![J. Holder Smith, Jr.](https://www.youngthagard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/J._Holder_Smith__Jr_AssociateAttorney-removebg-e1706697304395.png)
J. Holder Smith, Jr.
Emory University 1990
University of Georgia 1993- Juris Doctor
Georgia Defense Lawyers Association
Jay Smith, originally from Tennille, Georgia is a partner with the firm. He received his undergraduate degree from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia in 1990 with a B.A. in History. In 1993, Mr. Smith earned his J.D. degree, cum laude from the University of Georgia.
Mr. Smith is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Georgia. His area of concentration is extra-contractual liability for insurers and catastrophic injury litigation.
Mr. Smith has served as lead counsel in over one hundred jury trials, bringing a wealth of experience to the courtroom. Insurance companies have relied on Mr. Smith as their lead counsel to respond effectively to more than 1000 pre-suit policy demands, where liability was evident, and damages surpassed the limits of the policy.
Mr. Smith is a regular speaker on insurance matters. He has spoken on numerous occasions to various national insurance companies, providing advice about claims handling and responding to time limited settlement demands. Additionally, he has spoken at continuing education seminars, speaking on the topics of extra-contractual liability & time limited settlement demands.
He is an active member of the Valdosta Bar Association (Secretary – 2002, President – 2007), Georgia Defense Lawyer’s Association, and Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Smith is married and has one daughter, and he enjoys jogging and enthusiastically cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.