New Lawyer of the Year, San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, 2017
  • Pfaff Trial Lawyer Scholarship, 2015
  • Outstanding Pro Bono Service, 2015
  • Certificate in Child Advocacy, Legal Services for Children, 2015
  • “Best Brief” and “Best Oral Advocate,” UC Hastings Moot Court, 2013

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association, Mock Trial Committee Member
  • San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association, Board Member
  • American Association for Justice
  • Consumer Attorneys of California
  • UC Law SF, Alumni Association Board of Governors
  • California Lawyers Association, Litigation Section Member

Pro Bono Activities

  • Board Member, Miracle League of San Francisco Peninsula
  • Volunteer, Clifford Elementary School

Lawyers Who Know How to Win Your Case

Walkup team members have consistently contributed to the welfare and improvement of the people and communities of the Bay Area and Northern California.

More Videos