Zane D. Smith has practiced law in Illinois since 1983; he is admitted to the Illinois State Bar, the Federal Bar in the Northern District of Illinois, and the Federal Trial Bar. He is a graduate of Southern Illinois University and John Marshall Law School. Mr. Smith is the past legislative liaison, vice- chairman and chairman of the Chicago Bar Association Tort Litigation Committee and remains an active member of that committee. Mr. Smith is also an active member of the Illinois and American Trial Lawyers Associations. Mr. Smith is the founding partner of Zane D. Smith & Associates, Ltd. and concentrates his practice in the area of catastrophic personal injury cases as well as legal and professional negligence . He also handles a broad range of complex litigation including civil rights, employment, intellectual property, construction, labor, ERISA, class actions and franchise law. Mr. Smith also represents manufacturers and corporations in both contract and tort liability claims.

Since his admittance into the Illinois Bar Mr. Smith’s clientele has included some of the largest corporations in the country as well as small, mid-size and family businesses and individuals. He has obtained substantial verdicts and settlements in excess of $1 million on behalf of his clients and most recently was awarded a judgment in excess of $1.4 million on behalf of aggrieved employees fired from the Chicago Housing Authority without the notification required under Federal Law. Mr. Smith has extensive jury trial experience at both the state and federal levels. Since the time he was admitted to the State and Federal Bar, Mr. Smith has been an active volunteer in various legal projects and has been the recipient of various awards for his work, including the Chicago Legal Volunteers’ Award for Extraordinary Service.

In 2001 Mr. Smith was elected Commissioner for the Winnetka Park District for a two year term and was reelected in 2003 to a four year term. Mr. Smith currently sits as Vice President of the Board. Mr. Smith has been active in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America for the past seven years and is currently an assistant Scout Master for Winnetka Boy Scout Troop No. 20. Mr. Smith, his wife Joan and two children Evan 13 and Jackie 11 have lived in Winnetka. Illinois for nine years.