Overview

Smith LaCien LLP: A Proven Track Record of Success

Todd A. Smith and Brian LaCien, with over 60 years of combined experience as trial lawyers, are the founders and partners in Smith LaCien LLP, a Chicago-based personal injury law firm concentrating in catastrophic injury, wrongful death and medical malpractice cases.

Smith and LaCien have a lengthy track record of achieving exceptional results for clients, with more than $2 billion in verdicts and settlements and some 100 cases with results of at least $1 million. “We have a level of experience and results that very few law firms have attained,” said Smith. “From medical negligence to financial fraud cases as well as aviation and trucking collision cases, we have done it all. We are proud of our efforts on behalf of clients to help them receive redress for the harm they have suffered.”

LaCien added: “We work with clients every day who are facing the toughest time in their life. Their resiliency and ability to move forward is an inspiration, and it’s rewarding to know we can help injury victims achieve the justice they deserve.”

A trial lawyer throughout his career, Smith received his law degree from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law and became an assistant public defender in the Felony Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. He left to join Philip H. Corboy & Associates, and in1993, he joined Joseph A. Power, Jr. and Larry R. Rogers, Sr. as a founding partner in the Chicago law firm of Power Rogers & Smith, P.C.

Smith is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only organization limited to 100 top trial lawyers nationwide. He is also a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers. He has been elected to leadership positions in numerous bar and bar-related associations. Among his numerous awards, he was named by Illinois SuperLawyers 2020 as one of the top three personal injury lawyers and by Best Lawyers in America as “Mass Tort Lawyer of the Year."

Previously a trial lawyer at Power Rogers & Smith, LaCien began his career as an assistant legal counsel to the Illinois House of Representatives. He currently serves as chair of the Tort Law Section of the Illinois State Bar Association and until recently, chaired the Aviation Section of the American Association for Justice.

LaCien received a J.D., magna cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif. He was recognized by Illinois SuperLawyers as a “Rising Star” and then as a “SuperLawyer” every year since 2011. Recognized by Leading Lawyers annually since 2014, he has been included on its list as a Top Ten Emerging Lawyer.

Smith LaCien LLP is located at 70 W Madison, Ste. 2550, Chicago, IL 60602, website: www.smithlacien.com, phone (312) 509-8900, email: info@smithlacien.com.

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Practice Areas:
5
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
4

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs

Regional

Chicago

Tier
1
Chicago
Aviation Law
Tier
1
Chicago
Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Tier
1
Chicago
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Tier
1
Chicago
Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
Tier
2
Chicago
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs

Rankings

National

Tier
2
National Ranking
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs

Regional

Chicago

Tier
1
Chicago
Aviation Law
Tier
1
Chicago
Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
Tier
1
Chicago
Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Tier
1
Chicago
Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs
Tier
2
Chicago
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs

Practice Areas

Smith LaCien LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 5 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Aviation Law
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs
  • Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Smith LaCien LLP proudly has 4 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Offices & Contacts

Chicago, IL
Three First National Plaza, Suite 2250
70 West Madison Street
Chicago, IL 60602
United States
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