Patrick J. Smith

Patrick J. (“Pat”) Smith is an experienced commercial litigator and regulatory attorney. With a deep commitment to offering practical, business-focused and results-oriented strategic counseling, Pat believes first and foremost in helping clients solve problems.  Pat represents clients large and small on a range of matters, with particular expertise in disputes and regulatory proceedings relating to commercial relationships and real estate issues.

Pat’s broad-based practice includes preparation and guidance concerning commercial agreements and in-depth knowledge and handling of the entire life cycle of litigation proceedings, from case assessment and strategy to discovery, motion practice, negotiated resolution and trial.  He has substantial experience working with corporate teams ranging from HR to sales, marketing, communications, government affairs, and business and asset development, and has advised on employment matters including hiring, performance management, separation and legal claims.

Pat is especially well known in the out-of-home advertising sector and possesses significant experience relating to commercial contracts, dispute resolution and avoidance, and assessment of liabilities and risks for media companies, advertisers, and their partners alike.  He is a recognized subject matter expert and thought leader on laws governing advertising content and the marketing of regulated consumer products.  Pat spent a decade of his legal career as Chief Litigation and Regulatory Counsel for OUTFRONT Media (one of the US’s largest public advertising companies) where he oversaw the organization’s litigation, regulatory, employment and insured matters remit, and counseled the business on risk assessment and dispute management. Pat also served as Chief Compliance Officer, where he oversaw internal investigations and ethics training, and was responsible for advising the board of directors, senior management, and internal and independent auditors on compliance and litigation.

Pat offers a unique understanding of the vital relationship between in-house lawyers, business personnel and outside law firms.  While at OUTFRONT Media, he supervised the company’s national roster of outside counsel and gained critical perspective into how complex organizations operate and what they prioritize when seeking outside legal services. His practice at Barton positions him optimally to provide the type of efficient and partner-led legal services that businesses value.

Prior to practicing law, Pat worked on Capitol Hill as a Legislative and Communications Aide.  He earned his J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law; an M.A. from American University; and a B.A. from St. John’s University. Pat began his legal career at Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett and later practiced law at Jones Day.  Pat also served as a Judicial Clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.  Just prior to joining Barton, Pat was a partner in the New York office of Duane Morris LLP.

• “Strategies for Determining the Right Time to Pursue Arbitration vs. Litigation.” Panelist. ALM/LAW.COM General Counsel Conference East. (September 2021).
• “Cannabis Advertising and Marketing: Legal Issues and Trends Across Physical and Digital Spaces.” Panelist. Los Angeles County Bar Association CLE Series. (March 2021).

• “Advertising in Public Spaces and Contracting with Government Agencies.” Featured speaker. American Public Transportation Association Marketing and Communications Workshop. (February 2020).

• “Legal Issues Regarding New and Regulated Products.” Presenter. OUTFRONT Media 2019 Senior Managers Meeting.

• “Legal Issues Impacting Place-Based Media and Public Advertising.” Co-presenter. Outdoor Advertising Association of America 2018 Legal and Legislative” Seminar.

• First Amendment Challenges in Transit Spaces and Other Out of Home Advertising.” Featured speaker. Outdoor Advertising Association of America 2018 General Counsels Conference.