RM

Robert Macdonald Smith, ADR Attorney in San Francisco, California

Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Entertainment, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatLaw Offices of Robert M. Smith

San Francisco, CA

Practicing adr in San Francisco since 1973.

53+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
5
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Robert Macdonald Smith is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Entertainment, and General. Robert has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Robert M. Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
San Francisco, CA
Experience
over 53 years
Known for
ADR · Entertainment · General
  • Handles ADR, Entertainment, and General matters from San Francisco, CA.
  • Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Robert Macdonald Smith: Robert Macdonald Smith is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Entertainment, and General. Robert has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Robert M. Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Robert's practice areas in San Francisco

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

ADR cases in San Francisco, California

Robert takes adr matters in San Francisco, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Entertainment cases in San Francisco, California

Robert takes entertainment matters in San Francisco, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

General cases in San Francisco, California

Robert takes general matters in San Francisco, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

International cases in San Francisco, California

Robert takes international matters in San Francisco, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in San Francisco, California

Robert takes litigation matters in San Francisco, 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 Robert agrees to represent you.

Biography

Robert Macdonald Smith, adr attorney serving San Francisco

Robert Macdonald Smith is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Entertainment, and General. Robert has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Robert M. Smith. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Robert works from San Francisco, California and takes on adr matters across the region.

Robert Macdonald Smith is a lawyer practicing arbitration, mediation, international dispute resolution and 3 other areas of law. Robert received a degree from Centro de Estudios de Español, Barcelona, Spain in 1963, and has been licensed for 53 years. Robert practices at Law Offices of Robert M. Smith in San Francisco, CA.

How Robert handles adr matters

Robert Macdonald Smith is a lawyer practicing arbitration, mediation, international dispute resolution and 3 other areas of law. Robert received a degree from Centro de Estudios de Español, Barcelona, Spain in 1963, and has been licensed for 53 years. Robert practices at Law Offices of Robert M. Smith in San Francisco, CA.

The kind of cases Robert takes

Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, entertainment, and general matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Robert studied and practices

  • Yale Law School

    J.D. · 1975

  • Centro de Estudios de Español, Barcelona, Spain

    Diploma Columbia · 1963

Jurisdictions

Robert's state bar admissions

  • New York

    1985 · ACTIVE

  • District of Columbia

    1983 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    1980 · ACTIVE

  • California

    1976 · ACTIVE

  • Iowa

    1973 · ACTIVE

Robert studied at J.D. in Yale Law School and Diploma Columbia in Centro de Estudios de Español, Barcelona, Spain.

Law school and academic background

Robert completed J.D. in Yale Law School and Diploma Columbia in Centro de Estudios de Español, Barcelona, Spain. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Robert's legal honors and published work

Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Robert's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Bar Association of San Francisco State Bar of California

    Member, Public Affairs Committee, 1982-1985) American (Associate Editor, Litigation, Journal of Litigation Section, 1978-1981 Member, Corporate Counsel Committee, 1986—) and International Bar Associations American Arbitration Association (Member, National · membership

  • The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London (Member, Mediation Panel)

    bar_fellowship

  • International Academy of Mediators

    bar_fellowship

  • American College of Civil Trial Mediators

    bar_fellowship

Locations

Robert Macdonald Smith's office in San Francisco

Robert's primary office is at 127 Lawton St., San Francisco, CA, 94122-3719. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Robert M. Smith

127 Lawton St.

San Francisco, CA 94122-3719

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Robert Macdonald Smith — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Robert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in San Francisco.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert Macdonald Smith claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Robert Macdonald Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adr attorney in San Francisco, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 Robert

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Robert Macdonald Smith

  • How much does it cost to hire Robert for a adr case?

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

  • Does Robert offer a free consultation?

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

  • How long do adr cases in California typically take?

    Simple adr 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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Robert take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?

    Robert 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 — Robert 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 Robert?

    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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Robert accepting new adr clients right now?

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

Areas served

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

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

More counsel

If Robert's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.