Joel Mccabe Smith, Copyright Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Copyright, Entertainment, and General · 4.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Of CounselatLeopold Petrich And Smith A Professional Corporation
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing copyright in Los Angeles since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 4.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Joel Mccabe Smith?
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Quick answer
Joel Mccabe Smith is an of counsel based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Copyright, Entertainment, and General. Joel has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Leopold Petrich And Smith A Professional Corporation. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Copyright · Entertainment · General
- Handles Copyright, Entertainment, and General matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joel Mccabe Smith: Joel Mccabe Smith is an of counsel based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Copyright, Entertainment, and General. Joel has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Leopold Petrich And Smith A Professional Corporation. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Joel Mccabe Smith
Joel concentrates on copyright, entertainment, general, insurance, and trademark. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Copyright
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Entertainment
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General
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Insurance
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Trademark
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Copyright cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes copyright 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
General cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes general 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel takes insurance 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Trademark cases in Los Angeles, California
Joel 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Joel Mccabe Smith — Over 54 years of California copyright experience
Joel Mccabe Smith is an of counsel based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Copyright, Entertainment, and General. Joel has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Leopold Petrich And Smith A Professional Corporation. Rated 4.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Joel Mccabe Smith is a lawyer practicing entertainment, copyright and trademark, libel and slander and 3 other areas of law. Joel received a degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years. Joel practices at Leopold, Petrich & Smith A Professional Corporation in Los Angeles, CA.
Working with Joel on a copyright matter
Joel Mccabe Smith is a lawyer practicing entertainment, copyright and trademark, libel and slander and 3 other areas of law. Joel received a degree from University of California at Los Angeles in 1968, and has been licensed for 54 years. Joel practices at Leopold, Petrich & Smith A Professional Corporation in Los Angeles, CA.
Who Joel represents
Joel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for copyright, entertainment, and general matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Joel Mccabe Smith's legal education and bar admissions
University of California at Los Angeles
J.D. B.A · 1971
University of California at Los Angeles
B.A · 1968
Jurisdictions
Joel's state bar admissions
California
1972 · ACTIVE
Joel studied at J.D. B.A in University of California at Los Angeles and B.A in University of California at Los Angeles.
Law school and academic background
Joel completed J.D. B.A in University of California at Los Angeles and B.A in University of California at Los Angeles. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joel runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Joel Mccabe Smith
Joel has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Joel's professional memberships and bar associations
The State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Joel Mccabe Smith's office in Los Angeles
Joel's primary office is at 2049 Century Park East, Suite 3110 (Century City), Los Angeles, CA, 90067-3274. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Leopold Petrich And Smith A Professional Corporation
2049 Century Park East, Suite 3110 (Century City)
Los Angeles, CA 90067-3274
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joel Mccabe Smith — 4.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Joel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing copyright attorneys in Los Angeles.
4.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joel Mccabe Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joel Mccabe Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new copyright attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel'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; Joel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a copyright attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many copyright 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 Joel
Joel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in copyright practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every copyright 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. Joel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many copyright practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joel Mccabe Smith
How much does it cost to hire Joel for a copyright case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joel offer a free consultation?
Joel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel's office. Some copyright attorneys offer free consults — check Joel's current terms during booking.
How long do copyright cases in California typically take?
Simple copyright 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. Joel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joel take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
Joel 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 — Joel 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 Joel?
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. Joel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joel accepting new copyright clients right now?
Joel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Copyright attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Joel handles copyright matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified copyright 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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