Milton “Skip” Smith, Aviation Attorney in Denver, Colorado
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Aviation, Entertainment, and General · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
ShareholderatGreenberg Traurig, LLP
Denver, CO
Practicing aviation in Denver since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Milton “Skip” Smith?
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Quick answer
Milton “Skip” Smith is a shareholder based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Aviation, Entertainment, and General. Milton has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Denver, CO
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Aviation · Entertainment · General
- Handles Aviation, Entertainment, and General matters from Denver, CO.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Milton “Skip” Smith: Milton “Skip” Smith is a shareholder based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Aviation, Entertainment, and General. Milton has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Milton takes on
Milton concentrates on aviation, entertainment, general, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Milton handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Aviation
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Entertainment
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General
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Government
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Litigation
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Securities
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Aviation cases in Denver, Colorado
Milton takes aviation matters in Denver, Colorado. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Milton agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Denver, Colorado
Milton takes entertainment matters in Denver, Colorado. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Milton agrees to represent you.
General cases in Denver, Colorado
Milton takes general matters in Denver, Colorado. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Milton agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Denver, Colorado
Milton takes government matters in Denver, Colorado. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Milton agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Denver, Colorado
Milton takes litigation matters in Denver, Colorado. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Milton agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Milton “Skip” Smith — aviation lawyer in Denver
Milton “Skip” Smith is a shareholder based in Denver, CO. The practice focuses on Aviation, Entertainment, and General. Milton has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
An Air Force Academy graduate with a doctorate in Space Law, Milton “Skip” Smith, Chair of the Space and Satellite Industry Group, has more than 40 years of experience advising clients on risk management and other issues related to the aerospace industry. Skip handles complex transactional matters and disputes, nationally and internationally. His combination of skills and experience, coupled with an in-depth understanding of legal and regulatory systems, makes him a sought-after advisor in the aerospace industry. He serves a broad spectrum of clients, including large corporations, startups, manufacturers, and launch service providers. During his Air Force tenure, he held significant roles such as Director of Space Law at Space Command and Chief of Space Law for the Air Force.
Skip assists both national and international clients in navigating legal issues from the planning and operation of space assets to launch and on-orbit services, space insurance, and government contract and regulatory matters. He has negotiated and litigated disputes amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. He negotiates and drafts satellite design, manufacture, sale and launch agreements as well as on-orbit servicing agreements including: hosted payload, life extension, refueling and debris removal. He also supports deal teams in evaluation of contracts and other key documents.
Known for his involvement in pioneering legal projects, Skip represented a private astronaut on the April 2022 Axiom AX-1 mission, the first entirely private mission to the International Space Station. His work included negotiating the contract with Axiom, coordinating with NASA and SpaceX, and negotiating a deal for the first NFT to be minted on the space station. Additionally, he represented a major aerospace firm in an insurance recovery lawsuit against 28 insurers related to a launch failure, involving unique aspects of the Commercial Space Launch Act.
His deep experience in alternative dispute resolution led to his selection as one of 26 members of the American Arbitration Association's Aerospace, Aviation, and National Security Panel.
Early in his space law career, Skip was the legal advisor for the 50-member U.S. Delegation at the ITU Conference on the Geostationary Satellite Orbit in Geneva. He was involved in establishing and has formerly chaired the Colorado Space Business Roundtable. He served on the board of the International Institute of Space Law for many years and has taught space law as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School, the George Washington University Law School, and the University of Denver Law School.
Recognized as an industry leader, Skip has received multiple accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Institute of Space Law. In 2022, he was elected an Honorary Director of the Institute for life. He also wrote the U.S. chapter for the first edition of the “Space Law Review” published by The Law Reviews.
From 2021 tothe present, Skip has been chosen by his peers as one of the top lawyers in the U.S. in the Space & Satellite Law section of Who’s Who Legal, now Lexology. He has authored numerous space-related articles and a book on international satellite communication, and he frequently speaks at national and international events on commercial space law topics.
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Recognized in Lexology as one of eight Thought Leaders in Space and Satellites in the United States
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Government> Government Contracts, 2025
•Selected, Who’s Who Legal, “Space & Satellite Law,” 2021-2025
•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Space, 2025
•Team Member, Chambers USA Guide, Space, 2025
•International Institute of Space Law
•Recipient, “Lifetime Achievement Award,” 2016, the Institute’s highest honor
•Named, “Honorary Director for Life,” 2023
•National Finalist, White House Fellowships Program, 1989
•Selected, United States Air Force, “Outstanding Career Armed Services Attorney,” 1990
•Selected, United States Air Force Academy “The Outstanding Cadet in Law,” 1973
How Milton handles aviation matters
An Air Force Academy graduate with a doctorate in Space Law, Milton “Skip” Smith, Chair of the Space and Satellite Industry Group, has more than 40 years of experience advising clients on risk management and other issues related to the aerospace industry. Skip handles complex transactional matters and disputes, nationally and internationally. His combination of skills and experience, coupled with…
Who Milton represents
Milton reviews new inquiries case-by-case for aviation, entertainment, and general matters in Denver and the surrounding Colorado area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
McGill University, Institute of Air and Space Law D.C.L. McGill University, Institute of Air and Space Law LL.M. The George Washington University Law School J.D.
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Jurisdictions
Milton's state bar admissions
Colorado
1993 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1980 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1976 · ACTIVE
Milton studied at — in McGill University, Institute of Air and Space Law D.C.L. McGill University, Institute of Air and Space Law LL.M. The George Washington University Law School J.D..
Law school and academic background
Milton completed — in McGill University, Institute of Air and Space Law D.C.L. McGill University, Institute of Air and Space Law LL.M. The George Washington University Law School J.D.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Milton runs in Colorado is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Milton has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Milton “Skip” Smith's office in Denver
Milton's primary office is at The Tabor Center, 1200 17th Street, Suite 2400, Denver, CO, 80202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
The Tabor Center, 1200 17th Street, Suite 2400
Denver, CO 80202
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Milton “Skip” Smith — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Milton. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing aviation attorneys in Denver.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Milton “Skip” Smith claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Milton “Skip” Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new aviation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Milton usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Milton charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Milton'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; Milton will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a aviation attorney in Denver, Colorado
A short list to run through before you commit: How many aviation 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 Milton
Milton discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in aviation practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every aviation 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. Milton confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Milton's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many aviation practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Milton “Skip” Smith
How much does it cost to hire Milton for a aviation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Milton walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Milton offer a free consultation?
Milton charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Milton's office. Some aviation attorneys offer free consults — check Milton's current terms during booking.
How long do aviation cases in Colorado typically take?
Simple aviation 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. Milton gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Milton take my case if I'm outside Denver?
Milton is licensed in Colorado. Matters governed by Colorado law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Milton 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 Milton?
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. Milton will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Milton accepting new aviation clients right now?
Milton's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Aviation attorneys serving Denver, Colorado Springs and Boulder in Colorado
Milton handles aviation matters throughout Colorado. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified aviation attorneys in that community.
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