| Ms. Smith has worked in the insurance industry for more than twenty years in a variety of management and claims handling positions. From March 1995 to August 1999, Ms. Smith held the position of Claims General Counsel for CIGNA¡¯s Northwestern region. In her capacity as General Counsel, Ms. Smith dealt with coverage disputes and contract issues on all types of complex general liability cases, construction defect matters, commercial property cases and claims involving significant indemnity contract and additional insured problems. Ms. Smith has represented CIGNA in direct actions, arbitrations, mediations, and settlement conferences. She has been published in various ABA journals on topics ranging from ¡°Mediation of Construction Disputes¡± to ¡°Managing Cumis Counsel¡±. Ms. Smith has extensive experience in legal audit and negotiation of contracts. Prior to her legal work with CIGNA, Ms. Smith worked as an adjuster and later as a supervisor with CIGNA handling all types of general liability and automobile claims. Ms. Smith has also worked as an associate with the law firm of Bolling, Walter & Gawthrop specializing in bad faith defense as well as general liability and construction defect cases. She received her Juris Doctorate with Great Distinction from McGeorge School Of Law. Ms. Smith is a recipient of the prestigious Order of the Coif award, the Traynor Honor Society and American Jurisprudence Award. She is admitted to practice in all California State and Federal courts. |