Peter A. Smit
Counsel
Education
Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1977
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.A., English, cum laude, 1974
Bar Admissions
Michigan
Court Admissions
All Michigan state courts
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
United States Supreme Court
Litigation and ADR Attorney
Peter is a partner at the Varnum law firm, having begun his practice in 1977. Peter has been a trial attorney for over 45 years, and has gained membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates, having certified a minimum of 20 trials taken to jury verdict. Peter represents clients in a variety of personal injury and commercial matters, including wrongful death and auto and trucking litigation. His practice also includes a significant focus on business litigation, including labor, environmental, and product liability matters.
Additionally, Peter is certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution for practice in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan and in Michigan circuit courts. Peter is included on the mediation and arbitration panels of counties throughout Michigan. He has received mediator training, including advanced training through the University of Windsor, as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan in general civil mediation technique and philosophy.
Peter also serves as a member of the State of Michigan Attorney Disciplinary Board, which oversees the conduct of attorneys throughout Michigan.
Honors and Recognitions
Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Litigation – Intellectual Property, 2022
American Board of Trial Advocates, 2020 – present
Benchmark Plaintiffs, leading Plaintiffs star in Michigan, 2012
Best Lawyers in America®, Litigation, Banking and Finance; Intellectual Property; Labor and Employment; since 2013
Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Personal Injury, 2019
Leading Lawyers, Commercial Litigation
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated
Professional Affiliations
American Board of Trial Advocates, Associate
State of Michigan Attorney Disciplinary Board, Member
Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, Lifetime Member
State Bar of Michigan, Litigation Section
Business Counsel, Inc. Board of Directors