Colleen R. Smith is a skilled trial and appellate litigator specializing in complex commercial disputes, high-stakes appeals, and cutting-edge civil rights litigation. Her breadth of experience sets her apart from her peers: She has represented clients on both sides of the “v” across multiple industries, including financial services, media and communications, and the environment. That range gives her a distinctive ability to anticipate opposing arguments and lead litigation strategy at every stage—from pre-suit resolution through Supreme Court appeal.
A seasoned leader, Smith heads several of Stris & Maher LLP’s largest and most complex matters. She currently serves as co-lead counsel in the In re Chiquita Canyon Landfill Litigation, one of the largest environmental mass actions in the country, and chairs the case’s pleading committee—a reflection of the trust her clients and colleagues place in her judgment and strategic vision.
Lawdragon Honors
| Honor | Year | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| The 2026 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation | 2026 | Commercial Litigation, Civil Rights, Appellate |
Smith is also recognized as an exceptional legal writer and a go-to lawyer when the stakes are highest. Colleagues and clients rely on her to lead emergency motions, eleventh-hour appeals, and certiorari petitions, trusting her to simplify complex law into persuasive advocacy under the tightest deadlines.
Outside her litigation practice, Smith leads in her community. She serves as President of the Idaho Chapter of the Federal Bar Association and sits on the William & Mary Law School Association Board of Directors. She maintains an active pro bono practice through the ACLU of Idaho Legal Panel, directing high-impact civil rights litigation on reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and First Amendment issues in her home state.
Before entering private practice, Smith clerked for three federal judges: Judge Liam O'Grady (E.D. Va.), Judge N. Randy Smith (9th Cir.), and Chief Judge David Nye (D. Idaho).