J Ryan Smith, Business Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Entertainment, and IP · 3.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratZuber Lawler LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing business in Los Angeles since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 3.6 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you J Ryan Smith?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
J Ryan Smith is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and IP. J has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zuber Lawler LLP. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Business · Entertainment · IP
- Handles Business, Entertainment, and IP matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About J Ryan Smith: J Ryan Smith is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and IP. J has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zuber Lawler LLP. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters J takes on
J concentrates on business, entertainment, ip, patent, and trademark. Each area below outlines the kind of case J handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Entertainment
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IP
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Patent
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Trademark
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Business cases in Los Angeles, California
J takes business 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 J agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Los Angeles, California
J takes entertainment 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 J agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Los Angeles, California
J takes ip 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 J agrees to represent you.
Patent cases in Los Angeles, California
J takes patent 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 J agrees to represent you.
Trademark cases in Los Angeles, California
J takes trademark 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 J agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet J Ryan Smith — business lawyer in Los Angeles
J Ryan Smith is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Entertainment, and IP. J has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Zuber Lawler LLP. Rated 3.6 out of 5 from 1 client review.
J Ryan Smith is a lawyer practicing patent infringement, trademark infringement, intellectual property and 3 other areas of law. J received a degree from Trinity Law School, Santa Ana CA, and has been licensed for 28 years. J practices at Zuber Lawler LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
J's approach to business cases
J Ryan Smith is a lawyer practicing patent infringement, trademark infringement, intellectual property and 3 other areas of law. J received a degree from Trinity Law School, Santa Ana CA, and has been licensed for 28 years. J practices at Zuber Lawler LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
The kind of cases J takes
J reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, entertainment, and ip matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
New York University School of Law
J.D. Columbia · 2003
Trinity Law School, Santa Ana CA University of Washington
B.S. Temple · 2000
Jurisdictions
J's state bar admissions
California registere
2012 · ACTIVE
New York U.S. Distri
2000 · ACTIVE
Florida
1998 · ACTIVE
J studied at J.D. Columbia in New York University School of Law and B.S. Temple in Trinity Law School, Santa Ana CA University of Washington.
Law school and academic background
J completed J.D. Columbia in New York University School of Law and B.S. Temple in Trinity Law School, Santa Ana CA University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice J runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
J has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Affiliations
J's professional memberships and bar associations
The Florida Bar New York State Bar Association
membership
Locations
J Ryan Smith's office in Los Angeles
J's primary office is at 777 S. Figueroa St., 37th Fl., Los Angeles, CA, 90017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of J Ryan Smith — 3.6/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of J. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Los Angeles.
3.6
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once J Ryan Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire J Ryan Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with J usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
J charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain J'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; J will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 J
J discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. J confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
J's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about J Ryan Smith
How much does it cost to hire J for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. J walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does J offer a free consultation?
J charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain J's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check J's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business 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. J gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can J take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
J 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 — J 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 J?
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. J will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is J accepting new business clients right now?
J's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
J handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business 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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