Erik D Smithweiss, International Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on International and Litigation
PartneratGrunfeld Desiderio Lebowitz Silverman And Klestadt Llp
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing international in Los Angeles since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 6
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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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.
Grunfeld Desiderio Lebowitz Silverman And Klestadt Llp
707 Wilshire Boulevard, 41st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017
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Schedule your consultationHiring 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.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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