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Erik D Smithweiss, International Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on International and Litigation

Practicing international in Los Angeles since 1992.

34+
Years practicing
6
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Erik D Smithweiss is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on International and Litigation. Erik has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Grunfeld Desiderio Lebowitz Silverman And Klestadt Llp.

Based in
Los Angeles, CA
Experience
over 34 years
Known for
International · Litigation
  • Handles International and Litigation matters from Los Angeles, CA.
  • Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Erik D Smithweiss: Erik D Smithweiss is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on International and Litigation. Erik has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Grunfeld Desiderio Lebowitz Silverman And Klestadt Llp.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Erik takes on

Erik concentrates on international and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Erik handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

International cases in Los Angeles, California

Erik takes international matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Erik agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California

Erik takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Erik agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Erik D Smithweiss — international lawyer in Los Angeles

Erik D Smithweiss is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on International and Litigation. Erik has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Grunfeld Desiderio Lebowitz Silverman And Klestadt Llp.

Erik D Smithweiss is a lawyer practicing customs law and litigation, international trade regulation, international law. Erik received a B.A. degree from Hamilton College in 1987, and has been licensed for 34 years. Erik practices at Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

How Erik handles international matters

Erik D Smithweiss is a lawyer practicing customs law and litigation, international trade regulation, international law. Erik received a B.A. degree from Hamilton College in 1987, and has been licensed for 34 years. Erik practices at Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP in Los Angeles, CA.

Who Erik represents

Erik reviews new inquiries case-by-case for international and litigation matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Rutgers University

    J.D. · 1992

  • Hamilton College

    B.A. · 1987

Jurisdictions

Erik's state bar admissions

  • California

    2008 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1996 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    1995 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Court of Intern

    1993 · ACTIVE

  • New Jersey

    1992 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1992 · ACTIVE

Erik studied at J.D. in Rutgers University and B.A. in Hamilton College.

Law school and academic background

Erik completed J.D. in Rutgers University and B.A. in Hamilton College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Erik runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Erik's professional memberships and bar associations

  • State Bar of California American Bar Association (Section on International Law) Customs and International Trade Bar Association

    membership

Locations

Erik D Smithweiss's office in Los Angeles

Erik's primary office is at 707 Wilshire Boulevard, 41st Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Grunfeld Desiderio Lebowitz Silverman And Klestadt Llp

707 Wilshire Boulevard, 41st Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90017

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Erik D Smithweiss

Erik has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Erik D Smithweiss — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new international attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Erik usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Erik charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Erik's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Erik will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a international attorney in Los Angeles, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many international matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Erik

Erik discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in international practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every international matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Erik confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Erik's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many international practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Erik D Smithweiss

  • How much does it cost to hire Erik for a international case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Erik walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Erik offer a free consultation?

    Erik charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Erik's office. Some international attorneys offer free consults — check Erik's current terms during booking.

  • How long do international cases in California typically take?

    Simple international matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Erik gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Erik take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?

    Erik is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Erik will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Erik?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Erik will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Erik accepting new international clients right now?

    Erik's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

International attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California

Erik handles international matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified international attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Erik's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these international attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.