Douglas J. Smillie

I have been a practicing lawyer for over 40 years. My experience includes many aspects of business and commercial litigation, as well as bankruptcy law. Over the years, I have represented financial institutions in various collection and UCC-related matters, as well as creditors' rights and lender liability defense. I also represent businesses (and their owners) in all kinds of commercial disputes, including breach of contract, theft of trade secrets, unfair competition and "business divorce." I have also gained experience in the field of collection of workers' compensation insurance premium. I endeavor to focus not only on knowing and understanding the law, but also on the legal system and how the law and the court system impact my clients and their businesses. I always try to be practical and focused, while advocating for optimal results in trial, arbitration, mediation, settlement negotiations or when working with other attorneys. As a result of a variety of experiences in a number of settings, I have had the opportunity to litigate business torts, trade secrets, contract disputes, partnership and business break-ups, and employment issues, in addition to a full range of bankruptcy matters for both creditors and business debtors. I have handled a number of Chapter 11 reorganizations, and have represented secured and unsecured creditors in Chapter 11, 7 and 13 cases. I have also had the privilege to have handled First Amendment cases and other litigation on behalf of media clients. I have tried cases in the State and Federal Courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and have argued appeals in the Superior, Commonwealth and Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.