Pauline V. Smetka
phone (206) 689-2119
psmetka@helsell.com

AREAS OF PRACTICE
• Construction Defects
• Personal Injury Defense
• Products Liability and Other Personal Injury
• Trials and Appeals

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Ms. Smetka has a general trial practice with an emphasis on construction defect litigation, and personal injury and property damage claims. In more than 24 years in practice, she has tried to a verdict more than 30 cases involving damage claims ranging from a few thousand dollars to a few million dollars, representing individuals, and small and large businesses. In addition, she has resolved hundreds of cases through pre-trial motions, arbitrations and mediations.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
King County Bar Association
Washington Defense Trial Lawyers
Defense Research Institute
Phi Beta Kappa

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Co-Founder and former President,
Seattle Infant Development Center

PRESENTATIONS
Chair, Washington Defense Trial Lawyers
Section on Construction, 2005
Co-Chair, Washington Defense Trial Lawyers
2005 Annual Update on Construction Law

PUBLICATIONS
Disposition of Options, Retirement and Other Future Benefits, Complex Property Division, Washington State
Bar Association Seminar Handbook 338 (July 1993).

EDUCATION
University of Washington (J.D. 1980)
University of Washington (B.A. 1972)

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE
Ms. Smetka was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1980. She is also admitted to the U. S. Supreme Court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and United States District Court for Western District of Washington.

PERSONAL
Ms. Smetka enjoys gardening, travel, sewing and reading.

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