Donald L. Smith
Shareholder

Biography

Lee Smith is a shareholder and member of the firm's Litigation Department representing municipalities, businesses, and individuals in a variety of litigation matters in state and federal Court, including intellectual property (trademark, patent, copyright, and trade secret), employment, contract, property, and insurance coverage litigation. Lee also utilizes his experience as a former high school teacher to represent school districts and post-secondary institutions in a variety of matters, including IDEA claims, employment disputes, FERPA issues, and student disciplinary issues.

EDUCATION:

Vermont Law School, Juris Doctor (Magna Cum Laude), 2001
Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude), 1993

Representative Matters

• Represented publisher in trademark dispute concerning ownership of the name of a publication.
• Represented creator of internet character in trademark dispute concerning ownership of the character's name.
• Briefed and argued landmark case of Everitt v. General Electric Co., 156 N.H. 202 (2007), in which the New Hampshire Supreme Court first recognized that municipal police officers are entitled to immunity for discretionary decisions made while acting within the scope of their official duties.
• Briefed and argued case of Wilson v. Progressive Northern Insurance Co., 151 N.H. 782 (2005), in which the New Hampshire Supreme Court expanded the definition of a hit-and-run driver for purposes of uninsured motorist coverage.
• Obtained defendants verdict in action brought by the United States Department of Labor against employer in which the Department of Labor claimed retaliatory discharge based on alleged OSHA violation.
• Represented tenants association in successful purchase of a manufactured housing community.

Professional Affiliations

• New Hampshire Bar Association
• Manchester Bar Association
• Daniel Webster-Batchelder American Inns of Court

Awards & Honors

• Recognized by Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in the practice area of General Litigation in 2010 - 2011.

Community Involvement

• Instructor for Daniel Webster Council Explorer Post
• President and founding member of Loudon Lions Club
• Graduate of Leadership Greater Manchester Program
• Member of Daniel Webster-Batchelder American Inns of Court
• Former member of Board of Directors, City Year New Hampshire

Publications

• Student Note, Vermont Law Review, "Voir Dire in New Hampshire: A Flawed Process"

Bar Admissions

• New Hampshire