For more than 20 years, Chris Smart has tried real estate, title insurance, and consumer finance cases on behalf of national title insurance companies, mortgage lenders, and real estate owners, developers, and investors. He has handled high-profile litigation involving title insurance coverage, closing protection letter claims, title agent defalcations, and insurance bad faith claims. He has also tried lender liability, consumer protection, loan servicing, and mortgage foreclosure cases and defended real property developers. Chris’ trials have involved litigation over the sale of real property, the authority to sell real property, a buyer’s status as a bona fide purchaser for value, condominium developments, restrictive covenants, easements, and Florida’s Marketable Record Title Act. Recently, Chris led a team in a two-week jury trial defending against the plaintiffs’ claims for damages and punitive damages based on a negligence cause of action against a title insurer, which resulted in a favorable settlement for the client prior to closing arguments.

 As a complement to his substantial trial experience, Chris also has a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry and title to real property, and serves as an expert witness on Florida’s real estate industry practices and customs. He is the current chair of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar’s Title Insurance and Title Insurance Industry Liaison Committee and the former longtime chair and continuing active member of the Title Issues and Standards Committee. He also works with the section to promote legislation necessary for and helpful to Florida’s real estate industry. 

Chris is the 2023 recipient of the John Arthur Jones Annual Service Award, awarded by the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section for his dedicated and outstanding service to the section. He is also an active member of the Florida Bar’s Civil Rules Committee, a former member of the Code and Rules of Evidence Committee, and a fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers.