Mike Smith, Partner
Mike Smith is an attorney with more than 20 years of experience addressing the needs of students, employees, and families across multiple areas of education law.
Mike represents children in cases of sexual and physical abuse, assault, and harassment; advocates for students and employees who have faced discrimination or civil rights violations; and seeks accountability and recovery for physical, psychological, or other harm suffered by
clients in K-12 or higher education settings.
Mike also assists students and employees facing or experiencing discipline at public and private schools, colleges, and universities. His work includes challenging the misclassification of students’ educational needs or capabilities, advising families and schools on contract matters, and handling public records disputes.
In every case, Mike works closely with his clients to develop practical strategies aimed at protecting and securing their rights, wellbeing, and futures — whether through negotiation, advocacy, administrative processes, or litigation. The focus is always on each client’s individual circumstances, needs, and goals, not just from a legal standpoint, but from a real-world perspective as well.
Before joining Cedar Law in 2021, Mike spent 14 years as in-house counsel for a large urban school district. That experience gives him insight into how school districts think, evaluate legal claims, and make decisions — a perspective that benefits his clients.
Mike earned his law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law. Before college, he served in the U.S. Army as a tank driver.
Practice Focus
- Claims for Abuse, Assault, Harassment & Injury of Students
- Student and Educator Civil Rights
- Disciplinary Matters
- Contract, Enrollment & Tuition Issues Between Families and Schools
- Public Records Act