Michael W. Smith has concentrated his practice in the defense of employers in workers' compensation matters since joining Cipriani & Werner in 1995.  In his practice, he represents insureds, self-insureds, pool members, insurance carriers and third-party administrators.  In addition to representing garden variety employers, Mr. Smith also represents regional manufacturing concerns, local government agencies, trucking/transportation companies, and personnel staffing agencies.

After graduating from law school, Mr. Smith clerked for the Honorable Robert C. Reed, President Judge of the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas.  He then joined the Pittsburgh firm of Reale, Fossee and Ferry, PC where he engaged in general insurance defense litigation.  While there, he gained considerable trial experience trying toxic tort cases in both the state and federal courts in western and central Pennsylvania.

Mr. Smith is a member of the Worker’s Compensation and Civil Litigation sections of both the Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar Associations.  He is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Western and Middle Districts of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.  

Mr. Smith received his undergraduate degree in Economics from Bucknell University in 1980 and his J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1983.

A Pittsburgh native, Mr. Smith and his wife, Jody reside in Oakmont.  They have two adult children.