Overview
Bridget Smitha focuses her practice on corporate defense and complex commercial litigation appearing in state and federal courts in Florida and across the nation, as well as before the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. Bridget also frequently assists political committees and candidates to navigate Florida’s election and campaign finance laws. Additionally, Bridget is often involved in registering trademarks, and obtaining or transferring alcohol licenses. While not a complete list, key areas of concentration are listed below. In recognition of her achievements, Bridget has been named a “Top Litigator under 40” by Benchmark Litigation, “Top 40 under 40” of Florida litigation lawyers by the American Society of Legal Advocates, a Florida Super Lawyers "Rising Star," listed in The Best Lawyers in America for 2023 and is rated in the highest category (AV Preeminent) by Martindale-Hubbell.
Areas of Concentration
- Abstention (Rooker/Feldman; Younger; Pullman, etc.)
- Commercial Litigation (Class Actions, Products Liability, etc.)
- Constitutional Law (Due Process, Equal Protection, First Amendment, etc.)
- Election Law (Candidates, Political Committees, Communications, Contributions, Election Contests, Recount Monitoring and Related Litigation)
- Environmental Litigation (Environmental Cost Recovery, Contamination, Toxic Torts, Underground Storage Tanks, etc.)
- Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act (FDUTPA)
- FHFC Petitions for Rule Waiver
- Governmental Investigations
- Legislative (Proposed Legislation; Claims Bills; Lobbying Requirements; Gift Law; etc.)
- Licensure (Applying for a License, Responding to Inquiries and Investigations; Defending Against Adverse Action)
- Public Records Act & Sunshine Law
- Regulatory Compliance
- Trademark Registration; Domain Name Protection
Judicial Clerkships
- Extern Clerk, First District Court of Appeal
Professional & Community Involvement
- Tallahassee Women Lawyers (TWL), Board of Directors, 2020-2021
- Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL), 2019-2021
- Leadership Tallahassee, Class XXXIII, 2016
- Guardian ad Litem, 2nd Judicial Circuit
- American Bar Association
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, 2023
- Benchmark Litigation, "Future Star," 2017-2022; "40 & Under Hot List," 2016-2021
- Florida Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," 2009-2020
- Distinguished Lawyer Designation, Expert Network, 2016
- American Society of Legal Advocates, “Top 40 under 40 Litigation Lawyers in the State of Florida,” 2015
- AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Publications & Presentations
Government & Administrative News Update, Publications:
Crème de law Admin | Summer 2022
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|August 2022
Publications:
Don’t Lose the Election Before Your Campaign Begins | The Top Five Mistakes to Avoid When Qualifying
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update|April 2022
Events:
Why Bridget Smitha Has Never Regretted Taking On A Case
The Guardian|February 2022
Government & Administrative News Update, Publications:
Agencies Continue to Adjust to The New Normal
Stearns Weaver Miller News Update |April 2021
Events:
Licensure – Disciplinary Proceedings/Compliance
The Florida Bar Basic Administrative Law 2021 Program|March 2021
Election & Political Law News Update, Government & Administrative News Update, Publications:
Election season is here, and these are the dates you need to know ...
Election & Political Law Report |February 2020
Events:
Ready to Run: Launching Your Campaign
Florida Association for Women Lawyers (FAWL) Lobby Days|January 2020
Events:
Earn your License to Chill: Florida Government Licensure & Discipline
Paralegal Association of Florida - Big Bend Chapter|September 2019
Newsroom
In the Media:
Fla. Defends Social Media Law, Likens Platforms To Utilities
Law360|June 2021
In the Media:
Tech Orgs Say New Fla. Social Media Law Limits Free Speech
Law360|May 2021
In the Media:
Tech Trade Groups Sue Over Florida’s New Social Media Law
Bloomberg Law|May 2021
Firm Announcements:
Stearns Weaver Miller honored with 2020 Tallahassee Women Lawyers Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Award
June 2020
Firm Announcements:
Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Recognized in 2020 Florida Super Lawyers
June 2020
In the Media:
Fla. Pot Co. Says It Was Smeared In Short-Selling Scheme
Law360|January 2020
Firm Announcements:
Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Recognized in Florida Super Lawyers 2019
June 2019
Firm Announcements:
Stearns Weaver Miller Lawyers Named Among Benchmark Litigation’s 2018 “Under 40 Hot List”
July 2018