Overview
Connor Smith helps clients navigate all phases of the litigation process in state and federal court and before administrative agencies.
A fourth-generation Alaskan, Connor worked in the commercial fishing industry—first as a deckhand and then as a vessel owner and captain—before becoming an attorney. Connor utilizes this experience to assist participants in the commercial fishing industry in navigating a wide variety of matters, including Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act litigation, regulatory and tax issues, and others.
Prior to joining Stoel Rives, Connor served as a law clerk for the Honorable Craig Stowers of the Alaska Supreme Court and as a judicial extern to the Honorable Morgan Christen of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Education
Seattle University School of Law, J.D., 2018, summa cum laude; graduated number 1 in class; Executive Editor, American Indian Law Journal; Dean’s List
California Polytechnic State University, B.A., Political Science, 2013; Dean’s List
Admissions
Alaska
United States District Court for the District of Alaska
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Experience
- Obtained favorable jury verdict as lead counsel for commercial fishing company plaintiff on breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unfair trade practices act claims.
- Served as counsel for fisheries trade association and prevailed in Magnuson-Stevens Act litigation against the National Marine Fisheries Service.
- Represented Alaska Native regional corporations and their subsidiaries in commercial, environmental, and personal injury litigation.
- Represented major oil companies in production tax and property tax disputes.
- Represented major oil companies in commercial disputes and in litigation with the State of Alaska.
- Represented prominent seafood processing company in tax dispute with the State of Alaska.
- Served as outside general counsel to major Alaska seafood trade association.
- Represented beneficiaries and trustees in fiduciary litigation regarding trusts and estates.
- Obtained favorable judgment on behalf of mining company in quiet title action.
- Represented prominent maritime company in collections action — obtaining and collecting judgment.
- Represented Alaska Legislature in litigation with Alaska’s Attorney General and obtained favorable result that was affirmed by the Alaska Supreme Court.
Recognition
- Listed in the Alaska Business Legal Elite, 2023–2024
- Stoel Rives LLP Andrew Guy Pro Bono Award, Recipient, 2021–2022
- Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Volunteer of the Month
- Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), Volunteer of the Month
- National Jurist Top 20 Law Students in the Nation for 2018
- CALI Awards for Legal Writing, Business Entities, Alaska Trial Advocacy, Civil Procedure, Judicial Externship, and Criminal Law
- Law School Faculty Trust Award
- Mary Ellen Krug Award
- Fredric C. Tausend Award for Academic Excellence
Affiliations
Civic
- Anchorage Youth Court, Member (former Co-Secretary & current Co-Chair), Board of Directors, 2021–2024
- ANDVSA Pro Bono Attorney
- Alaska Legal Services Corporation, Pro Bono Attorney
- Alaska Immigration Justice Project, Pro Bono Attorney
- Federal Pro Bono Project, Pro Bono Attorney
- Alaska Small Business Legal Clinic, Volunteer Attorney
- ALSC Landlord Tenant Hotline, Volunteer Attorney
- Highschool Mock Trial, Volunteer Coach
- Supreme Court LIVE Education program