John Smith Smith stands as a distinguished member, partner, and co-founder of Smith Butz, LLC, a prominent law firm based in Washington County, Pennsylvania. His legal practice is deeply rooted in serving clients across a spectrum of critical areas, including Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, Zoning and Land Use Law, Municipal Law, Energy Law, and Estate Planning and Administration. For individuals and businesses alike seeking seasoned counsel, John Smith Smith offers comprehensive legal expertise.
Areas of Legal Expertise of John Smith Smith
Mr. Smith’s proficiency extends to Estate Planning, where he meticulously drafts Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney, guiding clients through crucial life decisions. Furthermore, he provides compassionate and skilled support in Estate Administration, navigating the complexities that arise after the loss of a loved one, and is adept at handling estate litigation when disputes occur.
In the dynamic field of Energy Law, John Smith Smith is a recognized authority. He is at the forefront of Gas Lease Negotiations, offering strategic advice to clients navigating the intricacies of these agreements. His deep understanding of Local Zoning regulations concerning drilling positions him as a valuable resource for municipalities and energy companies alike. Moreover, he is actively involved in Litigation concerning the Ownership of oil and gas rights, representing clients in complex disputes.
Mr. Smith has a proven track record in the courtroom, having tried hundreds of cases across various courts and jurisdictions throughout Pennsylvania. His clients range from individuals and businesses to municipalities, reflecting the breadth and depth of his legal capabilities. He frequently counsels municipalities and is often sought after as Special Counsel to provide expert consultation on Oil and Gas Law litigation issues.
Landmark Legal Cases and Advocacy
John Smith Smith has played a pivotal role in shaping Pennsylvania law, particularly in the realm of oil and gas regulation. He served as the lead attorney in the landmark case Robinson Township vs. Commonwealth, successfully arguing twice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on behalf of local municipalities. This landmark victory resulted in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court striking down several provisions of Act 13, the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act of 2012, thereby restoring significant zoning rights to local governments and empowering communities to have a greater say in local development.
[alt text: John Smith Smith arguing before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Robinson Township vs. Commonwealth case]
More recently, Mr. Smith achieved another favorable decision from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in EQT Production Company v. Borough of Jefferson Hills in 2019. This ruling was significant as it authorized the use of citizen testimony regarding past experiences at fracking sites as admissible evidence in hearings concerning new fracking site requests. This decision strengthened the ability of communities to voice their concerns and provide real-world evidence in local zoning and environmental hearings.
[alt text: John Smith Smith discussing legal strategy with colleagues at Smith Butz LLC]
Further demonstrating his commitment to public interest, Mr. Smith secured a favorable en banc ruling from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court in South Fayette Township et al. v. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This case successfully challenged PennDOT’s attempt to implement tolls on nine bridges across the Commonwealth, including the I-79 Bridge impacting Bridgeville, Collier, and South Fayette Townships. This victory prevented the imposition of tolls that would have negatively impacted local residents and businesses.
Publications and Speaking Engagements
Mr. Smith is a thought leader in his field, actively contributing to legal scholarship and public discourse. His article, “The Prodigal Son Returns: Oil and Gas Drillers Return to Pennsylvania with a Vengeance. Are Municipalities Prepared?” published in the Duquesne Law Review, Volume 49, Number 1, 2011, remains a relevant and insightful piece on the evolving energy landscape in Pennsylvania.
[alt text: Duquesne Law Review journal featuring article by John Smith Smith]
He is a sought-after speaker on oil and gas issues, having presented at prestigious venues including:
- National Association of Royalty Owner (NARO) conventions
- Yale Law School on Local Government Regulation of Fracking
- Society of Environmental Journalists Shale Oil and Gas Development at Carnegie Mellon University
- Duquesne University’s, Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law on “Forensics of Fracking: The Science and Law of Hydraulic Gas Extraction”
- American Bar Association events on topics such as “To Frack or Not to Frack: Who Decides? State and Local Approaches to Regulating Fracking” and “Zoning, Fracking, Public Health and the Law.”
- Pennsylvania Local Government Academy and the Shale Institute at Washington and Jefferson College
- County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) Natural Gas Task Force meeting
- PBI Oil and Gas Law Colloquium in Pittsburgh
- 16th Annual Energy Food and Water Conference in Washington D.C.
- Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS)
His presentations cover a wide range of critical topics, from land use and zoning in the context of shale gas drilling to the legal and regulatory challenges faced by municipalities and landowners.
Professional Affiliations and Recognition for John Smith Smith
Admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 1995, Mr. Smith is licensed in all state courts of both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as multiple United States District Courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He is an active member of several bar associations, including the Washington County Bar Association, the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Mr. Smith’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Rhetoric and Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh (1991) and a Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (1995). His achievements in law school were notable, including membership in the Law Review, Chair of the Moot Court Board, graduating in the top five percent of his class, and receiving the “Distinguished Student Award.”
Beyond his legal practice, John Smith Smith is deeply committed to his community, providing extensive pro bono services. He founded his township’s Historical Society and has dedicated many years to teaching Mock Trial to high school students. Currently, he serves as Solicitor for Peters Township, East Finley Township, and Special Counsel for South Fayette Township and North Strabane Township, as well as Zoning Hearing Board Solicitor for Canton Township. His community involvement underscores his dedication to public service.
Contact John Smith Smith
Attorney John M. Smith is readily available to provide expert legal assistance in Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, Zoning and Land Use Law, Municipal Law, Energy Law, and Estate Planning and Estate Administration. To discuss your legal needs and how John Smith Smith and Smith Butz, LLC can assist you, please contact him:
- Telephone: (724) 745-5121
- Email: [email protected]
Attorney Smith resides in Cecil, PA with his family. For experienced and dedicated legal representation in Pennsylvania, John Smith Smith is a trusted advocate.
