Attorney
Ruby Jo “Catie” Smith
Catie Smith is a Senior Attorney at Cobb & Gonzalez, P.A., where she focuses her practice on construction law, business law, business transactions, and general liability matters. Ms. Smith brings extensive courtroom experience, having successfully litigated numerous jury and non-jury trials throughout her legal career.
Ms. Smith is highly skilled in defending both individuals and internationally recognized businesses in a wide range of general liability cases. Her experience includes handling complex matters involving premises liability, medical malpractice, and automobile accidents. Known for her keen attention to detail, Ms. Smith has secured favorable outcomes for her clients, including the dismissal of high-exposure claims and efficient resolutions in complex litigation.
Ms. Smith earned her undergraduate degrees in Political Science and English from the University of North Florida and her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. She graduated in the top 20% of her class and was a distinguished member of the law school’s Trial Team, serving as Vice-President in her third year. She also participated in the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Society and was a pupil with the Chester Bedell Inn of Court. Ms. Smith earned multiple book awards in key legal subjects, including Contracts, Torts, Property, and Professional Responsibility.
Outside of her legal work, Ms. Smith enjoys spending time with her family and two daughters, Autumn and Selena. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming in the Suwannee River, and exploring the outdoors with her family.
Admissions
- The Florida Bar, 2014
- The Jacksonville Bar Association
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida
Education
- University of Florida, Levin College of Law, J.D. (cum laude)
- University of North Florida
- B.A.- English
- B.A.- Political Science
PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE A SIMILAR OUTCOME
- Represented owner of ocean front mansion in recovery of 400,000 of damages due to construction defects in stucco, balconies and windows.
- Represented demolition contractor and surety in payment bond claim on large public utility demolition project
- Represent contractor in renovation of hurricane damaged apartment complex and prosecution 800,000 construction lien for owner’s failure to pay for work.
- Represent hotel contractor in dispute with subcontractor who abandoned project and prosecute claims for completion of scope of work.
- Represented civil engineer in defense of professional negligence claims for civil engineering design and storm water maintenance.
- Assisted in the representation of a homeowner in a construction defect lawsuit.
- Assisted in the representation of material suppliers in their day-to-day business and claims of lien.
- Represented minority owner of local business in improper merger and minority shareholder oppression claims.
- Successfully collected the full judgment from a judgment debtor by locating and levying on land owned by the debtor.
- Assisted in the representation of an elderly homeowner in the overturning of a fraudulently induced quitclaim deed and civil theft of her possessions inside of her home.
- Represented numerous insurance companies in defense of bodily injury claims.
- Represented the purchaser of a boat in his breach of warranty claim against the seller.
- Represent condominium association in defense of claim of negligent maintenance
- Assisted in the representation of homeowners in their claims of illegal business practices against their association.
- Assisted in the drafting of by-laws for homeowner associations.
- Assisted in the representation of homeowners in a lawsuit against their association for an unlawful special assessment.
- Successfully defended and ultimately secured a positive settlement of medical professional in matter involving injury to mother during birth
- Successfully defended medical professional in matters involving injuries to residents of nursing homes. Successfully argued several dispositive motions that led to dismissal of actions
- Successfully argued summary judgment in defense of national business relating to allegations of defamation and false imprisonment. Secured fully dismissal of action for client
- Successfully argued summary judgment in favor of business alleged to have caused injury to invitee. Plaintiff sought damages in excess of two million dollars.
Professional, Trade & Philanthropic Affiliations
- The Jacksonville Bar Association
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- Women’s Council
- Hubbard House Board of Directors
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