ClickCease Clifton N. Smoot

Clifton N. Smoot

Associate Attorney


Clifton N. Smoot relentlessly fights for his clients, and has been recognized by local and national organizations for his work. 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 verdicts and settlements for deserving clients.

He takes pride in building close relationships with his clients, and in serving people of all backgrounds as they recover from unexpected loss and harm.

Client Testimonials


I can't say enough about our experience with Clifton.

I can't say enough about our experience with Clifton. As an attorney we found him to be thorough, professional, diligent and knowledgeable. But more than that, as a person he is compassionate and kind. He was always available and made us feel well represented. We can't thank him enough for the results of our case and the compassion he showed us through the most difficult time of our life.

Kim

He is always friendly, easy to communicate with and professional.

I got carbon monoxide poisoning while traveling through California, Cliff was great in helping us navigate the resulting year long lawsuit following. As we live out of state, we spent a lot of time with Cliff over the phone. He is always friendly, easy to communicate with and professional. We were more than happy with the outcome and would hire Cliff again without hesitation.

Erica

An honors graduate of UC Hastings Law School, Clifton has prosecuted claims involving construction and worksite conditions injuries, defective products, residential and commercial property dangerous conditions, negligent security, and collisions between cars, trucks, pedestrians, and bicyclists. He takes pride in building close relationships with his clients, and in serving people of all backgrounds as they recover from unexpected loss and harm.

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 hikes with his family, running, and tackling home improvement projects. He coaches the nationally-renowned UC Hastings Trial Team. Clifton is also fluent in Spanish.

Honors and Awards

    • Northern California Rising Stars List, Super Lawyers, 2017-2021
    • 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

Education

    • University of California, Hastings College of the Law – Cum Laude, 2015
    • Johns Hopkins University – Cum Laude, 2007

Pro Bono Activities

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