Patrick J Smith

Pat is an experienced trial lawyer and strategist with a practice focused on white collar criminal defense, securities enforcement matters, and financial services sector civil disputes.

He has a strong reputation as an innovative problem solver, a skilled negotiator, and an excellent courtroom advocate. After years running the white collar practice at a large international firm, Pat co-founded Clark Smith Villazor LLP because he believes that a smaller, independent law firm with a clear and targeted mission permits him to better serve his clients.

Pat has worked tirelessly to defend clients in high profile investigations. From investment banks and hedge funds, to individual bankers, traders, lawyers, and corporate officers, clients have looked to Pat to solve their most important legal problems. As a result of defending federal and state investigations across the country, Pat has substantial experience with matters involving allegations of securities fraud, insider trading, market manipulation, accounting fraud, money laundering, sanctions violations, antitrust violations, and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. He has a solid track record of shutting down investigations before charges are ever filed. In recent years, cryptocurrencies have attracted intense regulatory enforcement interest. Since 2018, Pat and the firm have represented clients in the cryptocurrency industry, including the successful representation of Ben Delo, a founder of BitMEX, in federal criminal and CFTC cases.

In addition to defending clients in government investigations, Pat has led numerous internal investigations at public companies and financial services firms, often arising from whistleblower complaints, as well as independent investigations for audit committees. Pat brings a practical approach that combines the need to responsibly investigate the issue for the entity, and mitigate the risk of any government investigation, with an understanding of the impact such investigations have on the organization and its constituents. His familiarity with sophisticated financial products, securities market practices, and accounting principles enable efficient, effective investigations.

Clients also look to Pat to handle important civil disputes. He has handled securities cases, investment fund disputes, and commercial litigation. The combination of top-drawer advocacy skills, subject-matter expertise, and sound judgment has produced strong results for his clients.