Attorney Profiles

Claude Smith

Because I am both an attorney and a CPA, it was natural for me to become an estate planning and tax attorney. Taxation is a common thread that runs through most personal and business financial matters. This has given me a special perspective in dealing with client's concerns: Insights I gain through solving a problem for one kind of transaction often lead to finding innovative solutions for another.

Prior to beginning my own practice in 1985, my professional experience included seven years as a law firm partner and two years with a (then) "Big 8" public accounting firm. I earned my Juris Doctor in 1976 at the University of Southern California School of Law; I passed the CPA exam in 1978. My Bachelors degree was in a double major-Accounting & Finance-also from USC, where I graduated cum laude.

Certifications/Specialties:

  • Certified Public Accountant, California, 1978

Bar Admissions:

  • California, 1976
  • U.S. Tax Court, 1976
  • U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1976
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of California, 1976
  • U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 1976
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 1976
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1976
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 1976

Education:

  • University of Southern California Law Center, Los Angeles, CA, 1976 J.D.
  • University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, 1973 B.S
  • Honors: Cum Laude
  • Major: Accounting
  • Major: Finance

Professional Associations and Memberships:

Los Angeles County Superior Court, Probate Volunteer Panel Counsel
Manhattan Beach Kiwanis Club, President, 1991 - 1992
Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce, President, 1990 - 1991
Downtown Manhattan Beach Business & Professional Association, Treasurer, 1989 - 1990
State Bar and South Bay Bar Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section, Member
California Society of Certified Public Accountants, Member
Fraternities/Sororities: Kappa Alpha Order
Birth Information: 1951, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America