Smith Joins Son at Towson Law Firm

Former County Executive James T. Smith Jr. is returning to the law — this time at a Towson law firm where his son is a partner.

Smith, who spent 16 years as a Baltimore County Circuit Court judge, is joining the law firm of Smith, Gildea & Schmidt, according to a statement released this afternoon by the firm.

“I have been blessed with many opportunities in the past, but I always wanted to be a part of building a premier law firm. Joining my son and Smith, Gildea & Schmidt will give me that opportunity,” Smith said in the release.

Smith's son, Michael Paul Smith, in November.

David Gildea, a former law clerk to then-Judge James Smith, and Lawrence Schmidt, a former county zoning commissioner, primarily handle development law cases in the county. Michael Paul Smith's practice focuses on medical malpractice, personal injury, and the dissolving of businesses partnerships and a small number of development cases.

James Smith, a Cockeysville resident, has been looking for another career option since leaving county government after eight years as county executive.

He decided against running for state comptroller and a state senate seat. Rumors of possible appointments as part of Gov. Martin O'Malley's second term in office have not come to fruition.

Earlier this year Smith expressed an interest in becoming president of Towson University.

He also dabbled in lobbying efforts of a sort, working this year to for a new roof for a school where his granddaughter is a student.

Smith will serve as counsel, assisting in complex litigation and business matters, administrative law and governmental affairs.

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