Gregory L. Smith
Overview And Experience
In addition to his work in litigation and arbitration, Gregory brings long-standing experience in structuring and negotiating complex commercial agreements and serving as outside counsel to global enterprises. This combination of litigation insight and transactional advisory strengthens Rose Law Firm’s ability to support clients at every stage of the business lifecycle.
Beyond his commercial practice, Gregory maintains a commitment to public interest advocacy, with pro bono work in immigration and human rights.
Non-Firm Attorney
Complex Commercial Litigation, Appeals & International Arbitration andImmigration Law
Gregory L. Smith is a seasoned commercial litigator with more than 20 years of experience representing clients in federal and state courts in New York and California, as well as before international arbitral tribunals. His practice combines deep expertise in complex business disputes with a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach that helps clients protect their interests and achieve strategic outcomes.
At Rose Law Firm, Gregory advises clients on commercial litigation strategy, dispute resolution and cross-border business matters. He has guided corporations, non-profits, shareholders, officers and executives through disputes involving employment law, shareholder conflicts, insurance coverage and financial industry issues. His ability to blend courtroom advocacy with sophisticated business counsel makes him a trusted advisor to companies navigating both domestic and international disputes.
Practice Areas
Commercial Litigation & Appeals: With more than two decades of courtroom experience, Gregory represents clients in a wide spectrum of commercial disputes, including employment matters, shareholder litigation, financial services conflicts and complex business torts. He is skilled in every stage of litigation: pre-trial, trial, and appellate practice and has successfully represented clients before state and federal courts as well as arbitral panels. Gregory’s formidable record of success on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants reflects his ability to navigate high-stakes disputes with precision and strategic insight.
International Arbitration: Building on significant international experience, Gregory advises clients facing cross-border business conflicts and multi-jurisdictional disputes. He has acted in arbitration proceedings and counseled companies on reinsurance, franchise and commercial matters. His prior work deepened his expertise in international M&A and complex commercial agreements experience that strengthens Rose Law Firm’s capacity to support clients with global operations.
Immigration & Public Interest Representation: Gregory has an extensive background in immigration law and public interest advocacy. He has represented unaccompanied children and asylum seekers, including leadership roles at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) and The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. His work has included litigation under the Federal Tort Claims Act and training pro bono attorneys to represent vulnerable clients. He has extensive experience representing clients on applications and petitions before USCIS, EOIR and the BIA.
EDUCATION
1. M.A., Columbia University (2001)
2. J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law (1992)
3. B.A., Rice University (1984)
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE
1. New York (1993)
2. California (1994)
COMMUNITY
1. Member, Association of the Bar of the City of New York
2. Volunteer Attorney, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
3. Pro bono Attorney, Human Rights First!
4. Volunteer Attorney, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims
PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
1. “Monetary Settlements and Awards for Pro Bono & Legal Services Clients 2025: Legal, Practical & Ethical Issues,” Practicing Law Institute, New York, New York (2025)
2. “Hiding Elephants in Mouseholes: Judicial (Mis)Application of the Federal Arbitration Actto Attorney-Client Arbitration Agreements,” 26 Pepperdine Disp. Res. L.J. (2025) (forthcoming)
3. “Calculating Damages Over Mismanaged Assets,” N.Y.L. J. (co-author) (October 3, 2005)
Gregory L. Smith is not employed by nor a member of Rose Law Firm, P.C. He practices law from a separate and independent law firm. However, he collaborates with Rose Law Firm as an independent non-firm attorney to serve specific clients of Rose Law Firm on discrete matters.