Mr. Smith is available throughout California.

Andrew O. Smith, Esq.

Mediator & Discovery Referee

Mr. Smith is a full-time mediator and discovery referee known for his ability to break through impasses and deliver results. Available throughout California, Mr. Smith brings a creative, solutions-focused approach to every case, helping parties find resolution even when negotiations seem hopelessly stalled. Recognized as both an ARC Top Neutral and a Rising Star in Mediation, Mr. Smith has earned a reputation for an exceptionally high settlement rate across a broad range of practice areas. What sets Mr. Smith apart is his instinct for identifying the hidden obstacles that keep cases from resolving and his skill in deploying creative strategies to overcome them. Whether working through deeply entrenched positions or navigating emotionally charged disputes, he brings the patience, ingenuity, and persistence needed to move parties from conflict to closure. Mr. Smith’s natural ability to build trust, facilitate candid dialogue, and reframe difficult issues has made him a go-to neutral for attorneys who need more than a passive facilitator — they need someone who will actively drive the process toward resolution.

Practice Areas

Bad Faith / Insurance Coverage
Business / Contractual
Complex Litigation
Construction Claims
Construction Defect
Cybersecurity & Privacy
Disability / Access
Discovery
E-Discovery
Elder Care
Employment
Federal Disputes
Fee Disputes
Governmental Entities
Habitability
Homeowners Association
Low Cost Options
Medical Malpractice
Personal Injury – Traumatic Brain Injury
Premises Liability
Products Liability

Conflict Resolution Experience

Mr. Smith was formerly the managing shareholder in the Los Angeles office for a prominent multi-state law firm. During his litigation career, Mr. Smith represented Fortune 500 companies, governmental agencies, small businesses and individuals on both the plaintiff and defense sides. He has always been a huge proponent of early dispute resolution and has participated in over 1,000 mediations as either a mediator or attorney. Mr. Smith has served as a frequent volunteer mediator for the Los Angeles County Superior Court where he has achieved significant success helping parties resolve cases. He has also completed training in dispute resolution at the elite Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University.

Organizations & Achievements

Los Angeles County Bar Association (Member) – served on the following committees:

Litigation Section Executive Committee
President’s Advisory Committe on Women in the Practice of Law
Judicial Appointment Committee
Committee on Adequate State Court Funding and Operations
Delegation to the Conference of Delegates

Super Lawyers

Education & Training

We Handle Complex Dispute Cases Of All Kinds

Reach out to us now to schedule a consultation. Our experienced and professional team is here to provide expert guidance through your legal issues.

Our Testimonials

Testimonials From People We’ve Helped

Very professional place to mediate a legal matter. Many places to have a private conversation, comfortable surroundings

Linda L Mitchell

Honorable Mary Thornton House mediated over our impossible case. I never thought this could get resolved, as we were stuck on both sides for almost 4 years. Honorable Mary Thornton House listened to both sides and was able to communicate in a way that both sides understood. She was tenacious, diligent and had attention to details with the accounting and figures presented. We went back and forth into the night. But, she was able to calmly able to get a resolution on both sides. The honorable judge said that in ruling a case in court. You have an instant friend and a permanent enemy. In this case, I received a fair resolution. Grateful, that I did not have to go to court. Glad that our case got resolved. I highly recommend honorable Mary Thornton House