John H. Smith
Gainesville native John H. Smith is an experienced attorney who concentrates his practice in land/ real estate transactions, zoning, eminent domain, wills, trusts and estates, probate, land litigation and bodily injury.

Mr. Smith served in the US Army from 1963-1965 as an infantry officer, as a company commander and then as a legal officer/JAG. After discharge, Mr. Smith returned to Gainesville and re-entered private practice with his father, R. Wilson Smith, where his practice revolved around banking law, real estate transactions and commercial matters.

Mr. Smith was appointed City Attorney of the City of Gainesville and represented the city for more than a decade. He has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge, handling federal court proceedings at pretrial and trial levels. Mr. Smith also is certified neutral for mediation and is registered with the Ninth Judicial Administrative District of Dispute Resolution. He is a former Trustee of the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Foundation and the First United Methodist Church, and past president of the Chattahoochee Country Club.

Firm History:
Joined firm in 1961

Education:
AB from University of Georgia, 1960
JD UGA School of Law, 1962

Professional Admissions:
State of Georgia, US Federal Court, US Supreme Court, US Tax Court, US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, US District Court of Northern District of Georgia, US Court of Appeals - 5th Circuit, 11th Circuit

Professional Organizations:
American Bar Association
State Bar of Georgia
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Association of Defense Trial Attorneys International
Association of Insurance Counsel
Gainesville-Northeastern Bar Association

Civic Involvement:
Wachovia Bank of Georgia
- Advisory Board of Directors
Northeast Georgia Medical Center Foundation
- former Trustee
Chattahoochee Country Club
- past president
Gainesville Kiwanis Club
First United Methodist Church of Gainesville
- former Trustee