Lewis Brisbois issued the following announcement on Feb. 6.
Lewis Brisbois has joined forces with local litigation powerhouse Smith & Glauser to open a new office in Salt Lake City, Utah. The former law firm will add ten new attorneys to Lewis Brisbois’ growing roster, bringing over a century and a half of combined experience in personal and civil litigation to the national firm. Co-Managing Partners Richard K. Glauser and Lowell V. Smith will head up the new office.
“We’re excited to be joining a firm with a national profile and one that is recognized for its high standard of excellence,” said Mr. Glauser
The new group joins Lewis Brisbois’ General Liability practice, but will cover the wide array of practices Smith & Glauser previously handled, including insurance defense, coverage disputes, subrogation issues, construction defects, property & casualty claims, corporate business matters, and products liability cases, among others.
“Smith & Glauser has built a strong reputation in Salt Lake City and across Utah,” said Steven R. Lewis, co-managing partner of Lewis Brisbois’ Los Angeles office and a member of the firm’s management committee. “Their practice and client base closely parallel the core practices and clients that Lewis Brisbois was founded on. This will give us a strong foundation to grow in Utah. From there, we can work towards building a diverse office that mirrors our national identity and full suite of legal services.”
“Smith & Glauser developed into a wonderful firm over the past 22 years,” said Mr. Smith, “but we saw this as a unique opportunity to serve clients nationally, and have access to some of the brightest minds in the legal community to help complement our local legal talent.”
Located in the suburb of Sandy, the new location brings Lewis Brisbois’ total office count up to 49 across 27 states, and represents the firm’s first location in the Beehive State. It is also the firm’s fifth new office since the start of 2019.
Attorney overviews
Lowell V. Smith, Co-Managing Partner
Mr. Smith has over 40 years of experience representing some of the nation’s largest insurance carriers and their insureds on a variety of matters. He was named by his peers to Utah Business Magazine’s Utah Legal Elite list from 2006 to 2012, and has been recognized as a Mountain States Super Lawyer. Mr. Smith was the recipient of 2009 Utah Defense Lawyers Association “Legacy” Award for Defense Lawyer of the Year. A member of the Defense Research Institute and the Utah Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Smith received his Bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Utah.
Richard K. Glauser, Co-Managing Partner
Mr. Glauser has more than 33 years of civil trial work experience focusing on personal injury defense, property and casualty claims, coverage disputes, products liability, construction defects and fires. He has been named by his peers to Utah Business Magazine’s Utah Legal Elite list, and has been recognized as a Mountain States Super Lawyer. A member of the Defense Research Institute and the Utah Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Glauser received his Bachelor’s degree magna cum laude and his law degree from the University of Utah.
Albert W. Gray, Partner
Mr. Gray has over 34 years of experience representing clients in insurance coverage disputes, personal injury suits (both defendants and plaintiffs), and general business litigation matters. He has been named by his peers to Utah Business Magazine’s Utah Legal Elite list. Mr. Gray received his Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, and his law degree from the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
Michael W. Wright, Partner
Mr. Wright focuses his practice on insurance law and insurance defense litigation, and has handled cases involving coverage disputes, automobile accidents, personal injury claims, and construction defects. He was named by his peers to Utah Business Magazine’s Utah Legal Elite list. Mr. Wright received his Bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from the University of Utah, and his law degree from the UCLA School of Law.
Douglas C. Smith, Partner
Mr. Smith represents clients from large, publicly traded corporations to small, private start-up companies and individuals on tax planning and litigation matters. He also represents clients in a variety of business matters, including organizational and governance issues, contracts and other agreements (such as mergers, acquisitions and divestitures), financing and loan issues, employment issues, and general counsel representation. His extensive experience also includes all aspects of insurance defense litigation. A member of the Defense Research Institute and the Utah Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Smith received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah, and his law degree cum laude from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.
Jesse A. Frederick, II, Partner
Mr. Frederick focuses his practice on insurance defense, commercial litigation, medical malpractice and health care law. His background includes education and training in biology, microbiology, and chemistry. Prior to law school, he worked in the health care field, including diagnostic and research laboratories. Mr. Frederick has been named by his peers to Utah Business Magazine’s Utah Legal Elite list. A member of the Defense Research Institute and the Utah Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Frederick received his Bachelor’s degree cum laude from Westminster College, and his law degree cum laude from Gonzaga University School of law. During law school, Mr. Frederick clerked for the Honorable Kathleen M. O'Connor of the Spokane County Superior Court.
Keven S. Gardner, Associate
Mr. Gardner handles matters involving construction defects, personal injury, insurance defense, and subrogation. He is also a mediator with Utah Dispute Resolution, a private nonprofit organization that relies on qualified volunteers to provide mediation services to Utah residents. A member of the Defense Research Institute and the Utah Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Gardner received his Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, and his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.
Richard D. Bissell, Associate
Mr. Bissel concentrates on civil litigation, insurance defense, and construction defect matters. A member of the Defense Research Institute and the Utah Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Bissell previously served in the U.S. Army National Guard as a combat engineer. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, and his law degree from the University of Kentucky.
Clayton H. Rather, Associate
Mr. Rather focuses on insurance defense, civil litigation, and personal injury matters. A member of the Utah Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Rather received his Bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University, and his law degree and M.B.A. from the University of Utah.
David A. Glauser, Associate
Mr. Glauser covers a range of litigation matters, including insurance defense, personal injury, real estate law, and business law. He is also a licensed real estate agent and registered lobbyist. A member of the Defense Research Institute and the Utah Defense Lawyers Association, Mr. Glauser received his Bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Utah, and his law degree from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.
Original source can be found here.