NEW YORK (January 20, 2026) – 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 a particular expertise in disputes and regulatory proceedings relating to commercial relationships and real estate issues.
Pat is especially well known in the out-of-home advertising sector and possesses significant expertise relating to commercial contracts, dispute resolution, and assessment of liabilities and risks for media companies, advertisers, and their partners alike. He is a recognized thought leader 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 led the organization’s litigation, regulatory, and insured matters remit. Pat also served as Chief Compliance Officer and was primarily responsible for advising the board of directors, senior management, and internal and independent auditors on compliance and litigation matters. In addition, Pat supervised the company’s national roster of outside counsel.
Pat began his legal career at Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett before serving as a Judicial Clerk to the Hon. Joseph M. McLaughlin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Thereafter he was a senior associate in Jones Day’s Business and Tort Litigation group and its Issues and Appeals practice. Just prior to joining Barton, Pat was a partner at Duane Morris LLP.
Pat’s joining 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 join an innovative firm that prioritizes the same qualities that I do—a commitment to excellent service, great value, and practical problem solving.”
About Barton LLP
Barton LLP, a mid-sized law firm based in New York with offices in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Richmond, provides services to domestic and international businesses, investment funds, financial service firms, and owners of privately held businesses. The firm and its attorneys are routinely rated as among the leaders in the profession and are often quoted in legal management and practice-specific articles and publications. Visit bartonesq.com for more information.
For media inquiries, Contact Patrick Smith at psmith@bartonesq.com or 212-885-8809, or Roger E. Barton at rbarton@bartonesq.com or 212-885-8816.
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