Barton LLP has added another former AmLaw partner to its ranks with the addition of Patrick J. Smith as a partner in its New York office. Pat is an experienced commercial litigator and regulatory attorney who represents clients large and small, with particular expertise in disputes and regulatory proceedings relating to commercial relationships and real estate issues. Pat’s broad-based practice also includes preparation and guidance concerning commercial agreements and general strategic business counseling.
Pat is especially well known in the out-of-home advertising sector and possesses significant experience relating to commercial contracts, dispute resolution and avoidance, and assessment of liabilities and risks for media companies, advertisers, and their partners alike. He is a recognized subject matter expert on laws governing advertising content and the marketing of regulated consumer products.
Pat spent a decade of his legal career as Chief Litigation and Regulatory Counsel for OUTFRONT Media (one of the US’s largest public advertising companies) where he oversaw the organization’s litigation, regulatory, employment, and insured matters remit, and supervised the company’s national roster of outside counsel. Pat also served as Chief Compliance Officer where he was responsible for advising the board of directors, senior management, and internal and independent auditors on compliance and litigation matters.
Prior to practicing law, Pat worked on Capitol Hill as a Legislative and Communications Aide. He began his legal career at Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett and later practiced law at Jones Day. Pat also served as a Judicial Clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Just prior to joining Barton, Pat was a partner in the New York office of Duane Morris LLP. His move marks the fourth former AmLaw partner that Barton has acquired in the past ten months. His move is the latest in a succession of lateral hires since March of 2025, including Ross J. Charap (ArentFox Schiff), Roger S. Kobert (Carlton Fields), and Jeffrey D. Symons (Kirkland & Ellis, Jones Day, and Schulte Roth.)
“Pat is obviously a highly credentialed and experienced litigator,” said Roger E. Barton, Managing Partner of Barton LLP. “But more than that, he understands client service at the very highest level. Having been on the other side of the company-outside counsel relationship, Pat has critical perspective into how complex organizations operate and what they prioritize when seeking outside legal services. Both his technical abilities and his insight make him a strong addition to our litigation practice.”
“I am thrilled to be joining a top-flight group of attorneys at a firm that combines exceptional legal service with the focus and flexibility that clients value,” said Pat. “As someone who spent a decade in-house managing law firm engagements, I appreciate the vital relationship between in-house counsel, business personnel, and outside lawyers. In joining Barton, I wanted to be part of a firm that I knew would provide the same high-quality, business-focused, client-first attention that I myself sought from outside counsel. I’m excited to be part of this innovative firm that prioritizes the same commitment to excellent service, great value, and practical problem solving that I do.”
Pat’s move was publicized by Billboard Insider, the go-to news source for the out-of-home advertising industry. You can read the article here.
Roger E. Barton
Ross J. Charap
Roger S. Kobert
Patrick J. Smith
Jeffrey D. Symons