Judi Smith
The Law Office of Judi Smith
1155 S. Washington Street
Suite 100
Naperville, IL 60540
Map
Phone: (630) 506-5548
http://www.judismithlaw.com
Aurora Trademark, Copyright and Tax Attorney
Legal Topic
Intellectual Property (IP)
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with innovative or creative individuals and businesses that are on a mission to make the world a better place. For people who want to change the world by leveraging their ideas, I can help.
Sub-Topics
Arts and Entertainment
- Film
- Internet
- Literary Arts
- Media Arts
- Publishing
Copyright
International Intellectual Property (IP)
Technology Licensing
Trade Dress
Trade Secrets
Trademark
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
Businesses and individuals who need help leveraging their ideas without compromising their ideals. Wither it is acquiring a new business, selling an existing business, navigating a sticky tax issue, dealing with the IRS, understanding sales tax, dealing with complex technology contracts or anything else that moves you closer to your goal, I can help.
Sub-Topics
Antitrust & Trade Regulation
- Antitrust Law
- Deceptive Trade Practices
- False Advertising
- International Antitrust
- Unfair Competition
Business Entity Formation
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Directors' & Officers' Liability
- Franchising
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Professional Corporations
- Shareholders' Rights
- Trade Associations
Business Litigation
Business Tax
- Audit Defense
- Corporate Income Taxes
- Excise Taxes
- International Taxes
- IRS Disputes
- Negotiating Payments & Settlements
- Payroll Taxes
- Property Taxes (Ad Valorem Taxes)
- Sales Taxes
- Tax Filing & Compliance
Collections
- Creditor's Rights
- Garnishees
Commercial Law
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- Franchises
- International Transactions
- Non-Compete Contracts
- Secured Transactions
- Uniform Commercial Code
- Warranties
Entertainment Law
- Art
- Communication & Media
- Film
- Gaming
- Internet
- Literary Arts
- Music
- Publishing
- Sports
- Television
- Tourism, Travel, & Leisure
International Law
- Business & Trade
- Customs
- International Taxation
- Trade Regulation
Internet (Cyberspace)
- Computer Crimes
- Computer Law
- Digital Signatures
- Domain Names
- Electronic Commerce
- Identity Theft
- Spam
Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Bar Admissions
IL, Mar 1995
Bar Number: 6226552
Other Court Admissions
US Tax Court, Northern District of Illinois
Association Memberships
DuPage County Bar Association
Continuing Education
I am an avid life-long learner. I am currently enrolled in the LLM in Taxation program at John Marshall Law School in Chicago. I also take a variety of intellectual property courses at John Marshall as well. Additionally, I regularly attend continuing legal education courses in a wide variety of topics that are relevant to my clients' needs.
Example Cases
• Protest of trademark registration for potentially infringing trademark.
• Represented an author in a book publishing contract.
• Defending an IRS National Research Project employment tax audit.
• Defending a State of California sales tax audit.
• Provided guidance on self-employment taxes for angel investment limited partnership.
• Acquisition of all of the assets of an ongoing business.
Education
Northern Illinois University
Doctor of Jurisprudence
DeKalb
IL
1994
Northern Illinois University
Master of Business Administration
DeKalb
IL
2007
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
The Law Office of Judi Smith focuses on helping innovative individuals, businesses and non-profits that are seeking to make a difference in their world through leveraging their ideas without compromising their ideals. With my business and non-profit background I understand what it takes to provide legal services in the context of your mission.
The Law Office of Judi Smith was founded in 1996. However, in 2001, I took an internal position with a major non-profit where I served for eleven years in a variety of operational management and legal positions. In 2011, I elected to again open my firm. I am proud to say that my former employer is a current client.
Previous Employment Summary
While an employee in the non-profit sector, I served in the capacities of General Counsel, Director of IT and Director of Strategic Services. In addition to legal responsibilities, I was also responsible for the strategic direction of Information Technology and, in close conjunction with the CFO, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the organization.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I enjoy working with clients who have educated themselves on the issues and potential solutions. My overall practice approach is to educate clients and provide them with a resource to help them achieve their goals.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents prepared by clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am more than happy to coach clients to represent themselves. As a professional responsibility, I am equally willing to suggest to clients when self-representation in a complicated area, such as an IRS audit, may not be in their best interest.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I love to learn new things and I love to solve problems. When looking at the various fields, I noted that as a lawyer I would always be learning about new businesses and new problems as I learned about my clients’ issues. As it has turned out, I have not been disappointed. The practice of law and helping my clients solve their problems is everything that I hoped it would be.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I am a better lawyer because I have spent time as a senior mid-level manager in non-profit business. I understand first-hand the issues that businesses and non-profits are dealing with day-to-day. Because of my experience, I am able to quickly get up to speed with my clients and my approach to legal problems is very practical.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I am personally very mission driven. As a result, I love to help others who are trying to make their world a better place - whether that is through business or mission.
What do you like best about your career?
The things that I like best about being a lawyer are getting to know a wide variety of people and businesses and helping to solve the wide variety of problems that are presented.
Tell us about your law firm:
Currently I am a solo practitioner with a growing practice.
What are your strengths and style?
My biggest strengths are that I am very curious and intelligent. I love designing elegant and efficient solutions to challenging problems. In style, I am direct and forthright in my dealings.
Personal Interests:
I like the creative arts. Some say that I am a passable photographer. I play the bass trombone and guitar. I am trying to learn to play the piano with some skill. I have won two bronze Telly Awards for video that I have edited.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Other hours by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I will try to work with clients to determine a flat rate for a given matter. Flat rates work for some projects but not for others.
Hourly Rates
$200.
Free Initial Consultation?
I am happy to discuss possible approaches to a problem without charge.
Typical Retainer
No.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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